The Chrysler Museum in Norfolk was a great place to experience some glass sculpture in a current show called Chihuly in the Garden and to partake in a glass blowing glass with my brother. This is one of the activities on my bucket list.
All of the photos of me doing my glass 'float' were taken on the wrong setting, so this gray version is all we have!
The molten glass tip was dipped in glass crystals. I chose orange and white and created a swirl and dot effect.
You never know the final result until it totally cools about 2-3 days later. So I do not yet know how it came out! My brother has to go pick them up this week at the studio.
These are the vessels of glass dust that we had to choose from:
Here is my brother's 'float' pre-cooling. He chose blue and yellow glass.
Glass blowing 101 involved us blowing in a tube while the experienced artist handled the operation. I was fully prepared to get down and dirty and really had no idea our participation was so minimal. Guess I'll have to take more classes so I can get into it more! Bob has taken about 4 classes and still has to work under an assistant.
It really is addictive and I can't wait to do more. There is so much to learn and no two pieces are ever alike; I love that!
The Chihuly exhibit was very small and just encompassed a small outdoor garden, but any Chihuly is great to see in person!
Have you ever tried glass blowing?
P.S. He just mailed me some photos of our 'floats' so here is an update on my project.
Nancy, I love Chihuly's works of shimmering blown glass so much! His work has evolved over the years as he has branched out ( no pun intended)! What an astonishing treat!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Interior Designer Matthew Patrick Smyth
How much fun and a great learning experience!!
ReplyDeleteNo, and now I'd love to try! Can't wait to see your final product!
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed when I see someone doing this!
ReplyDeleteOMG! So gorgeous, Nancy. I hope you do more.
ReplyDeleteWow, Nancy this is amazing and what a treat to get to see in person - love the floats!!
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