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Gallery of Past
Kaleidoscopes
by Randy & Shelley Knapp
Click on photo's for a
larger picture
"Colour’s in the
Law" --
a commissioned piece
-- August 2009
“Colour’s
in the Law” has a two mirror system which produces a four pointed star. The
highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a
magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear.
The body of the kaleidoscope is turned by Randy out of highly figured domestic
and imported exotic woods. The eye piece and the object cell are both
embellished by ornamental turning on his rose engine lathe. The clear background
fluid filled object cell contains hand lamped worked glass by Shelley. The head
of the gavel rotates within the handle mount which is also embellished with
ornamental patterns. The gavel sits in the sound block which is mounted on an
angled desk plaque. The final touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the
depth and beauty of the grain in the wood.
From left to right -- AnnAura, Bubba, Glimmer, Shockalite ( in the back)
“08 U Seen It”
-- ended summer 2009
“08 U Seen It” is a
new series of hand held kaleidoscopes being offered by Randy and Shelley Knapp
of Knapp Studios. The Knapp’s have spent over 20 years making quality
kaleidoscopes of various styles. Over the course of those years as kaleidoscope
artist they have gained much knowledge in the field. All these years of
experiences combined to produce the series “08 U Seen It”. Shelley has a
definite love for color and it shows in her images. Randy’s love for wood and
clean design is also evident. For the
introduction of “08 U Seen It” a signed series, the Knapp’s are currently
offering four new kaleidoscopes -- “AnnAura”, “Bubba”, “Glimmer” and
“Shockalite”. All four kaleidoscopes incorporate side lite fluid filled black
background object cells with a smooth rotating action. To create the images
Shelley has drawn on her 19 years of lamp working experience. The images are
created through either a five, six or seven pointed front surface mirror systems
and are enhanced with a magnification lens. The exterior of the kaleidoscopes
are very clean and modern looking. The Knapp’s have incorporated different
styles of wood veneers for the barrel of each kaleidoscopes and lovely hand
rubbed a finish on each one. The
kaleidoscopes are 2 1/2" wide by 7" tall.
“AnnAura”
Wrapped in warm,
creamy, Birdseye Maple wood veneer with a hand rubbed finish, “AnnAura” is a
peaceful and relaxing experience with a jolt of light taking your breath away at
times. The individual colors of the image have been inspired by Shelley’s aura.
The image has been created from 19 years of lamp working experience by Shelley
Knapp. Inside the rotatable fluid filled, black background object cell, Shelley
has used Italian glass canes and dichroic glass to achieve this image. The
formation of each new seven sided vision is sharpened by a magnification lens.
“Bubba”
Covered in a
striking Zebra wood veneer barrel with a hand rubbed finish “Bubba” is an
experience you will never forget. A brilliant array of colors flash across the
velvet blackness of “Bubba’s” object cell. The individual colors which are
suspended in fluid against the black background of the rotatable object cell
have emerged from 19 years of lamp working experience by Shelley Knapp. She has
individually lamp worked Italian glass canes and dichroic glass to achieve this
image. The premium quality front surface mirror produces a six pointed star that
has been intensified with magnification.
“Glimmer”
“TwiLight” a
popular kaleidoscope the Knapp’s did in the early 1990’s is the inspiration for
“Glimmer”. A lot of things have changed over the past 15 years and many new
materials are now available offering an opportunity to create “Glimmer” with
some beautiful new colors. “Glimmer” is an experience of bold brilliant color
ever changing. Shelley Knapp has used her 19 years of lamp working techniques
to create this breathe taking image. Each glass piece in the fluid filled black
background rotatable object cell is individually lamp worked from Italian glass
canes and dichroic glass. The premium quality front surface mirror produces a
five pointed star which is intensified with magnification lens. The barrel of
“Glimmer” is Oak wood veneer with a hand rubbed finish.
“Shockalite”
The barrel of
“Shockalite” is cover in a beautiful Makore wood veneer with a hand rubbed
finish. It has a fluid filled object cell with a black background. The sides of
the rotatable object cell are lined with dichroic filters. This creates an ever
changing luminous effect when viewed with a strong light source. The pastel
image has been created with hand lamp worked Italian glass canes by Shelley
Knapp. Shelley has also included a touch of dichroic glass in the object cell.
By using techniques that she has developed over the past 19 years she is able to
achieve a spectacular image. The formation of each new five pointed vision is
intensified with a magnification lens and is truly breathe taking. “Shockalite”
is a kaleidoscope that is enjoyed with variety of different light sources.
   
“Epislyscope”
--
hand held kaleidoscope - ended in summer of 2009
The body of “Epislyscope” is entirely hand turned by Randy out of highly figured
domestic and imported exotic woods. The ornamentation is added to the rotator
and object cell by the use of an Ornamental lathe. Ornamental turning dates back
to the 1700’s. The machines are extremely rare and sought after as collectable
antiques. “Epislyscope”
has a two mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality
front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making
the optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by both
Shelley and Randy. The front of the object cell has an ornamental pattern
carved into it. On the inside of the object cell there is a unique pattern
carved creating an ever changing effect of cut crystal. This effect was
invented by master ornamental turner and dear friend Paul Fletcher of Sussex,
England in 2000. We use it on “Epislyscope” with Paul’s permission and we call
it the “Fletcher Foreground” in honor of Paul. The light dances across the
textured surface of the glass creating multiple hues of color against a black
background and is highlight in the front with a beautiful carved crystal
pattern. Only the lightest touch is needed to rotate the objects within the
cell using the rose engine turned rotator. The final touch
is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the grain in the
wood. Each “Epislyscope” is individually signed, dated and numbered by the
Knapp’s. “Epislyscope” is 2 1/2” by 7 1/2” and is available in a bright image or
a pastel image.
  
"Zamka"
hand held kaleidoscope -
ended in 2007
“Zamka” –
“Kazaam’s” big brother boast a dramatic new black faced object cell with a bold
white rose engine pattern cut in it. “Zamka” is entirely hand turned by Randy
out of highly figured domestic and imported exotic woods. “Zamka”
has a two mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality
front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making
the optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell with its unique rose engine carved clam shell interior
contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by both Shelley and Randy. Each
piece is a sculpture in its self. The light dances across the textured surface
of the glass creating beautiful mandalas against a black background. Images in
the kaleidoscopes are easily changed with the rose engine turned aluminum
rotator that is made and anodized by the Knapp’s. The final
touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the grain
in the wood. Each “Zamka” is individually signed, numbered and dated by the
Knapp’s. “Zamka” is 2 ¼” by 7 ½” and is available in a bright image or a pastel
image.
"AGM Parlor Kaleidoscope" - one of a kind
We
built the “AGM” parlor kaleidoscope to be on display at the 59th
annual general meeting of the Society of Ornamental Turners in England, November
10, 2007. The “AGM” parlor kaleidoscope has a two mirror system which produces
an eight pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in
conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear.
The
“AGM” parlor kaleidoscope is entirely hand turned by Randy out of highly figured
Madrone burl and African Blackwood. The ornamentation is then added by the use
of a Rose Engine lathe. Randy’s interest in ornamental turning was sparked by
his association with Paul Fletcher, a master ornamental turner. Ornamental
turning dates back to the 1700’s. The machines are extremely rare and sought
after as collectable antiques. Not being able to purchase an antique machine
Randy built his own using modern materials.
The
fluid filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by
Shelley and Randy. Each piece is a sculpture in its self. The object cell
interior is carved with a clam shell pattern on Randy’s rose engine lathe. On
the exterior of the object cell you will find a small epicyclodial pattern. The
light dances across the textured surface of the glass creating multiple hues of
color against a clear background. Only the lightest touch is needed to rotate
the objects within the cell using the aluminum rotator that is made and anodized
by the Knapp’s.
The
final touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the
grain in the wood. The “AGM” is signed and dated by the Knapp’s.
"A Birthday
Commission" - a one of a kind made in 2007
This piece
was commissioned by a collector for her husband’s birthday. It is an entirely
ornamentally turned kaleidoscope. Every part of the kaleidoscope was turned on
the Rose Engine Lathe. Including the unique 18 facet domed shaped object cell.
The scope body is African Blackwood accented with a faux Ivory rotator and eye
piece. The domed object cell has an inner wall with an epicyclodial pattern you
can view through the clear magnification lens incorporated on the top of the
dome. It has a
two mirror system which produces an eight pointed star. The highest quality
front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making
the optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by both
Shelley and Randy Knapp. Their combined experience and different techniques make
for some beautiful glass sculptures. The side lite object cell accentuates the
beauty of their glass. The final
touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the dept and beauty of the grain in
the Blackwood.
" Pastelator " -
a limited edition of 6 made in 2007
Pastelator
is an entirely ornamentally turned kaleidoscope. Every part of these
kaleidoscopes was turned on the Rose Engine Lathe, including the unique domed
shaped object cell. The scope body is African Blackwood accented with a purple
anodized aluminum rotator. The domed object cell has a rose engine clam shell
pattern cut on the inside. The exterior of the object cell is ornamented with a
12 loop epicyclodial pattern to match the 12 sides of the dome object cell. Pastelator
has a two mirror system which produces an eight pointed star. The highest
quality front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens
making the optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by both
Shelley and Randy Knapp. Their combined experience and different techniques make
for some beautiful glass sculptures. The side lite object cell accentuates the
beauty of their glass. The final
touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the dept and beauty of the grain in
the Blackwood. Each Pastelator is individually signed, numbered and dated by the
Knapp’s. Pastelator is 2 3/4” by 7 1/2” and includes a Blackwood stand.
" Stormy Myrtle" -
a one of a kind made in 2007
The body of “Stormy
Myrtle” is Oregon Myrtle wood accented with a faux Ivory rotator and eye piece.
The wood for “Stormy Myrtle” was harvest from a senior Myrtle wood tree that
finally gave up life on the bank of the beautiful Chetco River during a winter
storm in 2004. After harvesting some of the wood from this tree Randy set aside
some of the most highly figured wood and watched over it as it was carefully
seasoned and saved for a special project like this. “Stormy Myrtle” has
a two mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front
surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the
optics crisp and clear. The side lite fluid
filled object cell has a clam shell interior with a black background. The object
cell is accented with a rose engine pattern on the front of it. Individually
lamped worked glass pieces by both Shelley and Randy Knapp created a dynamic
combination of color and textured glass. Their combined experience and different
techniques create extremely beautiful mandalas. Viewing “Stormy Myrtle” is a
meaningful experience. The final touch is
a hand rubbed finish which enhances the dept and beauty of the Oregon Myrtle
wood. “Stormy Myrtle” is a one of a kind signed, numbered and dated by the
Knapp’s. “Stormy Myrtle” measures 2 5/8” by 7 1/2” and includes a matching
Myrtle wood base.
" Dome Unique" -
a limited edition of
6 made in 2007
Dome-Unique is an entirely ornamentally turned kaleidoscope. Most of our work
involves some level of hand turning but not this one. Every part of the
kaleidoscope was turned on the Rose Engine Lathe. Including the unique domed
shaped object cell. Hence the name – Dome-Unique. The scope body is African
Blackwood accented with a faux Ivory rotator and eye piece. The domed object
cell has an inner wall with a rose engine pattern you can view through the clear
window on the top of the dome. Dome-Unique has a two mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The
highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a
magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by both
Shelley and Randy Knapp. Their combined experience and different techniques make
for some beautiful glass sculptures. The side lite object cell accentuates the
beauty of their glass. The final
touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the dept and beauty of the grain in
the Blackwood. Each Dome-Unique is individually signed, numbered and dated by
the Knapp’s. Dome-Unique is 2 1/2” by 8” and includes a Blackwood stand.
  
Collaboration with Randy Rhine -
limited edition of 2 made in 2007
This is a one of a kind collaborative kaleidoscope by Randy and Shelley Knapp
and Randy Rhine. Randy Rhine makes premium spinning tops and that is how the
Knapp’s meet him, thru the internet. Randy Rhine lives in Oregon and his wife
is also a quilter. The friendship just grew from there. When the idea for
collaborations came up the Knapp’s were very pleased to have the pleasure of
working with another artist who has the precision and patiences that Randy
Rhine has. It measures 3” by 7 ½” and comes with a walnut display base.
"Kazaam" -- hand
held kaleidoscope -- ended 2007
“Kazaam” is entirely hand turned by Randy out
of highly figured domestic and imported exotic woods. The ornamentation is then
added by the use of an Ornamental lathe. Ornamental turning dates back to the
1700’s. The machines are extremely rare and sought after as collectable
antiques. “Kazaam” has a two
mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front
surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the
optics crisp and clear. The fluid
filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by Shelley,
including “Stringerinies” and “Lucinis”, two of her signature pieces. Each piece
is a sculpture in its self. The light dances across the textured surface of the
glass creating multiple hues of color against a black background. Only the
lightest touch is needed to rotate the objects within the cell using the rose
engine turned aluminum rotator that is made and anodized by the Knapp’s. The final touch
is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the grain in the
wood. Each “Kazaam” is individually signed, numbered and dated by the Knapp’s.
“Kazaam” is 2 ¼” by 7 ½” and is available in a bright image or a pastel image.
Availability of woods varies with supply.
 
“Symbioptic” -
a limited edition of 11 -- 2007
Together Randy and Shelley Knapp have combined their lampworking techniques to
create a fresh new look for the image of this kaleidoscope, “Symbioptic”. Each
piece of hand lampworked imported Italian glass is a sculpture in its self. The
light dances across the textured surface of the glass creating multiple hues of
color against a black background. The fluid filled object cell is larger than
their average handheld kaleidoscope and is comparable in size to some of their
parlor kaleidoscopes. The result is a large image with a lot of variety that is
most enjoyable. Only the lightest touch is needed to rotate the objects within
the cell using the rose engine turned aluminum rotator that is made with the use
of an ornamental lathe and anodized by the Knapp’s. “Symbioptic” has a tapered two mirror
system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced
mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp
and clear. The body of the kaleidoscope is turned
by Randy out of highly figured domestic and imported exotic woods. The final
touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the grain
in the wood. It measures 3” by 7 ½” and comes with a walnut display
base. The Knapp’s have created 6 bright images and 5 pastels images for this
limited edition. The bright and pastels object cells have different rose engine
patterns cut on them.
 
  
Limited Edition of 4 -- Hand Held kaleidoscope -- 2007
One kaleidoscope is made from Myrtle wood barrel with a blackwood eye piece. The
other 3 are Maple wood barrel with Pao Ferro eye piece. 2 kaleidoscopes
have pastel images and 2 have bright images. They have a 6 pointed mirror
system. They have a thin section ballbearing fit into the rotator.
The barrels are finished with 3 coats of hand rubbed tung oil.
Sprout - a Sapling of a Kaleidoscope --2006
The body of "Sprout" is turned
on Randy's hand built Rose Engine Ornamental Lathe and is decorated with rose
engine patterns as is the acrylic object cell. The fluid filled object cell
contains individually hand lamped worked colored glass pieces by Shelley Knapp.
On the top of the object cell there is a clear window where you can peer inside
and see Shelley's lamp worked pieces. This is almost as much fun as looking at
the image inside the kaleidoscope from the other end. By simply rotating the
kaleidoscope in your hand the colored glass pieces float about in the fluid,
creating an unlimited array of beautiful images. "Sprout" has a 2 mirror system
which produces a 4 pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is
used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear. "Sprout" is a sapling of a
kaleidoscope and measures 1 3/4" by 3 1/4". It was
available in a bright image
or a pastel image. It will grow on you.
Randy Ray Skin -- 2006
The body of “Randy Ray
Skin” is covered in Stingray leather. It has a two mirror system which produces
a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in
conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear. The fluid filled
object cells contains “Lucini’s” and “Stringerinies”, which are individually
lamped worked by Shelley along with some of her more traditional pieces. Each
“Lucini” and “Stringerinie” is a sculpture in its self. The hand lamp worked
glass is confined within a rose engine ornamented object cell with a black back
ground. The rotator is air craft quality aluminum with a rose engine pattern
cut into. The anodized finish complements the color of the body of the
kaleidoscope. “Randy Ray Skin” is
signed and numbered by the artist and was available in a bright image or a pastel
image. The kaleidoscope is 2 ½” wide by 7 ½” tall.
“Jeremiah” Bull Frog --
2006
This kaleidoscope has a two mirror
system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced
mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp
and clear. The side lighted,
fluid filled object chamber highlights the individually lamped worked dichroic
glass along with some of Shelley’s signature pieces called “Stringerinies”. A
“Stringerinie” is made with a lampworking technique that she developed in the
early 1990’s. This image was inspired by a kaleidoscope that Randy and Shelley
did back then called “TwiLight”. It was the first black background scope they
did and was a huge success. Dichroic glass has advanced considerably since then
so Shelley was excited to see what she could create with the advanced technology
of the dichroic glass. The hand lamp worked glass is confined within a rose
engine ornamented object cell with a black background. The rotator is air craft
quality aluminum with a rose engine pattern cut into. The anodized finish
complements the color of the body of the kaleidoscope. “Jeremiah” is signed and
numbered by the artist. The kaleidoscope is 2 ½” wide by 7 ½” tall.
"Guitar Ray" - 2006
The body of this
kaleidoscope is cover in Guitar Ray leather. It has a two mirror system which
produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is used
in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear.
The fluid filled
object cell contains “Lucini’s”, which are individually lamped worked by Shelley
along with some of her more traditional pieces. The hand lamp worked glass is
confined within a rose engine ornamented object cell with a black back ground.
The rotator is air craft quality aluminum with a rose engine pattern cut into.
The anodized finish complements the color of the body of the kaleidoscope.
This kaleidoscope
is signed by the artist and is available in a bright image or a pastel image.
The kaleidoscope is 2 ½” wide by 7 ½” tall.
"Black and White Lizard" -- 2006
The body of this
kaleidoscope is cover in Black and White Lizard leather. It has a two mirror
system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced
mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp
and clear.
Shelley's inspiration for this image was from 3 Black, White and Red quilts that
she has made. The fluid filled object cell contains only black, white and red
glass. The hand lamp worked glass is confined within a rose engine ornamented
object cell with a black back ground. The rotator is air craft quality aluminum
with a rose engine pattern cut into. The anodized finish complements the color
of the body of the kaleidoscope. The kaleidoscope
is signed by the artist and is 2 ½” wide by 7 ½” tall.
"Randy Ray Skin" -- 2006 -- Opened Numbered Edition
of 41
The body of this scope is cover in Stingray leather. It has a clear background with ornamentation. Fluid Filled cell. 2 mirror
system producing a 6 pointed star. Available with crowning or without
crowning.
"OPS" - Ornamental Parlor Scope -- 2005
Open Numbered Edition -- Total of 5 in the series. 2 mirror
system producing a 6 point star. Free Falling object cell with black background.
"OHS" - Ornamental Handheld Scope -- 2005 - 2006
Open Numbered Edition -- 37 in the series. 2 mirror system producing a 6 point
star. Free Falling object cell with black background.
For the Love of Color -- 2005
Right to Left -- Mezoptica,
Pastelation, Glowee, Internal Combustion
Anodized metal parts to match marbleized painted barrel, all 4
kaleidoscopes have a 6 pointed star. Mezoptica & Pastelation have a fluid cell.
Glowee & Internal Combustion have a dry cell
Integration -- 2000 to 2005
Images --- Pastel, Bright, Prism,
SeaShora , black backgrounds, fluid cells, 6 pointed star
 
 
Butterfly Morning -- One of a Kind --- 2004
Figured Maple wood, Pastel image with white
background, dry cell, 6 pointed star
First Dawn --- Limited Edition of 8 --- March 2004
Figured Maple wood, Pastel image with white background, dry cell, 6 pointed star
GizGo -- One of a Kind -- 2004
Bocote Wood with gold anodizing aluminum, red & orange image,
black background, dry cell, 6 pointed star
Fruit of the Forest --- Open Numbered Edition
-- Started in 2003
Dissection Erection -- One of a Kind ---
2003
 
Shockitoo -- One of a Kind --- 2003
She Plays With Fire --- Limited Edition of 27
--- 1994
Box Elder and Wenge wood, Bright image with Lucinis, black background, fluid
cell, 5 pointed star
Box Elder Boogie -- One of a Kind -- 1993
Box Elder Burl, Bright image with black background, fluid cell, 8 pointed star
Amboyna Baby -- One of a Kind -- 1993
Amboyna, Wenge and satin wood, Bright image with black background, fluid cell, 8
pointed star
Pair - A - Scopes -- Limited Edition of 2 --
1993
This scope is a collaboration with Dave & Sherry Moser when they visited
our studio in 1993. Madrone and Box Elder wood, Pastel image with the first use
of Dichroic Filters, black background, fluid cell, 5 pointed star
Gizmo -- 1993
Box Elder burl base, Madrone and Wenge wood, Bright image with black background,
fluid cell, 3 equal lateral mirror system
Dream Quest -- Limited Edition of 100 --
1992
Walnut wood with anodized aluminum, Bright image with black background, fluid
cell, 6 pointed star
Vorticulation -- Limited Edition of 30
-- 1991
Wenge and Maple wood, Bright image, Donut object cell, fluid filled, 5 pointed
Vortex mirror system
TwiLight -- Limited Edition of 60 --
1991
Walnut wood, bright image with black background, fluid cell, 5 pointed star.
First parlor kaleidoscope to have the black background.
Cloud 9 -- Limited Edition of 50 -- 1990
Walnut and Elm Burl wood, Bright image with Stringerinies, white background,
fluid cell, 5 pointed star
Talon -- Limited Edition of 25 --- 1990
Bubinga and Walnut wood, Bright image with a rainbow dichroic filter for
the background, fluid cell, 5 pointed star double infinite.
Falling Star -- 1989
Myrtle Burl wood, pastel image, dry cell with rainbow dichroic filter for the
background, 5 pointed star
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