Brilliant color, fluid organic forms, and magnificent scale of the work by master glass artist Dale Chihuly is truly mind blowing. An early influence on my koi paintings, a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle was a highlight during a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Chihuly pushes the boundaries of an ancient art form that begins with inflating molten glass with a blowpipe to form a sort of glass bubble that can be molded and shaped.

Like Chihuly who grew up in Tacoma, WA, water is where I find inspiration.

I am drawn to the fluid lines, bright colors and patterns of the fish of my dreams while living in NYC, in the ocean during my many years living in Hawai’i, and now found in my backyard koi pond. Using paint, brush, and spray paint with net stencils to create an otherworldly space for us to explore joy, fear, and a sense of awe. 

Check out Beneath the Surface portfolio, email me for a private studio visit, or  join us for an upcoming Open Studio House Party.

Get on the list for the invite here.

Above right: Dale Chihuly, Ikebana Boat (detail), Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, WA

Left: Being Koi, 2016, Acrylic, charcoal, spray paint on ®Tyvek Vivana, 56 x 65.25 in. ©NanciHersh

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