Infinite Probability Kaleidoscopes

And other optical illusion instruments

The minute detail and intoxicating symmetry

of Kaleidoscopes help us remember to look

at each moment as unique and sacred.

My optical instruments and kaleidoscopes are electroformed copper sculptures reminiscent of ancient archeological objects, which appear to have been under the sea for 100’s years.

Glass lenses are finely adjusted to focus microscopically on high-quality surface reflective mirrors sealed in water and dustproof, Photoluminescence glass chambers.

Inside these hermetically sealed chambers, various viscosities of synthetic polymer silicone oil remain exceptionally clear and non-reactive, so they will not change with age, oxidize, or degrade any of the suspended objects. So the optics stay crisp and vivid.

 The magical random, continuously changing liquid symmetry inside each kaleidoscope comprises: tiny random found objects, flame-formed and color-saturated glass, safely contains glitter and shiny things. Many of my kaleidoscope’s interiors are UV reactive and glow in the dark and under black light. After exposing my kaleidoscopes to a direct light source, find darkness and look again. It may be faint, but the vision splendid awaits. With each turn or gentle movement, a magnificent ever-changing wonder evolves as a flowing cascade of sensorial eye candy expands the awareness of the present moment while watching something extraordinary happen.

YOU are an essential part of the whole experience of any kaleidoscope. YOU are The Activator.

Holding the kaleidoscope in your hands, before bringing it to your eye, notice the windows on it that will let the light into the magical chamber. Notice the liquid holding the stardust. Notice how the stardust moves slowly or quickly with your slight movements. This noticing is your introduction to the kaleidoscope that you will be activating with your one-of-a-kind relationship. 

Take a moment and look at the various lighting you plan to view. See which light sources you are drawn to. There may be many. Some you may rise to meet, sending the liquid and magic sprinkles down at you like a cascade. While turning the mystery machine clockwise or counterclockwise, some may approach to always reveal new visual experience varieties. Try moving the scope up and down between shadow and light. With exploratory curiosity and gentle movements, you will develop your own viewing style and personal relationship to flow, timing, and the visual interplay of symmetrical chaos that my kaleidoscopes offer.

To fully experience the fantastic and visual kaleidoscopic experience, I suggest following these guidelines:

 1) wake them up

*If the scope you are looking at is a liquid variety, turn the scope to “wake up,” making sure enough of the tiny particles of color and such are suspended, moving freely across the face of the lens

2) lighting

* Explore lighting, try both direct and indirect; interior lights and sunlight, experiment with the many possible angles that the light enters the scope. Try various light intensities entering the forward lens or from the sides. Many of my scopes are better with various angles of sidelight.

Many of my kaleidoscope’s interiors are UV reactive and glow in the dark, so try blacklight. After exposing my kaleidoscopes to a direct light source, find darkness and look again. It may be faint, but the vision splendid awaits.

3) attitude angle of view: explore the lateral pitch and longitudinal roll position

* While looking through the scope, turn it to mix and move the interior particles, then keep looking as you aim the scope in an upwards direction, try 11 o’clock. While doing this, the materials will fall onto one of the interior lenses and so create a complete and complex visual. For another variation, lower the scope slowly and watch the materials float downward. When viewed downward, direct light coming in from specific directions can also create an additional and very complex visual as the light bounces off the top of the liquid and refracts through any bubbles that may temporarily form.

 Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Sincerely, Patrick McIntyre Kimmons Ironwood

 My creations are one of a kind and 100% created by me in my studio and laboratory in the wilderness by a waterfall near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

My identifiable and functional objects include kaleidoscopes, divining pendulums, apothecary bottles, wands, miniature brooms, medical amulets, phosphorescent luminaries, cabinet knobs, lamp pulls, buttons, beads, marbles, medicine bags, and gorgets.

I am so excited to announce my NEW website https://natureofreaction.art. My website is currently set up for FUN, intrigue, and promotion and NOT sales.

I have a few optical devices at my Esty store; https://www.etsy.com/shop/NatureofReaction?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

I have a gallery at my studio which can be visited by appointment; http://svionline.org/nature-of-reaction/

I was selected as one of only 4 art vendors in the Sherwood Forest interior. I only do a few shows a year. My Visionary art can be seen at ELECTRIC FOREST Festival in Rothbury, Michigan.