Kaleidoscope Eyes I

Cyanoype and acrylic on linen, 31cm x 41cm

The idea for the Kaleidoscope Eyes came from a dream I had in which I constructed glasses based on a dragonfly’s eyes that allowed me to see the multiple facets of peoples’ personalities all at the same time. I could see layers of possibilities, future and past influences, and really understand the full spectrum of who someone was. I constructed the glasses out of mirror card in many different colours, so that looking through them you see shimmering kaleidoscopes everywhere you look. My band, Kippi’s Ghost, recorded a song based on the dream of these glasses, called Lentes Evalo, which can be heard here: https://kippisghost.bandcamp.com/album/lentes-evalo

My friend and fellow artist Megan posed for this picture wearing the glasses. The artwork is a contact printed cyanotype on linen, exposed in sunlight in my garden in Leith, and then the colours were painted on in acrylic. There is a glittery fabric behind the linen, which catches the light in a subtle way when the eye moves across it.

This theme of kaleidoscopes is one that I have returned to again and again over the years. I have painted several paintings based on kaleidoscope images, and have made videos shot through kaleidoscopes. The kaleidoscope, for me, has come to represent multiple possibilities, alternate universes, other perspectives, diversities, and opportunities.