The Development of a Symmetrical Welded-Sculpture Style, Leading to the Design and Construction of a Kaleidoscopic Projector

The author, a sculptor, discusses his works stimulated by a particular interest in four-fold rotational symmetry that has developed over a period of almost two decades. His wall sculptures, generally circular, are constructed by welding together thousands of short pieces of bronze rod, an extremely time-consuming process.

After constructing a number of pieces, he felt a need to have a way to produce initial designs in less time. Eventually, he collaborated with two physicist colleagues in designing and constructing the Symmetricon kaleidoscopic projector. The main purpose of the device is to produce with ease numerous images having four-fold symmetry, any of which can be photographed for possible use, for example, in the design of his wall sculptures and other welded artworks.