Monday, April 25, 2016

Chihuly: Artist or Craftsman?

Fine art is academically defined as paintings or sculpture for the intellectual and aesthetic pleasure while Craft is defined as functional art. Glass artist Dale Chihuly is internationally renowned for his impact on contemporary glass in the 20th century - not only because of his installations, but because he founded the prestigious Pilchuck School of Glass in 1971. From his sea-inspired nesting bowls in the 1980's, to his high-profile, large scale public installations from Venice to Vegas, to his dramatic chandeliers, Chihuly is one of the most recognized and copied glass blowers in history. However, Chihuly fought for decades to be considered a fine artist rather than a craftsman. Although his work resides in numerous museums and public installations, the fine art world bristled at a common craftsman who blew glass into organic shapes being deemed a fine artist of their ilk. My hunch is that history will be kind to Chihuly, and long after he is gone, the world will continue to marvel at the dazzling creations formed by this innovative artist.

St. Andrews from the Cathedral