Chihuly, the master of glass.

Over the past couple of years Richmond has been home to some wonderful art exhibits. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, was renovated and with the renovation came some great works of art. At the moment Richmond is lucky to be home to the Dale Chihuly exhibit. I have been impressed with his work for a while now. It is always nice to see a fellow craft person, and how they take their craft to the next level. His works are beautiful and captivating, I could stare at them for hours and never tire of looking for new things. Below are a few snapshots that I took at the opening night. 

The boats were one of my favorite things. the glass orbs are fantastic. 

How could you not fall in love with his ceilings... 

Brilliant, native American inspired works. Subtle and beautiful. 

body world's

While I was in Puerto Rico, I was lucky enough to see the "Body World's" exhibit by Gunther Von Hagen. I have missed this show in three cities and it was pure coincidence that I found it in San Juan. It was an incredible display of science and the human body, and artistically I found it moving. To pare down the body to the most basic forms of arteries, skin, bones, muscle, organs.... and on and on it went. I could have gone back every day to see the show if I wasn't doing other more beach like things... more on that to come. 

I was moved by these two people the most. The idea of a person holding their own skin off their back and what that could mean figuratively. The beauty of even being able to create this form... 

And then there was this one, the pregnant woman. The baby was so tiny I had to really look for it, even though she was already 5 months. It made me wonder what happened to her, and thankful for her contribution so we could see this stage of life in a way that has not been shown before. If this show comes anywhere close to you, I would recommend going to see it. Very interesting!

Inspired Chicago

The weather here is gloomy and we may not have power for long. Irene is here! What a strange week with earthquakes and hurricanes, oh yeah and the bat that we found in our house this morning, the joy of home-ownership... there is no one to call and take care of these things because your name is on the house! Anyhow considering everything, we are well. While I still have power I want to share a recent trip to Chicago, last time I was there it was still winter. This time it was the height of summer and gorgeous! So clean and Green with blooms everywhere. If it were not so cold most of the year I would love to live there.



We went to the Shedd aquarium, I love aquariums, find constant inspiration and calmness there. This one is located right on the
Michigan river. The boats were all on the water the city behind them, a great view. The building is surrounded by gardens and the inside is done in an arts and crafts movement style. All of the chandeliers and walls have inspired sea life on them. I want a giant octopus lamp so badly after seeing this one, however my little cottage would not be large enough for it.





The Shedd had a Jelly-fish exhibit going on that was just gorgeous. It was beautiful they move so gently and softly. The tails remind me of embroidery floss and thread. The little black jellies moved like silly little mushrooms, faster than the others, less gracefully.



graceful.



soft.



thread-like.