Fire and Sand

The first time saw Dale Chihuly's work was at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  Odd that I would discover this Tacoma native so far from home.  Seeing his spectacular chandelier suspended from several stories above the grand entrance room, took my breath away. There are now more than 200 museums around the world that include Chihuly's glass art among their collections.


I could go on and on about the amazing creations of this sometimes controversial artist, but I would rather you see for yourself, the beauty and genius of his work.

The V & A installation 2001, London

Part of Chihuly's artistry lies in the way he is able to capture the feeling of movement in his glass.

2005 exhibition in Kew Gardens, London

Chandelier suspended from a glass gabled roof

                                        

                                        "Chihuly Bridge of Glass" 

 Pedestrians walk below this 500 foot overpass that connects dowtown Tacoma

with the Museum of Glass. Over two thousand glass objects are suspended above the glass ceiling, creating a sensation of underwater brilliance. The Austin-based architectural firm, Andersson-Wise collaborated with Chihuly on the development of the concrete and steel bridge that serves as a backdrop and frame for the artist's work.

I've included a short video made by Dale Chihuly.  Please click
below to view. 

  

Chihuly video

Images of Autumn

Fall is my favorite time of the year. The color of pumpkins, cooler temperatures and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays fill the air. Once again, I can hear the Friday night sounds of high school bands playing at the nearby football field.
I haven't spotted any fall color, except for a few leaves on a Japanese maple, so I have added one picture that I took while in Asheville, N.C.  It wasn't the peak of the season, but I'm sure you can tell which of these pictures is not like the others.

Every year the front lawn at Tarrytown United Methodist turns bright orange for the annual pumpkin sale. I think it must be the biggest pumpkin patch in town.

                               

                     


          

These are better than any candy apples I remember

Seattle and the San Juan Islands

Springtime at Seattle's Pike Place Market

Looking back at some photos of a trip to Seattle and the San Juan Islands,

leaves me wanting to return. It was my first visit to the Northwest, and as I look at the pictures I am struck by just how beautiful it is.  If I had known then that I would be blogging, I would have taken better photos.

Seattle skyline with Mt. Olympus in the background

Not to be missed - the Japanese Gardens

Looking out from Orcas Island

These nonchalant residents didn't seem
to mind posing for my camera

Cascade Falls in Moran State Park

Harbor view from the B & B

Lovely rows of daffodils blooming just in 
time for Easter

There is so much more to the islands than these

few pictures show, but at least you have a hint of

what is in store for you if you head for the San Juans.

Eye Candy

As you might remember from previous posts, I have a thing for textiles, the more exotic the better. Lucky for me, Khazana is a mere stone's throw from my house. It is a family-owned business, importing home furnishings and textiles from places around the world, like Pakistan, India, Tibet and Morocco.


A few days ago, I had a chance to visit with the owner, who shared with me the history of some of these handwoven pieces. Lately I've had an interest in Suzanis, (the Persian word for needle), and asked if he had any among his stock. He pulled out two that were not on display, and said that he had purchased them about twenty years ago. These striking tribal textiles originated in what is now Uzbekistan, once a stop along the ancient Silk Road where the cultures of Europe, China, Islam and Turkey mingled.

A brilliant, eye-catching Suzani with centuries old motifs

Ralli quilts are made by women in the areas of southern Pakistan
and India

A baby quilt hangs on the wall as tapestry.

A colorful collection of handwork, perfect for framing or pillows

This ceremonial head dress comes from the Kalash Valley in the Southern Mountains of Pakistan. 

The nomadic tribes of Central Asia have always been known for their splendid textiles and handwoven rugs. If I have whetted your appetite, stop by Khazana at 900 N. Lamar.