WHO has not found the heaven below Will fail of it above. God's residence is next to mine, His furniture is love. (Emily Dickinson)
Three weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing the Chihuly exhibit at the Missouri Botannical Garden with my mom. I had seen a few Chihuly pieces here and there other places, but I had never seen so much in one spot before! There are three main displays outside in the garden, but most of the glass is in the Climatron, a big geodesic glass dome housing the tropical plant habitat.
This is what you see when you enter the main building at the Botanical Garden; an enormous, blue glass installation that reminds me of a chandalier. This is the sort of piece for which Chihuly is widely known. I have seen a similar one at the St. Louis Art Museum, but this one is much larger. It is beautiful, but somehow it doesn't grab me like the installations in the Climatron do. Here is a picture:
On the second floor of the same building you can also see some of Chihuly's paintings. He makes these drawings and paintings while working with his glassblowing team; it helps get his creativity flowing and communicates to his crew what he wants them to make for him.
You might wonder why he is not doing the actual glassblowing himself. He was severely injured in a car accident in the 70's that left him with impaired spatial vision. He cannot see well enough to blow glass safely, but his well-trained assistants do an excellent job. He is still the artist because they are following his creative vision.
Here is a picture of his paintings:
Once outside, the visitor is treated to the sight of golden glass tendrils glowing in the sun. This installation is set on two rose garden gates that are facing each other. I had to wait a while to take this picture because a family were taking group photos under the "golden arches"!
The second installation you will see are this beautiful glass "onions" floating in the reflecting pool in front of the Climatron. This is a gorgeous spot anyway, but the colorful glass makes it a breathtaking sight!
To the side of the pool, you will see a small pond containing a boat filled with blue and purple glass tendrils. It really sparkles in the sun!
Once you enter the Climatron, it is as if you were in another world. When my mother and I were there it was cool and refreshing inside, with the occasional mist moistening the plants and our faces. The glass art is hidden here and there among the plants, making it like a treasure hunt. You never know when you will turn a corner and come face-to-face with glorious,colorful glass like this:
Here are a few more pictures:
