Saturday, February 1, 2014

Chihuly In The Desert

After the initial happy dance, hugs, and hellos....we not only enjoyed our special time together but we were in for a special eye popping, photography op display of Dale Chihuly's magnificent glass creations.  Just a wee bit of info on Chihuly, born in Tacoma, Washington in 1941 (you would think with a name like that he would have been born in some exotic place), graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, (I mention this because I graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, TX, only 2,115 miles apart and that is definitely the only thing we have in common).  He became an artist in glass blowing and between losing his eyesight in one eye in a horrific car crash in England in 1976 followed by a body surfing accident in 1979 which dislocated his shoulder he could no longer perform the art of glass blowing. It was at this time he became more of the choreographer & director of his pieces, many of which are on display around the world.  He has a very unique style and once you have seen a Chihuly you can immediately recognize his pieces for their originality, their beauty and their amazing colors.  

But first a few other beauties....Barb H, Terri P, me and Barb B,  


I was fascinated with his ability to incorporate his glass pieces into the Desert Botanical Garden, enhancing both the beauty of his pieces as well as the beauty of the desert plant life. 















What a terrific day we had together, with two more outings planned before I return home on Friday.  It is still snowy and cold in Chicago, cool here in Phoenix but definitely an improvement.

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?” 
― A.A. MilneWinnie-the-Pooh


Until next time....

28 comments:

  1. Very cool! Love that you are having fun with your friends. Your hair has gotten longer--love it. :-)

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  2. This is what makes my old heart beat so hard to see the different perspective of each one of us go to the same place and see it all differently. It is like I get to go again and revisit through your eyes what I missed. It makes me want to go and do it again and again with you and my friends. We can photograph the same thing and come out and see it and appreciate it so many different ways it is just so wonderful to see and always amazes me every time. Such a treat to be with my buddies.

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  3. amazing colors - they look like snakes to me ... wild!! ( :

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  4. I agree with Barbara - what a treat to see the gardens through your eyes! I watched you as you worked and always wondered what you were "seeing" because you see so well! I totally love how you captured the similarities between the sculptures and the plants. I had the best day ever and am looking forward to tomorrow! {{hugs}} :)

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  5. Fabulous color and form -- loves these images!

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  6. Isn't his art exceptional! I was fortunate to visit the Meijer Gardens a few years ago when his gorgeous pieces were included into this vast garden space. I encourage readers to make a visit to see the Chihuly art dance.

    Deanna, tour photos are so wonderful. I enjoyed seeing the mix of Chihuly with the cacti . . .

    I liked seeing the four beautiful women too . . . especially the one with the new longer hair!

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  7. Correction . . . YOUR instead of tour . . .

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  8. I think it is great that you got to be together. I love how you and Barb photographed the same things but in different ways and all so beautiful!

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  9. I have been fortunate enough to also see the work of Chihuly. Outstanding! The desert Chihuly is awesome! Enjoy the remaining visit with your friends!

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  10. he does have a very distinctive style. i do like how he can compliment the natural beauty.

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  11. I see 'snakes' in so many of these - but fun snakes, if that is possible. Lovely picture of your girls and gorgeous images from the desert.

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  12. As Barb H. said, it's so much fun to see all of our different perspectives of the same things! I kept finding myself thinking, as I looked through your shots, how much I love your perspective and your wonderful eye. The same things were in front of us to shoot and yet you found a way to shoot them that was strictly your own. It was a wonderful day spent with like-minded women and women that I am happy to call my friends. Can't wait for our next two adventures!

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  13. So pretty!! I love love love Chihuly!

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  14. So you went to 'Woodrow'? I went to Kimball...other side of town. Fun to get to know your Texas roots.
    Chihuly was at the Dallas Arboretum for a while. I'm sorry I didn't get up there to see it. Everything I've seen about it, looks wonderful.
    As usual, you got some great shots.
    Glad you're all having a good time.

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  15. I'm always amazed by glass art - these have such beautiful style! I'm glad you're having a good time!

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  16. His pieces really do seem to be part of the landscape. Very unique and lovely! And what a great photo of four pretty ladies! :-)

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  17. What a fantastic time you all had! Love each and every one of these photos. I've seen both Barb's and Barb's, now yours. Hopping over to Terri's site to see hers. And it is indeed fun to see how differently you each looked at the same things. Enjoy the rest of your visit!

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  18. Wonderful wonderful those pieces are awe inspiring, glad you are having a great time.

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  19. Nice images made of glass.

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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  20. How fun! What a great place to gather with friends. Love the portrait of all of you.

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  21. What a treat to see those gorgeous glass art! And what a great way to be with kindred spirits.

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  22. Beautiful gals and beautiful artwork...a winning combination...So glad you were able to get together with your buds and have camera and chat times in such a beautiful environment....I know it's has to be a welcomed relief from all the snow....I am looking forward to see more shots....

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  23. Those coils of colored glass do look like exotic desert flowers. Beautiful captures of the sculptures and the actual desert flora.

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  24. I am SO glad you got to visit AZ. You ladies have such beautiful smiles that could light up a room! I wish I was a little mouse in your camera bag!

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  25. Chihuly glass and cactus in the same place? Wow! Jealous! So glad you are able to get away and what a bonus to meet with blog friends!

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  26. Outstanding shots. I would LOVE to see these displays in person but am truly enjoying your shots. Simply fabulous.

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