TheVoiceOfJoyce

When I travel, I like intense experiences.  On the go with others from early morning till late at night, might not be everyone’s “good time”, but it’s mine!  Total immersion in a subject I love.  This time it’s Glass!  My first  days’ journey ended at the Studio of Benjamin Moore and his wife Debra Moore.  They both create Glass sculpture, but they do not collaborate with each other. You’ll see for yourself, two very different individuals, under the same “roof”.

 

Benjamin Moore apprenticed with Dale Chihuly in 1974 before becoming the Director of Pilchuck, our Nation’s first glass blowing facility.  The home, or rather Camp, of the initial contemporary Glass Movement in the States.   Tough exposed to other Glass Creators,  Benjamin Moore developed his own style of Glass Blowing, based on minimalist architectural shapes.  The ” focus of his work is simplicity and clarity of form”  (Reference: Schantz Gallery Seattle Glass Tour 2014) .

 

As you ascend the steps, in Benjamin’s Gallery, you enter his wife’s world of Orchids. Her glass sculptures imitate Nature. Judge for yourself, I’ve enclosed several Orchids I saw while walking through the New York Botanical Gardens which I think compliment her work! As frequently happens, artists depict Nature, using the skills they are endowed with. This process is repeated in many Art forms. I’ve chosen Glass, since the Artists are contemporary and readily approachable. Enjoy!

In 2013, I took these photos at the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. I did get several photos of visitors, but chose this one to exhibit.

When I was much younger, I grew Orchids from seedlings on “Lava rocks”. Now, I’ve got a “black thumb” and no longer have the patience to grow them anymore, I’ve kept, one orchid alive from my favorite Doorman/concierge, Angelo Lopez.

I’ve visited many Orchid shows, but have chosen the 2013 exhibition as an example of wonderful placement of this species.

This completes my memory of Day 1 of the Seattle Glass Tour. More artists to be presented as my Journey continues. The next day we visited the homes and work shops of 3 very special artists: Martin Blank, Nancy Callan and John Kiley! To be continued….