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Colored Glass Inspiration in the Netherlands

 

While Rhode Island hasn’t been hit by the polar vortex nearly as hard as other places, I still find myself already itching for spring–not only for the warmth, but for the burst of color that lends so much inspiration for works of colored glass. It’s during these grayest of January days that I often daydream about visiting the tulip fields of North Holland.

If you’re not familiar with this beautiful phenomenon, I highly recommend busting the winter blues by perusing photographer Normann Szkop’s stunning 2011 series of tulip field images, taken in flight over the municipality of Hollands Kroon (formerly known as Anna Paulowna) and the surrounding region. Every year between March and May, the fields bloom and tourists flock to see the bounties up close. I’m sure it’s breathtaking to be immersed in the flowers, but like Szkop, I would love to fly above the fields to observe the patterns of colorful stripes that they form across the landscape.

 

Photos by Normann Szkop (via Colossal)

 

The images here are only a taste; for a more complete winter escape, check out Szkop’s full collection on Flickr. Even if you’re not an artist who works in colored glass, I guarantee they’ll lift your spirits!

 

 

The patterns of the fields bring to mind Sean Scully’s paintings, many of which I had the pleasure of seeing in person around this time last year in a great exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I’ve been meaning to write about that show ever since, as it made a big impact on me; more Scully reflections to come, one of these days.