Create your own biomorphic fresnel lens suncatcher

Jess Holz creates artworks which give the viewer a peek into invisible worlds, as well as a chance to reflect on the influence of scientific visual culture on our collective imagination. She has recently recieved an MFA in Art+Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; previously she has worked in several labs, gaining valuable technical experience with a number of microscopic imaging techniques. The discrepancy between what can be perceived by eye and what is imaged has fostered her fascination with perceptual systems along with the optical properties of materials. Jess actively exploits this in photography and installation.

This class is for anyone interested in light art, biology, and/or laser cutting. In this class we will create stunning suncatchers made out of flat lenses that refract light and distort one another, changing appearance as you move around them.

Fresnel lenses were first used in lighthouses, they focus light via concentric rings of material rather than a curved surface. This allows them to be large and flat.

We will spend some time researching biological illustrations for inspiration, then patiently trace these designs for our suncatchers in CorelDraw software.

Using 8x10 inch flat acrylic fresnel lenses as our stock material, we will cut and engrave our designs using the laser cutter, then glue the engraved pieces together, to create a layered effect that refracts light. In the end you will go home with your very own biologically inspired lens art. Please note, these are lenses that focus light, so please do not hang them in direct sunlight (it is safe to hang them in North/South facing window, for instance). Jess has previously created mulitmedia installations using this laser cut fresnel process (https://holocenter.org/edge-of-light-artists/jess-holz-borderlands), this workshop will share Jess’s unique process and give an introduction on how to to use light as an artistic medium.

The materials fee for this class is $25. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash, check payments, or through Venmo or Paypal.

-Students will receive an introduction to light and optics in art.

-Students will learn how fresnel lenses work and how they are made.

-Students will research the diverse world of intricate biological forms to find something that interests and inspires them.

-Students will learn how to trace and create laser cutter ready files in CorelDraw software.

-Students will learn practical design considerations for laser cutting.

-Students will learn how to join their laser cut lens creations together in layers using a modified rivet process with glue.

-Students will leave with their own a lens art object.

The materials fee covers three 8x10 acrylic fresnel lenses as stock material, as well as UV curing glue and suction cups for hanging in the window. Students will also need access to CorelDraw, which can be downloaded to their laptop as a 15-day free trial.

Bring a laptop and pen and paper.

Prior to arriving please install a free trial of CorelDraw. You may use Adobe illustrator or CAD software to trace images if you have knowledge of those tools, but please install CorelDraw if you haven't designed vector graphics before.

Students must be 18 years old or older.

All skill levels are welcome

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Artisan's Asylum, 96 Holton Street, Boston, United States