What Makes An Artist?
I went to the Chihuly exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens recently and it was absolutely breathtaking! I loved the way the gorgeous glass pieces melted into the natural surroundings, mimicking stalks of grass, tropical birds, gathering bubbles, or (much to my chagrin) snakes. There seemed to be a symbiotic relationship between the garden and the glass, each enhancing the beauty of the other.
I wondered about the artist, Dale Chihuly. How did he come up with his art? What was his process? Did his work, his vision, receive criticism for being expensive to produce? But it turns out there’s an even more interesting debate at the center of Chihuly’s art.
You see, in 1976 Chihuly was in a car accident that left him blind in one eye (hence his trademark eye-patch) and due to a separate accident, he lost the use of one arm. He doesn’t actually create his pieces anymore, he physically can’t. Instead, he has a team of glass blowers that he directs. Since he’s not actually producing his own creations, is Chihuly an artist?
Chihuly has created a factory-like system for producing his artwork. I can see how that, in addition to his aggressive self-promotion, which includes merchandise, ticket sales, marketing, etc. might make us consider his work differently.
However, he’s described himself as a choreographer instead of a dancer. And aren’t choreographers, directors, and conductors artists in their own right?
Also, as my uncle wisely pointed out, famous artists throughout history (Rubens, van Dyke, and Bernini to name a few) had students who helped with their in-demand artwork, painting backgrounds, filling in portraits, building sculptures based on their designs. Are they considered a lesser artist because of this?
I believe that Chihuly is an artist. And a brilliant one. I find it brave that, in his 70’s and struggling with his health, Chihuly has found a way to continue creating artwork. Seeing his glass pieces, his vision, was an experience I’ll never forget. I was moved on a deeper level as I meandered through the gardens, awestruck again and again by each piece. And Chihuly is the man behind the curtain, a true artist.
All this being said, what do you think makes an artist? In an age when artists are encouraged to build a platform and promote their material, should we judge the art and the artist alike?
What I’m reading: Diaries of an Unfinished Revolution: Voices From Tunis to Damascus (book club pick!)
What I’m listening to: Radiohead — Karma Police
Kate, this made me think of Jame Patterson and his team of writers. The idea of an artist actually working as the project manager of a work–or multiple works. Some people are better at seeing the larger picture–or are better able to structure a piece. Love the pics!
Thanks, Becky! I had no idea James Patterson has a team of writers! I can see how that would be a benefit in writing — for me, one of the toughest parts of writing novels is being able to switch gears from focusing on the big picture to the nitty-gritty details. Very cool!
Chihuly has been able to spread his beauty throughout the world. Walking through the exhibit, I did not get a feeling that it was there because he wants to make money. So I think his heart is in the right place. I can’t imagine the logistics of moving it into place and the danger of bad weather hurting the glass pieces.
Thanks, mom! I agree completely — I sensed a great deal passion when I looked at Chihuly’s pieces, someone who really loves the medium. Also, you bring up a great point about how Chihuly’s arguably a scientist in addition to an artist. He worked with the glass, testing it to make sure each piece could withstand fluctuations in temperature, wind, hail, etc. in order to be displayed outside for our enjoyment 🙂
great question!
I’d consider him an artist too 🙂 Sometimes we have to get creative to still produce our vision/heart for a project when we physically can’t. I think it takes even more skill to be able to communicate your vision and oversee a project like this when you’re not in complete control!
I’ve come to this barrier several times when I’m too sick to keep working on different writing projects. But I don’t consider myself any less of an artist for asking for help when I need it 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment, Abby! I’m always inspired by the bravery and passion of artists who find a way to create their art despite obstacles in their lives. Sometimes I think constraints help foster creativity, push the boundaries of what’s been done to create something even more amazing 🙂
Chihuly hasn’t blown glass for thirty years. Also, he has tried to sue other glass artists for using his forms when he didn’t come up with them in the first place. Two of those artists, Rubino and Kandl (? I think that’s how their names are spelled), had their cases settled with Chihuly paying THEM and both continue to use the contested forms, because in was revealed repeatedly in court that Chihuly was hardly ever even in the studio much less directing the work. Chihuly would send a scribbled fax to his minions that would say “here’s a design but go ahead and do whatever you want.” For those who doubt it, LOOK IT UP. Sorry, all true.