Biography/Artist Statement

I feel like I have been a Kaleidosope artist forever. Growing up I was part of a busy and curious family. I made my first scope when I was nine from old encyclopedia instructions. In the early 1970's, after college (BFA Painting) and graduate school( Art History/Art Education) I taught briefly until kaleidoscopes became my life and livelihood. Since then I have designed of hundreds of kaleidoscopes. I have had two books published; The Kids' Book of Kaleidoscopes, 1994, and Kaleidoscopia, 2014. In both of these books I tried to share my love of kaleidoscopes by passing to others many ways to make them and information to stimulate new ideas. My love of Cozy Baker motivated many new ideas and designs. She was an inspiration that continues to push the BKS forward. Along with Sherry Moser and Charles Karadimos, I was honored to be part of the trio of directors that helped the BKS to transition and become what it is today. A grand surprise was mine in 2018 when the BKS awarded me the Cozette Award. I still burst with pride. In 2019 I changed my life by passing on the reigns, wheels and mirrors of my business, C.Bennett Scopes, to Lisa Hill / Cape Kaleidoscopes. This does not mean I am walking away from a lifetime of kaleidoscope discovery but I am walking away from the “business”. The designs and company I have built was not something I wanted to disappear. When Lisa offered to take over, it was the magical turn of events that pushed it into reality. I am now devoting time to the many things I have put aside for so long. See ya at the Expo! Update 2021: Clarkdale Az. I moved here in July 2020. The visions and beauty here in the southwest astound me every day it is like living inside natures kaleidoscope.