kaleidoscope photography
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The Process
My first thought was to build some type of kaleidoscope that I could attach to the end of my camera lens and basically take kaleidoscopic photographs right off the camera. I soon discovered that this presented quite a few technical hurdles and began researching other possibilities. Having an extensive background in the use of photoshop, I was able to quickly learn techniques for transforming a traditional photograph into a kaleidoscopic photograph. For a detailed explanation of how this is done, click here.
The second part of my process is the presentation. Finding a way to display an image that has an irregular shape was a challenge. For that, I turned to my woodworking experience. I first developed a love of woodworking in college. My fourth year design studio was a furniture studio where we not only designed our pieces, but had to construct them in the woodshop. A lot of what I learned there goes into my art. When confronted with the dilemma of how to frame hexagonal and octagonal shaped photographs, I decided the most liberating option was to build them myself. To that end, I developed a couple of different styles for displaying my work. Details of these can be seen on my "pricing" page here.
Biography
Russel Bash is a fine art photographer best known for his work in which he digitally manipulates images to simulate the effects of a kaleidoscope. This technique produces geometric works of art in which the original subject matter is often difficult to recognize, challenging the viewer to decipher what it is they are seeing. He believes everything from trees, to bookshelves, to machinery, embodies artistic potential. “When mirrored, typical objects reveal a unique array of patterns, colors, and geometries that we overlook in our daily experience of them. Seeing them in a different way allows us to appreciate their subtle beauty.”
In 2004, Russel graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and worked for five years as an intern architect before shifting his focus to fine art. His geometric style is evidence of the impact that experience has had on his work. In addition, he designs and builds the hardwood frames for his pieces that can range anywhere from simple squares, to hexagons and octagons. “I believe that presentation is as vital to the success of a piece as the piece itself.”
Russel now lives in his hometown of Paducah, KY, with his wife and daughter, where he works from home, crafting his skills as a photographer.
Artist's Statement
Watching the colors slowly morph and transform through my parent's old oil kaleidoscope always fascinated me as a child. I could get lost in the magical world of light and color contained inside it's tiny mirrored hallway. It was a world of infinite possibility, and a never ending source of dazzling geometry.
My childhood fascination with the kaleidoscope has never left me. As soon as my daughter was old enough, I bought her a kaleidoscope so she could discover it's secrets for herself. It was a quiet day, sitting in her toy room with her, looking through that kaleidoscope that the thought first occurred to me, "What would the world look like if it were seen through a kaleidoscope?" and I have been pursuing that thought ever since.
Through my photography, I attempt to recreate the sense of wonder and magic I remember as a child, using natural and man-made objects as my subjects. Color and pattern play a vital role in my work, as I strive to create images that evoke a feeling of balance and harmony.
Exhibitions
August, 2016 - Art Through the Lens - Yeiser Art Center
October, 2017 - Art Through the Lens - Yeiser Art Center
February, 2018 - Artist of the Month - Art Guild of Paducah
May, 2018 - Dogwood Art Festival - Paducah School of Art
July - December, 2018 - Artist's Showcase - Discovery Park of America, Union City TN
September, 2018 - Featured Artist - Freight House
September - December, 2018 - Room Display - Hotel 1857
October, 2018 - Artist of the Month - Art Guild of Paducah
December, 2018 - The Miracle and Mystery of Christmas Art Exhibition - Immanuel Baptist Church
January - March 2019 - Featured Artist - Tribeca
April - May, 2019 - Featured Artist - Freight House
December - January, 2019 - Featured Artist - Etc. Coffeehouse
December, 2019 - The Miracle and Mystery of Christmas Art Exhibition - Immanuel Baptist Church
February - March, 2020 - Featured Artist - Honeymoon Cafe, Evansville
April - May, 2020 - Featured Artist - Piper's Coffee (canceled due to Covid)
November, 2020 - February, 2021 - Featured Artist - Freight House
January - February, 2021 - Co-featured Artist - Hotel 1857
June - July, 2021 - Featured Artist - Nutrition Zone
August, 2021 - Featured Artist - Piper's Coffee
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Education
2004 - University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Architecture; Fine Art Minor
The "woodshop" (above) Discovery Park exhibition under construction (right)