Ice Flower

Slumped glass
Classical two-mirror system
81/2 inches tall x 9 inches long x 4 inches wide at base.

There are additional views of this piece.

Bob and Grace Ade began experimenting with kaleidoscopic illusions when he made the Crystal Pyramid in 1995-96.

Bob Ade has established a reputation for his incredible non-traditional images. He is in the forefront of this area of kaleidoscopic imagery. Yet, every now and then, he surprises us with a simple, classical illusion that is just really pretty.

Ice Flowers is aptly named. When I first looked into the kaleidoscope, it reminded me of the ice crystals that magically formed on my bedroom window during the night, growing up in New Jersey. I would awaken to find these wonderful treats on my window. My mother told me they were formed by the breath of angels guarding me while I slept. Although I know better now, I still like to think of those little angels with their noses pressed against the window, keeping me safe...

Polarized filters and birefringent material creates the chamber. The brighter the light, the more colorful the image becomes. It is a quiet, subtle, delightful 6-point image.

Ice Flowers measures 9" tall x 9 1/4 " long x 2 1/4 " diameter with a base of 5" wide x 4 1/4 " deep.