Introduced to kaleidoscopes from John Culver, the Roberts combined their passion for marbles with this object of seemingly witchery. The result was a body of stunning work and optical understanding. Roberts' images are clear and crisp. Each kaleidoscope is designed to exploit the marble's detail. Hand blown marbles possessing specific qualities that were predetermined and defined by the couple were selected. For example, in the detail pictured above, note the linear bands of colored glass that are separated with clear glass. This is critical to the illusion's success and beauty. The colored bands overlay one another adding depth and texture to the illusion. Rotate the marble slowly to fully enjoy the details of the illusion. It is surprising to witness the fluidity of the movement as one illusion morphs into another.

The Marble Scope
To view this kaleidoscope from the exterior, one would never expect the hidden beauty found in the classic two-mirror system creating a 5-point mandala. The Marble Scope measures 10.5 x 1.5 x 2.25" tall. $150.