Mysterious material.

Glass is older than recorded history. When, where, how or who first learned to work with glass is unknown. The ancient Egyptians created glass objects as early as 2600 BC. They were mostly luxury items, like perfume bottles, that only the wealthy could afford.

Today glass is everywhere. We find everyday glass objects such as light bulbs, bottles and windows in most parts of the world.

Did you know that glass is also important in communication? Phone conversations and internet connections travel across optical fibers, which look like an incredibly thin wire that is made out of glass.

What is glass made of?

Most glass items are not too expensive, and are easy to manufacture. Melting together sand, soda and lime makes one kind of glass.

Can you guess its name?

(it is called "soda-lime" glass)

Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is an artist who works with fire and heat. He creates colorful, imaginative objects our of glass by blowing air into a blowpipe. Yes, this is dangerous! But it is also exciting.

Chihuly likes the spontaneity of glass and the immediate results he gets when working with it. The finished product is right there, which gives him a sense of accomplishment.

He started working with glass when he was young. One day while at home in his parents' basement, he melted stained glass with a pipe and then blew a glass bubble. Ever since then he has been fascinated by glass.

Chihuly has created many kinds of work. Some examples are: glass towers, a garden of glass, and ceilings that look like an underwater world.

Hot shapes

Dale Chihuly has worked with glass for 30 years, and never runs out of new ideas. He is inspired by many different sources, but more than anything else, the glass itself inspires him to create new shapes and designs.

Saffron and Golden Tower , Dale Chihuly

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Children study "Peacock Blue Tower" by Dale Chihuly

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Chihuly's "Fiori di Compo" turns a ceiling into a seascape.

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Working with Chihuly

Chihuly is one of the most famous moving glass blowers. You can see his artwork in countries all over the world. Unlike most glass blowers, he prefers to work in a team. He also enjoys working with kids and frequently holds childrens workshops.

In his workshops, he doesn't like to focus on technical skills. Instead he encourages joy and creativity, saying that creativity comes from "the gut". Passion and energy can help you to find your own path and realize your creative potential.

No matter if you become an artist, teacher or doctor, Chihuly reminds us that art and creativity enrich our lives and open up "opportunities to improve society."