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Chihuly: 365 Days
Dale Chihuly is renowned as the most prolific living artist working in glass, with hugely popular exhibitions in major museums around the world. Chihuly: 365 Days is a richly illustrated photo survey of his entire four-decade career, with more than 500 pictures showing all facets of his work—from intimate smaller pieces to the tremendous outdoor installations that have thrilled millions of visitors. There are also personal photos of the artist; of “Team chihuly” at the Boathouse, his studio in Seattle, Washington; and of his marvelous drawings—all selected by the artist himself. Most of the photographs have never before been published.
Quotations from and about Chihuly, as well as descriptions of his various types of works and short texts on his most prominent series pieces, accompany the images. The captions also act as a chronology of his life and work.
Quotations from and about Chihuly, as well as descriptions of his various types of works and short texts on his most prominent series pieces, accompany the images. The captions also act as a chronology of his life and work.
- GenresArtNonfiction
744 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2007
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Dale Chihuly
132 books13 followersDale Chihuly is considered one of the most innovative and iconic figures in contemporary art. Chihuly has been working with glass as an artistic medium for nearly fifty years, to increasing critical and popular acclaim. His solo exhibition venues have included the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the de Young Museums, San Francisco; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. His work is in the permanent collections of more than 200 museums worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 3, 2009
I first heard of Chihuly in the mid/late 90s and have been a fan ever since. I was talking to a co-worker a few weeks ago about having just seen a documentary featuring Chihuly's work at Kew Gardens in England and she stopped me short and said the next day she would bring me a surprise. It was this book. Although she only loaned it to me, it was one of the best "presents" I've ever gotten. After reading it, I have a strong urge to drop everything and make a pilgrimage to Tacoma and become Chihuly's disciple. Things have been strange lately, and Chihuly and his work, knowing that they exist in the world, have helped keep me afloat.
June 29, 2008
This is a beautiful coffee table book that has more substance than some similar books. The breadth of the art photos is impressive. Equally admirable is the amount of biographical information the reader gets from what are simple quotes from and about Chihuly.
Re the art: It’s breathtakingly gorgeous and presented beautifully. I loved how each page is a different color and how the color corresponds well with the art on the opposite page. I appreciated how both the strength and fragility of glass is described.
Re Chihuly: He comes across as charming. He’s honest and, to my surprise, humble. The reader gets an inside view into his creative process and outlook. I’m awed by the teamwork involved and Chihuly gives (almost) proper credit to the many Chihuly artists. He communicates well about how he views himself, his art, and art in general. It’s refreshing that he says that he does want people to see the art and wants it to bring others joy, but doesn’t care what people think of him. There are many interesting autobiographical tidbits from his early years to the present.
The book reveals the creativity, risk taking, the need for breaking boundaries, the athleticism, and the teamwork required to create what are challenging pieces to make.
I was first introduced to Chihuly by a friend who sent me links to photos from an exhibit in the Bronx and so I was excited to find that there are photos in this books from that exhibition, among many, many others.
At its heart, it’s the photos of the art that drew me in and are at the heart of the book, but the accompanying text really made this a worthwhile read. It’s probably my favorite of the Chihuly books that I’ve read or looked at even though its text is not lengthy.
Re the art: It’s breathtakingly gorgeous and presented beautifully. I loved how each page is a different color and how the color corresponds well with the art on the opposite page. I appreciated how both the strength and fragility of glass is described.
Re Chihuly: He comes across as charming. He’s honest and, to my surprise, humble. The reader gets an inside view into his creative process and outlook. I’m awed by the teamwork involved and Chihuly gives (almost) proper credit to the many Chihuly artists. He communicates well about how he views himself, his art, and art in general. It’s refreshing that he says that he does want people to see the art and wants it to bring others joy, but doesn’t care what people think of him. There are many interesting autobiographical tidbits from his early years to the present.
The book reveals the creativity, risk taking, the need for breaking boundaries, the athleticism, and the teamwork required to create what are challenging pieces to make.
I was first introduced to Chihuly by a friend who sent me links to photos from an exhibit in the Bronx and so I was excited to find that there are photos in this books from that exhibition, among many, many others.
At its heart, it’s the photos of the art that drew me in and are at the heart of the book, but the accompanying text really made this a worthwhile read. It’s probably my favorite of the Chihuly books that I’ve read or looked at even though its text is not lengthy.
February 23, 2009
Beautiful small pictuer book of Chihuly's works of art over the years. If you've enjoyed his work at the Columbus Museum of Art or Franklin Park Conservatory you should read this. Quality of photos is very good, especially for a 9.4 x 6.4 x 2.2 sized book. there is a quote from him with every piece's title/date.
December 8, 2010
This book is a permanent member of my "coffee table" collection. I never rotate this one; it just stays out all the time. I am an admirer of Chihuly, and I would love to swim in his unique swimming pool.
The photos in the book are beautiful, and it’s always enjoyed by my guests.
The photos in the book are beautiful, and it’s always enjoyed by my guests.
October 13, 2010
For someone who dabbles in the art world, the Chihuly exhibit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and this book was a life changing experience.
January 24, 2013
I keep this one in my office lobby. My clients continually remark on the beauty Chihuly's work.
July 1, 2018
Dale Chihuly's career as a master glass artist, now spanning four decades, is illustrated in this amazing book of 365 full color photographs featuring some of his most famous pieces. Included, also, is a running commentary of his views on creativity, productivity (he believes in eight hour days with no lunch breaks) and the joy of being alive.
When Chihuly lost an eye in a serious auto accident and dislocated his shoulder soon after in a body surfing accident, he turned to a team approach to working with glass. He then was able to turn out immense works of art, some over fifty feet in length, constructed of blown and fabricated glass elements.
Color is primary to his creations. He says he never met a color he didn't like, and his works explore a wide palette: bright green heron pieces in a river, a crystal chandelier of aquamarine and white, a boat filled with yellow, blue and red glass objects. Lighting of these glass art works is essential. Within a museum, the pieces seem to glow in a dark room. At a conservatory or a lake amidst plants, they peek out from the leaves adding explosions of yellow or red or magenta.
Chihuly explores other elements as well. In an exhibit at a Citadel in Jerusalem he exported 64 tons of ice blocks from Alaska to create an immense melting wall that both blended with the current architecture and symbolized a wall that no longer needed to exist.
Viewing the book is visceral pleasure and reading his philosophy is nourishment to the artistic soul.
Highly recommended.
When Chihuly lost an eye in a serious auto accident and dislocated his shoulder soon after in a body surfing accident, he turned to a team approach to working with glass. He then was able to turn out immense works of art, some over fifty feet in length, constructed of blown and fabricated glass elements.
Color is primary to his creations. He says he never met a color he didn't like, and his works explore a wide palette: bright green heron pieces in a river, a crystal chandelier of aquamarine and white, a boat filled with yellow, blue and red glass objects. Lighting of these glass art works is essential. Within a museum, the pieces seem to glow in a dark room. At a conservatory or a lake amidst plants, they peek out from the leaves adding explosions of yellow or red or magenta.
Chihuly explores other elements as well. In an exhibit at a Citadel in Jerusalem he exported 64 tons of ice blocks from Alaska to create an immense melting wall that both blended with the current architecture and symbolized a wall that no longer needed to exist.
Viewing the book is visceral pleasure and reading his philosophy is nourishment to the artistic soul.
Highly recommended.
December 18, 2022
I like Chihuly's art, that's why 3-stars. It's always visually stunning. If I was rating on format alone, it'd definitely be a 1-star. It's just a collection of random quotes, some from Chihuly, some not. There's no rhyme or reason or any structure for what they're showing or when or why. I would have preferred if they organized it by show or time period or...really...anything. I know it's a coffee table book but it was too random.
December 17, 2020
I was fortunate to be able to see a Chihuly exhibit in Toronto. It was totally amazing. I have also seen pieces at the Garfield Conservatory. The work is amazing. The book gives insights to the artist. Well worth reading especially to see the art!
April 18, 2025
Organized chaos of a book that oddly made sense for him by the end. The format felt odd at first yet over time felt right. Seeing his works close up was very nice and hearing his thoughts and inspiration .
February 5, 2018
It's a gorgeous book with color photos on every page. You can get a sense of how Chihuly's work evolved over time just based on those. The short paragraph's are helpful background.
September 9, 2020
Great photography and work but narrative of the book is quite disjointed.
October 1, 2019
A wonderful synopsis of his work and philosophy. I want to see them all in person and read more about his life.
July 29, 2009
Those are some damn pretty chandeliers.
June 28, 2011
Lovely! Great colors and use of space. I especially liked the glasswork near/in the water in this collection.
June 7, 2016
Read this book before; a friend's copy. The photos are amazing and I love the format of one thought or quote about Chihuly for each day. I love anything about him!
August 13, 2015
Smart, to the point, beautiful pix. An interesting person and a great character. The book offered biography, quotes by him, and quotes by others.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews