This project began with a simple hands-on exercise – the construction of a series of kaleidoscope-like objects of varying shapes and sizes using metallic faced card stock. This exploration not only produced some pretty neat effects but offered hands-on insight into the interaction between light and mirror, and inspired ideas for how the construction might be tweaked to produce effects beyond that of the traditional kaleidoscope.
The Selfy
The Selfy is a conceptual tool for reflection. The lens of the traditional kaleidoscope is twisted back on on the viewer who, looking into his own multiplied eyes, is compelled to contemplate the phenomenon of self-awareness.
Spider Eyes
prototypes for a revolution in eyewear fashion
Projection
These formal explorations moved towards the idea of projection. It was discovered that by shining a light through a kaleidoscopic object a large surface could be illuminated with a relatively small aperture and from a close distance. The width, length and shape of the tube can drastically alter the pattern created, creating limitless opportunities for experimentation. A next step might be to incorporate slides which (as initial tests have confirmed) produce a grid of duplicate images on the the surface.
The Kaleidoscopic Projector Light
The experiments with projection produced this wall or ceiling-mounted lighting design. A kaleidoscopic tube scatters the light from a single 3-watt led onto the back of a sheet of translucent rice paper to create a diffuse but visually interesting light source. The pattern can be varied by changing out the mirrored tubes, and in some instances is reminiscent of dappled light filtered through tree canopies.
