Chihuly

I first learned about Dale Chihuly in college. I was in my Composing class, which studied processes, and normally wasn't that interesting. One day the teacher put on a PBS documentary, Chihuly Over Venice, and I was completely intrigued. Chihuly is famous for being an amazing glass blower, but also controversial for utilizing collaborative efforts to make his complicated projects. After losing the sight in one eye (car accident), he no longer had the depth perception to work with molten hot glass himself. Now he conceptualizes the glass sculptures, and directs his workshop of glass blowers to create the individual pieces and put them together as he sees fit. If you've ever been to Las Vegas you've probably seen some of his work. Chihuly did the ceiling in the Bellagio's lobby. It's pretty amazing.

I was looking on his website a couple of months ago and I saw that he had an installation at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh. I bought tickets right away and couldn't wait. Early Saturday morning Leo and I started the long drive to Pittsburgh. Luckily we were able to borrow a GPS, but of course we still managed to get lost once we got into the city.

The Phipps was enormous, so many rooms filled with beautiful plants. It didn't seem that big from the outside, but it took us over two hours to get through. More amazing sights were around every corner. Chihuly and his team placed the glass right in with the plants, the pieces were supposed to appear almost like they belonged in nature themselves. The pictures don't do it justice. I had to drag myself away from the boat filled with colored glass floats, it was so pretty I just wanted to stay for hours.

After walking through every inch of the conservatory, we made our exit and headed the The Strip. We walked around and checked out a few stores. The fish market was especially cool, Leo was intrigued with the frozen rabbits for sale. You could actually see their little heads and teeth.

Aftwards we started the long drive home. One thing we learned on this trip: We should have spent the night there. 8 hours is too damn long to spend in a car during one day. At least we'll know for next time... think the next day trip will be a little closer though, maybe Philly....