Sea Forms

Artist / Maker Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941)

Date1985

OriginUnited States

MediumBlown Glass

Dimensionsa.)8 x 20 in. (20.3 x 50.8 cm) b.)11 x 9 in. (27.9 x 22.9 cm) c.)8 x 6 in. (20.3 x 15.2 cm) d.)4 x 3 1/2 in. (10.2 x 8.9 cm) e.)1 1/2 x 6 in. (3.8 x 15.2 cm) f.)4 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 1/2 in. (10.8 x 6.4 x 1.3 cm) g.)7 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (19.1 x 7 x 5.7 cm) h.)4 1/4 x 1/2 in. (10.8 x 1.3 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of an anonymous donor and the Friends of University Museums. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberum86.479a-h

Status

Not on view

Collections

Sculpture

CultureAmerican

Label TextAs a studio glass artist and teacher, Dale Chihuly is one of few artists to successfully challenge the depreciation of crafts media. Other glass artists before him such as Dominic Labino and Harvey Littleton laid the foundation for Chihuly who has earned a place in the art world as a serious sculptor in the medium of glass. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin's hot glass program, the first of its kind in the United States, established by Studio Glass movement founder Harvey K. Littleton. After receiving a degree in sculpture, Chihuly was admitted to the ceramics program at the Rhode Island School of Design, only to establish its renowned glass program, turning out a generation of recognized artists. Founder of the Pilchuck School, a unique summer school devoted to the art of glass blowing near Seattle, Chihuly chooses to surround himself with other glass artists and work collaboratively. Chihuly's work draws upon cultural and natural sources and his forms are reminiscent of classical utilitarian vessels. Sea Forms was inspired by marine life, such as shells and sea urchins as they appear alive and under water. They are also objects that challenge the expressive limits of blown glass with emphasis on the medium's interaction with light. Label #2 The ocean covers two-thirds of the planet, and all life forms evolved from the seas. Stories of origin and creation which begin with the ocean are found in many belief systems, including the Bible. In the contemporary world, the well being of the plant depends upon the well being of the ocean and its diversity of living organisms. Inspired by the living ocean and its creatures, Chihuly created this beautiful and fragile sculpture.

SignedSigned on the bottom, "Chihuly" on the largest glass shell.

Locations