 ArtMetalsocial networking for the metal arts |
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He's My Inspiration
Jamie Santellano -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 1:18pm
Dreams | Inspiration | Journey | Spirit It's nice to be able to share on this site all the things that are going on in our lives. Making connections and sharing ideas is what keeps the artist in me excited about what I love. I've been posting comments and having a great time sitting back reading all the others. What I've posted is only a small bit of who I am. I want to share with you one of my inspirations. He is not a Metal Artist, but he does use torches and his energy is infectious. He is the Artist Glass Blower, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly is an amazing man! I love his imagination, his love for Art, and his determination. He mentions that anything he can draw he can make. Chihuly is a dreamer, and dreams big. He also makes those dreams happen! The man knows no limits...something I'm breaking through currently in my own life. I feel compelled to share this with you for reasons unknown. Maybe it's because every time I watch his video (usually when I'm feeling a bit down) I get this surge of energy, and a happiness in my heart that makes me feel as if I could move mountains. I'm suddenly inspired to get out in the studio and start working, or feel the need to pick up a pencil and start drawing. Ideas start to flow and possibilities are envisioned in my head. Chihuly travels around with his art (something I dream of doing often) to different countries and brings people together that have the same passion. He displays his art for others to appreciate. It's such beauty, but for me it's not just about the finished pieces, it's about all the work he and his teams put into it. They're all working hard on all the individual pieces, going through some tough learning curves, and then when all is said and done over to the side, there standing before them is a beautiful piece of Art glistening in the light waiting to be seen. It brings tears to my eyes, and goosebumps all over my body watching the process. It's also at that point I realize that all the work I've done is not all for nothing. There is an audience for all who dare to put a piece of their heart out for the world to see. Chihuly was also in a bad accident back in the 70's, and lost his sight in his left eye. Circumstances did not keep him from creating. I admire that the most...it's that kind of spirit that won't be hindered. I see this beauty shine through his work, and feel it in his energy as he's directing his teams. In my past I've been a victim of circumstance, and as I go along on this path that I've chosen in creating my dreams, I feel layers of the past falling away, and the victim is no longer a victim; rather, more of a conqueror breaking through doors and kicking down walls. Strength comes from within, and fears are just thoughts. These are just some of the things I've tapped into within myself while watching Chihuly create his art, and wanted to share. I can't say it enough, but he is an amazing man and one that I will cherish in my heart, and always look to for inspiration. Cheers to Dale Chihuly! Jamie Santellano  Hey Nelson, I'm so glad you
Jamie Santellano -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 4:23pm
Hey Nelson, I'm so glad you had a chance to check him out. He had a show up in San Fransisco this summer, but I didn't get a chance to see him. The only place I've actually seen his work would be in The Bolagio in Las Vegas. Cheers, Jamie Santellano  Hi Jamie, ironically enough
eligius1427 -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 2:58pm
Hi Jamie, ironically enough Dale Chihuly was the reason I went back to school to learn metal work. I originally went to college to become an architect, but after a few years decided on switching my major to biology and premed which is what i graduated with. By that time I had realized that the medical world was not for me and went back to grad school for architecture. After three semesters of architecture(and 7-1/2 years of college) I had had enough schooling. I got a job bar tending at a new club and started making loads of cash, which was both a blessing and a curse. Thankfully my bosses(a married couple) were both fantastic entrepreneurs and good friends. They convinced me to buy an investment property with my money which doubled as my house(and eventually the location for my shop) and taught me what could be done if you were willing act smart, follow your passions, and work like a dog. About six years later I started seeing the signs of burnout with the bar tending job. I was now managing the bar working roughly 6 days a week, 4pm-2am. I had heard of this crazy glass artist that was having a show up in Omaha at the Joslin Art Museum so me and a friend went up there on my one day off to take a look. I must have stared at this white chandelier-like piece that looked like an exploding icicle for an hour. I can remember it as clear as day, it was hanging in the two story rotunda over the fountain, and I viewed it at eye level from the second story balcony. The color, the "motion", the reflections, the light, the organic nature..... It was absolutely mesmerizing. I hadn't even finished paying for the book I bought there before I had decided I was going to get back into design, but instead of architecture I wanted something much more personal and hands on. I wanted to feel materials in my hand, I wanted to be an artisan craftsman. Had there been a school for me to learn glass blowing here i might have gone that route, but I was very intrigued by metal at the time as well. I couldn't find a blacksmithing opportunity that allowed me to keep my job, so I enrolled in the Welding Technology program at our local community college and decided I'd have to learn the "artisan" part on my own, Chihuly's work continually at the front of my mind. For almost two years I worked at the bar until 2-3am and then got up at 7:30am to go to school till 3 pm. I'm not exactly sure how I made it through it all back then, and am absolutely positive I couldn't do it now. I give the credit to Chihuly and the inspiration he gave me. My own personal "Opus" developed from that amazing white glass installation piece at the Joslin and I haven't stopped thinking about it since; Chandelier like installations with no transparency/crystal, but offering the lighting, glittering, and sparkling wow effects as if it did, in a composition that can mesmerize and hold the attention of a viewer for hours. Particularly mine. I am still a long way off, but everything I learn is one step closer to that end. What an awfully long response to your thread, but I agree with you 100%. Cheers to Chihuly! Jake Balcom Hi Jake, WOW! what a nice
Jamie Santellano -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 4:24pm
Hi Jake, WOW! what a nice reply! My eyes welled up with tears just reading it. It's amazing how someone has so much power within and projects that through their work. Your story was a great one...I have to say I've never seen Chihuly's work in person except for The Bolagio in Las Vegas, but do dream about going to see him soon. He keeps me on track just as he has done for you in your endeavors. I came across Chihuly when I was married, and was taking Welding classes at the community college. I had just got back from Ireland. I had been there a month, and had taken my first Metalsmithing workshop with Master Silversmith Brian Clarke. My husband and I were watching PBS, and caught this show called "Chihuly Over Venice." I watched in awe. I felt really connected to since he takes his crew to Ireland to the Waterford Crystal Factory, which I had just been to, so it was really hitting home with me. I made my husband t-vo the show, and I watched it over and over. Shortly after, I found myself going through a divorce, and painfully thought I was going to have to say goodbye to my education, my sculptures, and home that I had bought as a single mom prior to the marriage. I was at a cross roads if you will, and had to make a some critical choices. A good friend of mine said he would stick by my side and help me through the mess I was faced with on one condition, which was I had to fight "SPITTING BLOOD," as he put it. So scared of what was to come, I agreed. Through the ups and downs of this life changing experience Chihuly has been the push to go out and get what I want. He being an Artist, was easier to relate to (not to mention hi magnificent work), and that going through his accident couldn't have been easy, but he didn't let that hinder his dreams, so to see him in action, and to listen to him speak, and finally view his masterful beauty I have found myself healing and finally entering new ground to explore. I'm now doing things that I never thought, or even imagined that I would ever do. Chihuly reminds me, and I'm so happy to know that he has done the same for you. It's nice that we can share these types of experiences, which goes much deeper to the core of who we are. Thanks for sharing, Jamie Santellano  chihuly too
visitor -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 10:32pm
http://www.flickr.com/groups/chihulyatfamsf/pool/show/ Flicker photoshow of Chihuly exhibit jodi Jsmie, Sorry, I didn`t make
NELSON -
Sunday, September 7, 2008 - 7:49am
Jsmie, Hey Nelson, It looks like I
Jamie Santellano -
Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 10:04am
Hey Nelson, It looks like I might be going to see Chihuly after all...making plans to go at the moment! Cheers, Jamie Santellano chihuly
visitor -
Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 10:10pm
http://www.chihulyatthedeyoung.org/ Hi Jamie, jodi44@sbcglobal.net |
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ArtMetal
Hi Jamie, I went check
Hi Jamie,
I went check D.Chihuly`s work. Well, as you said words fall short describing the masterful beauty of his glass work.The energy his works irradiate is AMAZING! In fact, I`ve been checking sculptures intensively on internet for the last 5 years, and if I had to pick the three more striking sculpture works, undoubtly, Dale`s would be one of them. Moreover, sharing experiences and ideas, feelings, makes the sight more tangible you know, as I say: gives it a nice touch of flesh and less metal...at times that`s wonderful, isn`t it? Metalwork is my passion, but for seconds felt impelled to try glass... I`d better stick to what I do,get better and definetely, admire and get inspiration from artists like D.Chihuly. Thanks for sharing Jamie. nelson.