Creative Inspiration

Rachel Schwindt

An obsession began with Kaleidoscopes 5 years ago..

Pike Place MarketSeattle, Washington

How it works

• Kaleidoscopes create reflections of reflections of a direct view of the objects at the end.

• The image will be symmetrical if the mirror angle is an even divider of 360 degrees.

• A mirror angled at 60 degrees will generate a pattern of 6 regular sectors• A mirror angled at 45 degrees will make 8 equal sectors• A mirror angled at 30 degrees will make 12 equal sectors

Brief History…

• Invented in 1816 by Scottish scientist Sir David Brewster• Named the invention after the Greek word Kalos- Beautiful,

Eidos- form, and Scopos-watcher• So, Kaleidoscope translates into Beautiful Form Watcher• First prototype was a simple tube containing loose pieces of

broken glass and other colorful objects, that, when reflected by mirrors or glass lenses set at specific angles, created beautiful forms and patterns that could be viewed through the end of the tube.

• Charles Bush made the kaleidoscope popular in 1874 when he patented his design and began manufacturing them on a much larger scale.

History continued..

• This is because of the invention on silvered-glass mirror, invented by German chemist Justis Von Libig in 1835.

• Brewster had intended for the kaleidoscope to be used as a scientific tool, but after much popularity, began to sell them to the masses as toys, or entertainment value.

• Because of the cost of materials at the time, Kaleidoscopes were very expensive and therefore only the wealthy could afford them.

• They became known as luxury items, comparable today to ipods, computers, video games and other forms of visual stimulation.

Why should one be denied to view beautiful forms and patterns because of economic

status?

Mandalas

• Mandala (Sanskrit for circle) is a sacred symbolic diagram, used as a meditational aide in Buddhism and Hinduism.

• Traditional mandalas are known as ‘blueprints’ of a temple, sometimes a blueprint to the entire universe.

• In Hinduism, mandalas are used to inspire inner visualizations and inspirations.

• Most often used as meditational tools, but also used in psychotherapy to resolve problematic emotional states and gain insight into unconscious problems and issues.

• The ritual of creating mandalas can be used:– As an aide in meditation– For spiritual or emotional healing– For relaxation– For awakening– For self- realization and personal growth

Mandalas in nature