Product Details
'Espy From Within' is an EPIC, 34 year old (RARE - COLLECTORS ALERT), contemporary, sculptural, parlor kaleidoscope by American artist and scope creating legend, Steven Gray. Limited to a series of only 25, this absolutely magnificent work of art was created in beautiful Black Walnut hardwood. The body is a large barrel that intersects a large pyramid shaped base, appearing to mysteriously balance over the sharp edge. An indentation on the side of the barrel body houses a horizontal slotted viewing port, large enough to view with both eyes, with a cutout to accommodate your nose allowing you to get an up-close view of the magic inside. There are DOUBLE object cells, one on each side of the body, they are extra-large, turning, dry, filled with gorgeous handmade lampwork glass pieces, with light diffusing white backgrounds. Double spotlights, such as desk lamps, should be used to illuminate both cells at the same time, the brighter the light the deeper the illusion will travel. Peering inside, on the right is a kaleidoscopic cylinder with moving patterns and colors on it's outer surface. On the left side you'll see another larger tube surrounding the first, with the kaleidoscopic image superimposed on the inside of this one. These tubes appear to flow down into the darkness of infinity, an incredible illusion, each with it's own kaleidoscopic pattern, changing with a turn of the object cells. The imagery this masterpiece produces is unique, stunning, and absolutely fun to view and manipulate with each turn of cells. Piece is in perfect condition, measures approximately 13"T x 10"D x 8.5"W, and is dated (©1992), numbered (#19/25), and signed (Steven J. Gray) by the artist on the underside of the base.
- "Espy From Within is a work that has a very simple exterior look, but provides a very complex image internally. This might not be a kaleidoscope for the common collector, as it is very sophisticated and discerning. This exotic work, like many of Steven's, transcends what a kaleidoscope should be, into the realm of 'kinetic optical sculpture'."
- From the book 'The Kaleidoscopes of Steven Gray - A Journey of Fantasy' by Vince Cianfichi
NOTE: Internal images were limited to what would fit into the camera's frame, as seen in photos, but rest assured your eyes will be able to see the MUCH larger picture and the full effect this incredible scope produces. FYI: The blueish internal images were shot with "cool" LED lights, the golden images were shot using "warm" LED lights. Try viewing with UV black lights or in direct sunlight, experimenting with lighting is always fun!
