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The Periscope | Optical Gadgets
Project type
Optical Gadgets
Project description
Since the dawn of humanity, we have been driven to discover.
What we perceive is never complete, never absolute. In a world where nothing is fixed and everything is in constant motion, there are endless possibilities for new discoveries.
Through a collection of optical gadgets made from glass, I aim to reveal what normally remains invisible to the human eye. These objects function as tools that invite us to observe both ourselves and our surroundings in unfamiliar ways - allowing us to rediscover and revalue what we see.
Glass has always held profound importance for humanity because of its unique ability to refract and reflect light. By observing these objects from different angles, a variety of physical phenomena emerge and become visible. This shifting perspective opens the door to new ways of seeing, and new ways of being - if you will.
Date
2018
Partner
LIS - Bio Science Park, Leiden
THE PERISCOPE
When I was a child, I used to make periscopes out of empty milk cartons and small mirrors. They were simple objects, yet to me they felt like magical instruments. I still remember the sense of wonder when, through a homemade viewing tube, I could suddenly look around a corner or see above the edge of a table without being seen myself. It felt as if the world revealed itself to me in a different way.
I turned it into a game. I hid behind couches, crouched in corners of the house, and searched for new perspectives. Out of pure curiosity. The Periscope became an extension of my imagination, an invitation to look beyond what was immediately visible.
What moves me now is the realization that this childlike joy never truly disappeared. The fascination with observing, discovering, and being amazed is still alive within me. It has simply taken on a different form over time.
This design, the Periscope made of glass, feels like an ode to that childlike way of seeing. For me, glass is not only a material, but also a symbol of openness, vulnerability and transparency. While the traditional periscope was designed to look without being seen, I wanted to create an object that invites conscious observation: clear, attentive and open-hearted.
The Periscope is about preserving an open view of the world. It invites you to cherish curiosity as a vital force.
