ART + CULTURE
4 OF THE WORLD’S BEST GLASS ARTIST & THEIR MASTERPIECES | BY JAMES ESSEX
I was meandering my way through the crowded streets of Venice when I was stopped cold in my tracks by the works of Italy’s greatest glass artists. It was a bright and sunny day when I first encountered the first piece of hand-blown glass art. That is when my love affair with the art form began.
G
lass art is a type of sculpture that has been capturing the imagination of people for centuries. It’s a medium that is both fragile and durable, yet one that molds and shapes its brittle material into intricate designs and patterns. The beauty of glass art lies in its ability to reflect light and create stunning, iridescent
displays that are mesmerizing—something many of North America’s most talented glass artists have learned to do well. Sculptors like Dale Chihuly and Martin Blank have transformed what artists can do with glass, which is why we should examine their works and see if we can understand what makes them so outstanding.
DALE CHIHULY Dale Chihuly is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential artists working with glass today. Chihuly has created many breathtaking glass art masterpieces throughout his career, including large-scale installations, sculptures, and individual works like The Sun 36 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
and Glass in Bloom series. Chihuly is best known for his unique approach to glassblowing, which often involves combining multiple colors, shapes, and textures to create intricate and vibrant pieces. His style’s bold use of colors and flowing forms often draws its inspiration
from the natural world. Think flowers, sea life, and landscapes. It makes for a very impressive viewing experience, and if you get a chance, you should take time out of your day to visit his work in Seattle, Columbus, or Toyama.
