Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 25 June 2017

Sunday Selections #333

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 

Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I am taking you on another outing.  With no birds, water, sunrises or sunsets.  (I know, almost unheard of.)


The arts are well represented here.  The Chief Minister who gave us a lot of our public art works (and the Arboretum bless him) was devoted to the arts.  When our city was established a 'temporary structure' the Kingston Power House provided the city with coal-generated electricity from 1915 to 1957.  After that the building was left vacant and fell into disrepair.

However, in May 2007, that same arts conscious Chief Minister reopened the Powerhouse as The Canberra Glassworks, maintaining many of its original fixtures and fittings.

It provides local, national and international glass artists with access to state of the art equipment and also showcases their work.  There is work for sale, and the public are invited to take glass making classes.  If I tolerated heat better and my hands didn't shake I would take classes in a heart beat.

Recently we went along to see 'The Chandelier Show'.  As always, some of them I love and some are not to my taste.  None of them would fit in our home (even if I could afford them).

Please join me in marvelling at the skill involved.







And some detail from the installation.














And some detail from this one too.



There are some lovely things in the shop too.







We were able to watch work under way, and admire some partially finished pieces.








It is a fascinating place - and there is always something new to look at.




150 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: They are. I love watching them work too.

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  2. I love glass exhibits! I have only been in a glass studio once and found it fascinating!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: Me too. Many years ago in the University where my father worked the physics lab had a resident glassblower. Watching him blow test tubes was the highlight of every visit.

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  3. I love glass works! Yes, I had a go, once.I made a very nice "blob"The chap kindly said it could be a paperweight.I chose to put it back in the glory hole!Great fun, though.

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    1. dinahmow: If/when you come down this way we need to go to the Glassworks. Among rather a lot of other places.

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    2. Oooh! I'm rattling my piggy bank..trains and art...swoon

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    3. dinahmow: I hope it is rattling loudly.

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  4. I'm sure there are places where each of the chandeliers would look so cool. But my home would not be one. Now the vases and knick knacks, how pretty. I'm fond of glassware.

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    1. Ann Bennett: No arguments from me. I too am fond of glass. We have a number of pieces too.

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  5. What an amazing post and such skillful work. Thanks for sharing. Jo

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    1. Jo: I am constantly blown away by artists. Whatever their genre.

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  6. Beautiful art. Last year I went to a museum to see this sort of work. Very beautiful.

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    1. Caterina: We loved it too. And I would happily visit a museum which featured art like this.

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  7. Fantastic images EC. I love 'em.

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  8. Beautiful images as always. And it's really amazing to see these when you think about what the process looks like to actually MAKE these things. So incredible.

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    1. Robert Bennett: The artist's eye, skill and determination always awe me. And glass work is a particular love.

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  9. Like you, I am fortunate my home will accommodate none.
    We have a fairly famous glass artist in our town, whose studio is open. He lets people watch. My sister has quite the accumulation of his glass "witches" balls. One as big as your head.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I suspect that I would be like your sister and accumulate the witches balls. With strong encouragement from himself.

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  10. Amazing glass art! I have seen glass workers in Murano and it is totally enthralling. This seems equally spellbinding, EC. Brilliant images as usual.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Enthralling is exactly the right word. I do love to watch. And marvel.

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  11. As you know, I just love glass! Thanks for the beautiful tour.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: You would love our Glassworks. Even when there are no 'special' exhibits there is a lot to delight the eyes. Have you ever been tempted to try glasswork?

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  12. love the first ones, spectacular

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  13. So many stunning and unique pieces. I would love to visit and it would be fun to try my hand at glass blowing. I have never seen it done in person and that would be fascinating too. Thanks for sharing!!

    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Glass blowing/glass manipulation is fascinating to watch. It always makes me a big anxious though. Skilled work - but dangerous too.

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  14. Canberra certainly does have a lot of wonderful exhibitions...and you so generously share them with us.

    I hope you have a good week, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: We don't see a fraction of what is on offer here, but do enjoy the exhibitions we do get to. I hope you and your furry overlords have a wonderful week.
      Jazz is NOT liking the chilly mornings.

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  15. Great pics that can't be bettered

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  16. Wonderfull things are made of glass, it's great to watch them blowing it but always makes me a bit nervous too.
    Merle........

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    1. Merlesworld: I agree wholeheartedly. I love watching them work, but am very, very anxious too.

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  17. This some gorgeous stuff. Wonderful you have a place you can see and enjoy it!

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    1. Bookie: It is beautiful isn't it? Ever changing and always full of beauty.

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  18. Real ART!!!!!!!! Love these!

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  19. Impressive. Copperwitch would love the shop. I had to google to see where the former powerhouse exactly was and I do remember driving around there.

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    1. Andrew: It is becoming a very expensive very upmarket part of town. And of course Copperwitch would love the shop. How could she not.

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  20. Works of art with a practical function as well. Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it.

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  21. Thank you for the marvelous picture. I also have to compliment you on the show around of The Canberra Glassworks.

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    1. Martin Kloess: It is a wonderful place which I am happy to share.

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  22. I do not necessarily think you get hot doing this. At least one person there is wearing a beanie! I also am not sure steady hands are a requirement. My advice, having just watched Florence Foster Jenkins last night, take the class. :)

    If you have not done it by the next time I visit Canberra, an as yet unknown date, lets do it together? ;)

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    1. Snoskred: I have talked to the staff at the Glassworks and sadly, they told me that they would rather I didn't play, because they cannot guarentee my safety. I did notice a person in a beanie - but I was in a t-shirt and a long way from the direct heat.

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    2. Snoskred: I would be very happy to come along with you and applaud though...

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  23. How wonderful! I love glass sculptures/art - have stood and watched glass blowers many times, and marvelled at their skill. If I'd been there I would not have been able to resist the spotted owl!!

    By the way, EC, a few days ago there was a follow up to my last post in the form of a denial from the Turkish government that the memorial had been removed. The report I read, which originated from The Guardian newspaper (UK) was apparently wrong, and the memorial is being "cleaned and refurbished" before being restored.
    I hope it's true.

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    1. Alexia: Owls are beautiful things aren't they? I yearned for that one too.
      I really, really hope that the memorial does get re-instated.

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  24. These are glorious! The artists are very skilled. I love the owl and the penguin in particular. The vases and paperweights are beautiful, too.

    Hope the cooler weather is more comfortable for you, EC. Is your man flu a thing of the past yet?

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    1. jenny_o: They are indeed very skilled. I lusted after a number of pieces.
      The cooler weather is wonderful. Sadly I am still coughing, and intermittently voiceless. This too will pass.

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    2. jenny_o: That would be nice. I am bored with it. Sadly a friend I ran into said he coughed for seven weeks. I really hope I don't emulate him.

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    3. The virus I had in March left me with a six-week cough, and it wasn't an isolated case. I read that in the UK there was a virus related to whooping cough going around. I wondered if that was what I had! Viruses go around the world quickly these days, much faster than they used to. Perhaps you've got the same thing ... I hope not, too.

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  25. Glass art is too difficult for me to really wrap my head around. When I watch how something is done I could swear there is real magic involved. It is always amazing and usually quite beautiful.

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    1. Jono: I am with you all the way. And suspect there is a kind of magic involved.

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  26. Oh how Lovely! I love the details you showed us. I could never pick a fav......

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  27. I love glass art. It's so beautiful. It's wonderful how much art appreciation your city has.
    I watched the glass blowers at work in Murano, Italy once - incredible! And hot, as well. And expensive. :) I actually took a glass bead workshop once, as part of a series when I was silversmithing. I decided I'd never be any good at it, though. I'm afraid of the blow torches!

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    1. River Fairchild: Glass art is one of my favourites I think. That is two of you who have seen glass work in Murano. Colour me jealous. Do you still have any of the beads you made? My father was an amateur silversmith, but he never added glass to the mix.

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  28. I love the things in the gift shop, that tiny penguin is adorable. JahTeh would love it. The chandeliers look like oversized Christmas Tree ornaments, and I'm wondering if that was the inspiration for them.

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    1. River: I have never, ever been to the Glassworks when I haven't fallen in love with several things in the gift shop.

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  29. You know I always love to see this art that turns you on so much, EC. :-)

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    1. DJan: Growing up we were told that every one has a special talent. Mine is as an appreciator.

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  30. They all look nice, some I think would shine in my eyes - would need sunglasses even though they may not put out much light.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: I think that if they were in the right location they wouldn't shine in your eyes. The right location certainly isn't here though.

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  31. Wow amazing what can be done with glass and terrific that the building has been put to such good use.

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    1. Anna: I agree with you wholeheartedly. On both counts.

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  32. Hi EC .. it has been a while since I popped by. The glass exhibition is amazing. Thank you for sharing. Carol in Cairns

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    1. Carol: How nice to see you again. I hope life is treating you kindly.

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  33. Hi EC - brilliant photos - loved seeing them and what a great place to have in Canberra ... that encourages artists to visit, as well as create ... I've always loved glass - I guess we all do ... I too would love some of these - but they wouldn't fit, nor could I afford them.

    The dog I thought was a piece of glass waiting to be melted ... but on close up I could see what he was - they are so clever these artists.

    Loved the owl and the penguin ... I've small pieces here given to me by my father. Aren't those tools wonderful - I saw annealing being done in a video at Goldsmiths' the other day - and must write about it - stunning jewellery ... on its way sometime soon ... thanks for showing us these - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Glass art seems to speak to a lot of us doesn't it? I wonder whether more people like it than other mediums - and if so, why. My father would have loved visiting the glassworks and I think the tools would have taken his fancy first...

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  34. Another marvelous series EC. I like your Chief Minister who made all this happen. These kinds of exhibits are good for the soul.

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    1. Denise inVA: The Chief Minister has been replaced but I am so very grateful for the lasting legacies he left.

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    2. Me too because you get to share them with us. Thank you :)

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  35. Glass is a fetish of mine but it never looks as good at my place as it does in the display cabinet!
    Did you make any acquisitions?

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    1. kylie: No acquisitions. This time. I love glass too, but our home (whose ambiance is cluttered) doesn't display it to the best advantage.

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  36. The Chandelier Show would be able to tell by looking at me that I shouldn't be allowed inside. I have that "bull in a china shop" appearance:-)

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    1. Granny Annie: I am a klutz, but am grateful that I was allowed in. And kept well away from the masterpieces.

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  37. Dear EC
    Beautiful shapes and patterns on display - thank you for taking us along. I particularly liked the lights which looked like jellyfish/sea anemones (also reminded me of Cousin Itt from the Addams family!)
    I love looking at glass pieces and we have several at home, but I am always scared I will be clumsy and break something!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I find glass an incredibly tactile art form. But yes, I worry about breakage too.

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  38. Amazing doesn't do it justice. Thanks for sharing these wonderful images.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Aren't there some incredible pieces? So varied, so lovely...

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  39. I would love to visit that place.

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  40. So creative it looks almost impossible. Thanks for sharing indeed. Greetings to you, and hope you are well. Nice week!

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    1. Blogoratti: I am so often awed by artists. And grateful. Very, very grateful.

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  41. I've worked in stained glass so I found this fascinating!!

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    1. fishducky: I have seen some of your lead-light work and loved it.

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  42. Dear EC, about 40 years ago I went to a Renaissance Fair in Minnesota and stood in awe before a booth set up by a glassblower. Everything was so lovely, so unique, that I bought then my first piece of glass--a rounded vase. Since then I've bought several other pieces--ones I could afford. Each gives me great pleasure. There is something about glass that seems to speak to the deep center of my being. Like you, I'd take a class if I could stand the heat and if I my vision weren't somewhat impaired. Such a lovely art form. Thanks you for the info about the center and the photographs. Peace.

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    1. Dee: My childhood memories of watching glass blowing are very, very strong. 50 years or so later I still remember the awe and the wonder.

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  43. Oh my goodness, such beauty in those pieces of glass. Love those glass paperweights, especially the one with the white spirals. I haven't seen the glassworks at Murano, although I did buy a piece of Murano glass in Venice, a pendant. I've been to Corning NY to the big glass museum there, fascinating! And of course, the Chihuly exhibition in Toronto last year.

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    1. Shammickite: Chihuly is in a class of his own. When one of his exhibitions came to Canberra we went several times. I can still remember listening to other viewers saying 'It isn't practical' and despising them with every fibre of my being. No it wasn't practical, but it was immensely beautiful.

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  44. I learn so much from you about Canberra. I did not know that history of the Glassworks. What a wonderful way to use a derelict building and a great project for the Chief Minister to instigate. Wonderful photos!!

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    1. CountryMum: There is lots to love about Canberra. And soooooo much more to the city than the Federal politicians. Thankfully.

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  45. Some interesting glass work..Coffee is on

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    1. peppylady (Dora): Some of the work is lovely. I hope your boy is doing better.

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  46. It looks like a wonderful show. So glad you enjoy and share the art in your community. Thank you.

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    1. Myrna R.: I am always happy to share, and glad that other people like it.

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  47. I loved my visit to 'The Chandelier Show' thank you.

    I always enjoy visits to places like this and enjoy a browse in the shops too, but depending on prices I do not always buy!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: We always browse in the shops too, but rarely buy anything.

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  48. Beautiful pieces! I love that white swirly one.

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    1. We are: Clamco: I couldn't pick a favourite - but really like that one too.

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  49. Marveling, for sure.
    It's amazing how creativity expresses herself
    so brilliantly and distinctively
    differently
    in every set of hands and eyes!
    Art is amazing. Seriously amazing.
    Thanks for sharing these,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Art is indeed amazing and I am so grateful to and for artists.

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  50. Beautiful! Hugs to you!

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    1. e: Thank you. Hugs gratefully received and returned.

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  51. Absolutely fascinating! I especially like the 'sea urchin' one, though it must be quite magical to look at the actual objects and see how the light plays within them

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    1. Kim: It is indeed magical. And everywhere you look there is more magic.

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  52. Lovely art, my favorite photos (and arts) are 11,16,17 and 20.
    I like all these photos, because these show how lovely art can be.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: 20 photos? Oh dear. I do get carried away - but I am very glad you liked them.

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  53. Hooray for the Chief Minister ... what a wonderful contribution to your community. I love glass art (and I want that little owl) ... but, like you, I could never afford it. This was a lovely visit EC ... you never disappoint.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: There is something about owls isn't there? Some of the smaller pieces (like the owl) are within reach if I save. The chandeliers? Probably not.

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  54. I love glass anything. The Glassworks has an outstanding collection.

    The butterscotch-colored glass light fixtures would fit well in my home. ;)

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    1. Bea: I am a big fan of glass too. And am picturing your home with the butterscotch chandelier...

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  55. Glass art is amazing - these are beautiful pieces.

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  56. My eyes fixated on the glasses with swirls inside, and I can't figure out a different way to word that - but those pieces of art entertain me for long stints of time.

    Thanks for the beautiful photos, and have a relaxing week, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I know. Those are such clever pieces. Magical. Mystical. Beautiful.

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  57. Wow, beautiful works! Light coming through art glass is one of life's delights.

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    1. Kathleen Cassen Mickelson: It is isn't it? And stained glass windows show for how long that truth has been recognised.

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  58. Lots of variety isn't there? Love the owl and penguin:) Thanks for sharing.
    I got to see a baby bluebird's maiden flight yesterday:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: A baby bluebird's maiden flight? Amazing. That would have me smiling so broadly my face hurt for days.

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  59. OMG - I could look at these pics forever!!! While I have no talent to do this, I've always been so intrigued with glassmakers who can create such beautiful and patient work. That's some true artistic talent. I love, love, love this post! Hugs...

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    1. RO: I am talentless too. But appreciative. Very appreciative.

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  60. Such beautiful pieces of art! I wouldn't know which one to look at and admire with so many choices.

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    1. cleemckenzie: Definitely a feast for the eyes. And feast I did.

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  61. They are true artisans aren't they?
    You, have a day as great as you are.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you - and right back at you.

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  62. Oh my these are interesting, and wouldn't fit in my house either, but I might try for the first ones. They are something special, and remind me of some Christmas ornaments that I have, much smaller of course.

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    1. Karen S.: We have some Christmas ornaments that shape too. None with the intricate patterns though.

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  63. Oh my God, what a fascinating place! I would love to see this in real. I am very partial to colored glass, just love it, and those orange and red shades are to die for.
    We should turn our power houses with coal-generated electricity into something like that as well. However, I do think there are people who would trump that idea...

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    1. Carola Bartz: Sadly a lot of our politicians want to build more coal mines. Bigger coal mines. The Glassworks are a much better thing (in my eyes anyway).

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  64. Very pretty stuff..I would love this place. The owl and the penguin are my favorite pieces.

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: I really liked those pieces too. And rather a lot of others.

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    2. neena maiya (guyana gyal): You got me. There ARE birds in the post.

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  65. I could happily browse the shop. Those pieces are lovely. Even the partially finished pieces are lovely! It does look like a nice place to visit.

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    1. mail4rosey: It is a lovely place, and free. Unless you succumb to temptation (easy to do) or are taking a class.

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  66. This exhibition is lovely and you, my dear, are simply wonderful. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share this world of glass.

    "Glass" is one of my favourite words. And things.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you so much. We love glass too. When our National Gallery had a Chihuly exhibition we went twice. And mourned that we couldn't go more often.

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  67. One more...did you see any glass bangles? Ohmygosh. How I love coloured glass bangles.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): I didn't see them - but that doesn't mean they weren't there. And I imagine they would happily teach people how to make them in the classes on offer.

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