I've compiled a list of common questions so you can learn a bit more about my artwork and my process for creating it!

 

Q:  Do you make your artwork yourself?

A:  Yes, I perform each step in the process myself.

 

Q:  What material is the artwork made from?

A:  The designs are printed on a premium weight photo paper.

 

Q:  What do you use to separate each layer and create dimension?

A:  I use double sided sticky foam pieces.  They are like the ones used in scrapbooking, but I use an industrial version with a stronger adhesive.

 

Q:  Are they laser cut?

A:  NO!  I cut everything by hand with scissors!

 

Q:  What do you cut with?

A:  I use Fiskars scissors that have straight handles (no thumb and finger holes) with a spring between them.  They look a lot like garden shears made by Fiskars.  They are technically sewing scissors, but they work great on paper!

 

Q:  Where do you get the original photos?

A:  I have taken the majority of the photos that I use, but I have sourced a few from friends and family when I get requests for a certain location where I have not yet been.  I often try to do some local pieces specific to the cities where I have shows.  I take some of these photos and source the rest online.  I am very careful with copyright laws when I do this.

 

Q:  Do you do custom work?

A: I start the process by having you email me a few photos.  Because of the need for a strong structural element, photos of people, pets or landscapes do not work well, but I can help you to select good photos for the occasion.  I create some design choices using the photos and email them back to you.    You then select the one you like best and I use it to create a unique KaleidEscapes piece of art.    

Custom pieces make great gifts for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, new homes, birthdays, or any other holiday or occasion.     They also are a unique way to capture memories of your travels and/or significant events in your life.      I’ve done custom pieces based on wedding venues, bridal bouquets, homes, boats, even a tractor!   I made three custom pieces for the re-imagined Coronado Hotel at Walt Disney World.  I haven't seen them in person, but they are in the main restaurant, in the hallway leading to the bathrooms!

Due to the custom nature of the work, there is an additional fee for custom work.

 

Q:  How did you come up with this idea?

A:  See my About page

 

Q:  How long does each piece take to make?

A:  I don't have a very good answer for that.  Partly because I don't really pay attention, but partly because I make them in stages.  When getting ready for a show, I will sit and cut for days and days, sometimes cutting the pieces for as many as 50-70 different finished pieces.  I then move on and assemble all of the pieces, and then frame.  Basically, I do things in the order of how much I like them.  I love cutting things apart, but putting them back to together?  Not so much!  And, I like framing the least, so I always leave it until the very end.

 

Q:  What countries have you visited?

A:  Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the Principality of Monaco, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and India.

 

Q:  Where else do you want to go?

A:  Everywhere!  There really isn't anywhere I wouldn't want to go.  I think my next trip will be to Morocco or Turkey.  I want to go somewhere to photograph and learn about middle eastern/Islamic tile patterns, and either place would be perfect for that!