quote:Originally posted by Seaquam:
We went to the new-ish Chihuly Garden in Seattle earlier this year. In the obligatory gift shop visit, there are quite a few blown glass pieces, none more than about 10" tall or wide, for sale. My wife saw one that she liked, a smaller exquisite bowl with two free-form glass shapes loose inside it. I was quite shocked to learn that it was $7500 (I figured $3-5000). While I was considering it for about 10 minutes, we saw 2 other pieces at similar prices sell. Not a significant data point, but I remarked at the time that it's clear that there's still clearly a market for expensive small art pieces.
Despite the fact that his name is etched into all the pieces, Chihuly has not blown any glass himself for years now, though I understand he oversees production most of the time. Anyway, it's easy to see that the market for expensive art isn't just restricted to the top-end multi-million dollar pieces; it filters down quite a ways.
Seaquam, the trickle down theory is indeed part of art.
I have made two major blunders in art, and Chihuly is one of them. Ask D next time we are together and she will recall all the details.
As you are aware, the artist actually executing the work is not required in many art forms, it is the creative and artistic vision along with detailing the process that creates value and demand. ( think Serra)
You have a number of beautiful glass works in your collection, and a Chihuly would fit well within your townhouse.
