Sunday, May 7, 2017

Day 213 Super Natural Exhibit & Party in the Tropics at Phipps Conservatory

Enormous Aquilegia  

We all know that the Phipps Conservatory is the place to see beautiful plants and flowers but  you can now see super- sized  blossoms of natural beauty in the creations of  glass master artist, Jason Gamarth, in the new "Super Natural" exhibit.  I have been to the Phipps many times (Day 180) but it’s a new experience to feel small next to these towering works of art scattered among the foliage and  to experience an evening event like “Party in the Tropics”  where you can have drinks, eat, dance, and explore the Phipps at night (see Day 141).


Towering Glass  Orchids behind us 



Reflection
 Phipps Conservatory has not been the home to so much vibrant colored glass designs  since the Dale Chihuly exhibit in 2007. Walking though the conservatory I felt like I was in the “Land of the Giants” as there were orchids and pitcher plants 2 to 14 feet tall, and  a giant sprawling venus fly trap and a water lilly. You certainly can appreciate the details of the flowers in the glass replications of  nature. As the artist Jason Gamarth explains, "When I scale life forms up to be larger than a person, they can be observed with this perspective from across a room due to the overwhelming physical presence they command.”

enormous venus fly traps

 There are over 40 works of art among the Phipps vegetation and flowers. As I walked through the 10 rooms, I enjoyed picking out live plants that duplicated the installations of art. In fact, I learned that the artist super- sized his sketches of the real flowers to create the glass art.

14 foot Orchid






This glass show and the natural  foliage  has a different feel at night.  The Phipps also offers various evening events. One of my favorites is “Party in the Tropic” where for the price of admission you can have a cocktail, dance a little, and then explore all that this place has to offer.  

"Party in the Tropics" with friends 


 Try to experience "Super Natural" where these detailed vibrant blown glass towering  works of nature make you feel small and help you appreciate the details of the natural world! I also plan on keeping  evening events such as Jazz in the Tropics  at the Phipps (event calendar) in my survival empty nest tool box.

 Pitcher Plants glass art 
Spiritual Reflection
Ask the animal, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish of the sea speak to you. They all know that the Lord has done this. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of all humanity. (Job 12: 7-10)


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