Glass Artwork (A Chihuly Exhibit)

When it comes to glass artwork three names that pop into my head are Murano, Lalique, and Chihuly.  In school I remember working on a group project where we designed a patio filled with glass artwork inspired by some of the greats.  It's always a treat getting to see some of these fine pieces of work in real life.  Today I thought I would share some photos from one of these artists, Dale Chihuly.  Never heard of him?  Perhaps you've been to Vegas and seen some Chihuly art in the Bellagio gardens.

A few years back, shortly after I graduated my husband surprised me with tickets to the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix where they had on display Chihuly art throughout the desert landscape.  I was like a kid in a candy shop with so many pretty colors competing for my attention.  Believe it or not but the landscape was the perfect background.

The organic feel of the smooth flame like glass next to coarseness of the cactus was a sight to behold.  There were some pieces that fit so naturally in the desert.  

Each piece itself had so much texture and depth.  

We went to the gardens just before sun down so the light was reflecting off each piece, making the gardens glitter.  

I think perhaps one of the reasons I felt that the Chihuly art fit so well in this setting was because of the great diversity in plants.  You had tall plants, short stumpy plants, prickly plants, lush green bushes, etc, but overall they were still in the neutral color family, showcasing the individuality of each piece of glass without trying to be competitive.     

Yet it wasn't hard to picture these crystal like pieces naturally flourishing throughout the land.   

Sometimes they were the center of attention, other times they were hidden treasures to be found like this boat.  If I remember correctly this piece was slightly hidden behind some bushes and trees.  Overall it was my favorite piece.  I loved the color, setting, and the innovation of shapes and lines.  I love art, in all forms.    

Architecture in Arizona (Taliesin West)

After graduating from college and moving to the Valley of the Sun I decided I wanted to see some of the architecture in Arizona.  Arizona was new territory to me and I loved getting to see some of the places or designs I studied in school.  Architecture in Arizona definitely has its own look.  One of the places the husband and I wanted to go see was Taliesin West, a Frank Lloyd Wright design.    

Some believe he wasn't always the nicest person and very stubborn in his designs.  While he believed in organic architecture buildings not everything was as functional or comfortable as his clients would like.  Regardless I think a lot of his designs were simply beautiful.  He thought architecture and design should blend in with its natural background drawing and reflecting upon nature's own shapes and colors.  I would be lying if I didn't confess that at first, I wasn't a huge fan of the color palette for architecture in Arizona.  Everything was so brown or orange or red.  I grew up in the heart of the Rocky Mountains where I was surrounded by all sorts of greens.  Mountains were blue.  Plants thrived.  However, I've come to appreciate the beauty of the desert and yes even its red mountains and abundance of cactus.    

Frank used Taliesin West as a school for design.  His school was one where hands on and discovery were encouraged.  Frank Lloyd Wright at some point would have his students living out in nature to understand it on a deeper level.  This is where the original drafting building was located.  Unfortunately we weren't allowed to go inside.  I love these beautiful blue chairs.  The design of his furniture again was organic and reflected its surroundings.  Taliesin West is still used as a school today taking 22 students a year from around the world and based upon it's founders principles and beliefs.  

A student once confronted their mentor debating that there was no way to cool a place down in this barren desert.  If you've spent anytime in Phoenix during the summer you might understand where this student was coming from.  However, this sentiment made Frank Lloyd Wright so mad that he got to work disproving this theory.  The result is the above area known as The Breezeway.  Surprisingly it really was much cooler as we walked through.  

Some may have suspected Frank Lloyd Wright to be a little crazy, especially when he bought the "water rights" where his property was located.  Everyone knows there isn't water to be found in the desert.  Of course now those people are walking with their tails between their legs as Frank soon discovered a well.  I'm sure it was the best $7 he ever spent.

The rock used throughout the property is known as Taliesin Quartzite.  It can only be found within the boundaries of his property.  Each stone was brought down the mountain by hand.  It was one of the ways in which students helped to pay for their room and board.

Finally, Mr. Wright encouraged his students to try new things and develop talents they did not already possess.  One student took up sculptures where they are currently located in a garden on the property.

After this tour I left with a greater appreciation for architecture in Arizona.  So much thought went into the designs that I would be a fool to not see past what I once thought beauty was.