My final project focused on the manipulation of caustic images. Much of my early experimentation was focused on the use of color and light, so I was always interested in reintroducing color into this project. My first experiments were with the form and the way these images could be created. The most successful being a conic form which created spiral images when light was shone through the larger opening. From there I began experimenting with materiality and came to use a metallic paper with gold on one side and silver on the other. I found some of the more opaque materials to be less successful with this phenomenon. The creation of these caustic images was definitely dependent on the material being translucent.
My final project was a scaled up cone with the light source concealed within the base. It was effective in creating larger, more impressionable images. I feel the way I concealed the source within the base prevented the light from playing on the outside of the cone, diminishing its interest. Also, based on the feedback from the reviewers, I think it would be interesting to find a way to make the tightness of the cone dynamic for the user, almost like a kaleidoscope. I also find the application of a light tube interesting, and definitely a potential use for this project.
