Design :  Ann Wahlstrom, Sweden. 

Execution: The Poleturners - a devoted and skilled team of 24, at Pilchuck May 2005.

Photography: Larry Jasse

I was invited to submit a proposal for Pilchuck Auction Centerpieces this year and thought it would be so much fun to do, since Pilchuck has played an important role both in my private and professional life!
I came there as a student the first time in 1979, was overwhelmed by the great energy and amazing people, fell in love (still married!) and have returned many times over the years in different capaceties.
 
When I heard that I was picked it made me even happier that the committee wanted  me to do all three designs. They are based on the same technique and are all playing with hot applied colors that are allowed to move around during the blowing process, to create a softened grafhic pattern! We had a lot of fun making them and the two master bloweres , Chuck Vanatta and Jay Macdonell, with the team of poleturners were great. I am looking foreward to seeing them all at the event!
 
The 120 Centerpieces  this year are three different designs, all in a number of color variations:
 
PEACOCK - a drop shaped vase with vertical lines and "eyes" in the clear fields.
 
FLOWER - a flattened wide organic bowl, with one large flower climbing on a stem.
 
MADRAS  - a large cylinder with a soft plad pattern moving around the clear glass.
 

 
The Pilchuck Auction will take place at the Westin Hotel in Seattle on October 21st 2005, for further information, contact www.pilchuck.com.