Anatomy of a Kaleidoscope -- Part # 3 -- Mirror Configuration

The essential heart of any kaleidoscope is the mirror assembly. In an earlier post we discussed the desirability of using front surface mirrors. In this post, the focus will be on mirror configuration.

Probably the most common mirror assembly is a three-mirror assembly, where the mirrors are equal-sized and arranged to form a triangle with sides of equal length and internal angles that are all 60 degrees. From there, the configuration is almost limitless and dependent on the artistic design of the artist/craftsman who is fashioning the 'scope. Mirror width and angle can be varied to meet most any design.

From this most common arrangement, one can find kaleidoscopes with two-mirror assemblies, four-mirror assemblies, twin-two mirror assemblies, and, probably, other arrangements, although I am not aware of these.  The different arrangements, sizes, angles produce vastly different images to delight the viewer.

Probably the best description of mirror configuration with some excellent diagrams and pictures of the resulting "views" is the Kaleidoscope Collector web site at:

http://kaleidoscopesusa.com/how.htm

As you look at various kaleidoscopes be sure an inquire as to the number and arrangement of the mirrors. Most of my scopes use the common three-mirror assembly with the mirrors at 60 degree angles, but occasionally I do use other techniques -- primarily the two-mirror assembly.

To see all of my work go to http://www.wrightmade.com 

 

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Anatomy of a Kaleidoscope -- Part # 2 -- Eye Piece

Virtually all kaleidoscopes have an "eye piece" on one of the  ends of the 'scope for the viewer to look through. (On occasion you will see a 'scope without one, but the problem of dust in the mirrors and the impact on the view tend to make this not very attractive.)

The eye piece is normally ordinary glass, often with a slightly convex  surface. These will be most commonly found in simpler, less-expensive 'scopes. 

Some artists who desire special effects and/or are crafting higher-end 'scopes, will use various designs of optical lens with different features to achieve those magnifying effects. These lens can be as elaborate/special as the artist desires.  

The bulk of the kaleidoscopes that I craft -- the mini kaleidoscopes -- have plain glass eye pieces with a slightly convex surface. This is a choice based on the impact on the "view" and the effect on the cost of the 'scope. On occasion I have crafted higher-end 'scopes with optical lens to achieve a special effect.

To see all of my current work go to www.wrightmade.com 

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New 'Scope Posting -- Done in Reclaimed Woods

New kaleidoscope posting on my shop using reclaimed woods -- Satinwood and Coco Bolo from South America and Honduran Mahogany.

See all my work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wrightmade 

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Anatomy of a Kaleidoscope -- Part # 1 -- Tube/Holder

As far as I know, all kaleidoscopes require a “tube” (the most commonly used term, although not always an accurate one, since tube implies “round” and many kaleidoscopes are not “round”, but other geometric shapes and/or patterns) to hold the mirrors (an essential ingredient of a ‘scope). I suppose, in theory, one could find a way to hold the mirrors together without inserting them in a “tube” of some kind, but I would think it would be difficult to hold them together in such a way that the mirrors could not be damaged or come loose. So, for our purposes, we shall assume that kaleidoscopes have a “tube” or holder for the mirrors composed of some material.

The three most common materials used, as far as I have been able to observe, are wood, stained glass, and polymer clay. I work with wood for my ‘scopes and have posted many examples earlier. (A quick search of the web will result in quite of list of artists making kaleidoscopes in wood, one way or the other.) There are any number of artists who work with stained glass in a variety of configurations for their “tube” or holder.  (See the earlier post of the artistry of Frank Higgins in stained glass.) There are also quite a number of artists who use polymer clay or ceramics in one form or another for their holder. (See the earlier post with samples of Jacqui Smith’s artistry.)

A variety of other materials are used by some artists including metal (in some cases including precious metals such as silver), paper/cardboard, plastic, acrylic, etc. In fact, most any form of a container that will accommodate the mirrors can be used as a holder – e.g. my limited edition of cigar box kaleidoscopes posted earlier.

So, as you explore the fascinating world of kaleidoscopes look for the wide variety of materials and shapes used by various artists for the “tube”/holder of their ‘scopes. You will be amazed and delighted.

My latest posting -- a mini kaleidoscope in Hawaiian Koa.

 

see all my work at www.wrightmade.com

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Polymer Clay Kaleidoscopes

Another medium that is very popular for kaleidoscopes is polymer clay used in a variety of ways for the scope body (tube). To my mind one of the most unusual and highly creative artisans of this medium is Jacqui Smith. She studied at the Philadelphia College of Art, and became a noted illustrator of children's books, as well as a designer of a large variety of figurines, dolls and jewelry collections, including work for the Franklin Mint. 

During a sabbatical from her commercial work, she found the world of kaleidoscopes and now develops one-of-a-kind, high-end, gallery-quality, and custom kaleidoscopes. Because they are so labor-intensive, she normally only creates 10 to 12 kaleidoscopes a year.

http://dreamscopes-kaleidoscopes.webs.com/

 

 

To my mind, truly works of art to be treasured by anyone lucky enough to have one. In addition to be a true artisan, Jacqui stands ready to help other kaleidoscope artists in a variety of ways through her involvement in several kaleidoscope artists groups.

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Ancient Kauri Wood Kaleidoscope

Posted this morning a kaleidoscope crafted in Kauri wood from New Zealand. Kauri wood is believed to be 50,000+ years old. Apparently ancient forests sank into bogs and lay underwater for eons and only recently are being recovered. There is a strong effort to preserve these ancient logs for use by woodturners and carvers the world over. Really quite beautiful wood and a joy to work with. 

 

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26342007

 

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