2003 Kaleido-Bot

Jerry Farnsworth's "Kaleido-Bot" Takes top honors at The Brewster International Kaleidoscope Conference 2003.

Bloomington Indiana kaleidoscope artist Jerry Farnsworth created this large kaleidoscope for the special yearly unveiling of new kaleidoscope designs at the International convention. Kaleidoscope Masters, as well as retailors and collectors from China, Japan, England, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and the United States gather to share their love for Kalkeidoscopes. Jerry's Robot Kaleidoscope "Kaleido-Bot" was voted the number 1 Kaleidoscope for the 2003/4 Year. There are actually 3 kaleidoscopes to see in this one Functional Sculpture. The first scope is his arm. His pinchers fold back to reveal a viewing hole, but first a rocket-light source must be be removed from storage in his arm, turn the light on and instert it in his elbow to light the image. Turning the circular walnut knob rotates an oil filled object chamber. The mirror system is a two mirror ten point mandala with a wood 3rd side. The Kaleidobot's head is the 2nd Kaleidoscope. A light source in the body illuminates the 2 object disks. Each disk can be turned by the round knobs independently. The head rotates for viewing in any direction. As the object disks are rotated the light source also shines through the eyes in the head. Dichroic glass is used to increase the colors reflected.

Open the large robot's chest to reveal the 3rd kaleidoscope. A miniature robot, 11 inches high, awaits viewing inside. Look into the top of the robot's head to find a 2 mirror 8 point 16 fold mandala image. Lenses of the proper focal length make viewing of the exciting image easy on the eyes. Crisp symetry and beautiful colors are in store for all who look. The metal and 2 sided glass object chamber is filled with stained , worked and dichroic glass. All 3 of the "KaleidoBot" large edition sold out the day of the Brewster Award, but the small "Robot 03 " is available as a separate item.