Product Details
'In Bloom #1' is an elegant contemporary parlor kaleidoscope by American artist Benjamin Birdsill and is the first in his "Flower" series of kaleidoscopes. The piece was created from hardwood to become a large flower straight out of a modern fairytale, the tubular body is flanked by a set of sleek wooden "leaves" with a carved wild flower surrounding the object cell, which is turning, oil-filled, front and side-lit with a white background. Inside the cell are Ben's classic handmade lampwork glass pieces in cheerful & glittering colors, with twisted wires in assorted colors. The body houses a 3-mirror, 7-point system which creates absolutely spectacular "full-view" kaleidoscopic imagery. There is an additional smaller hand carved flower on the viewing end and includes a lens dustcover on a chain. The piece also features an attached spotlight for illuminating the cell, it is rechargeable and brightness adjustable with an included charging cord. Entire piece measures approximately 13"T x 13"L x 6.5"W at the base, with the scope itself at 12"L x 3.25"Diameter at the viewing end. Titled (In Bloom #1), dated (2022), and signed (Ben Birdsill) by the artist. This is a stunning work of art that any collector would be very proud to show off.
- From the artist: "I had already begun the 'In Bloom' scopes when I learned of the Foundry Art Center Exhibit. I wanted a scope to somehow tie in to St. Louis. To do this, I tried to mimic the flow of the iconic Gateway arch in shaping the leaves of the scope."
