Judith Paul personifies individuality in her work as well as her lifestyle. Before "kaleidoscope addiction" consumed Judith, she was an art conservator specializing in the restoration of antique paintings and icons. It was her complete absorption with scopes that led to her first design, a collaboration with award-winning scope artist Sherry Moser. Their "Monet Garden" (a limited edition of one hundred) won both the Brewster Society Award for Creative Ingenuity and a People's Choice Award.

After this immediate success it didn't take long for Judith to convince husband Tom Durden, recently retired from United Airlines, to be an active partner in making kaleidoscopes. Long a craft enthusiast, with considerable experience in ceramics and fused glass, Tom patiently studied mirror cutting from many of the masters in the field. With perseverance, determination, and a tireless pursuit of excellence, Tom soon developed an expertise that ranks his optics along with the best.

A keen eye for detail and a passion for perfection, along with her background as a studio photographer, ceramist, fabric designer, and glass artist, puts Judith in charge of the company's ideas and designs. As soon as Judith plans one theme she is busy with a new one. And each one sizzles with personality. "Kaleidoscopes seem to me to be one of the few participatory art forms." Judith explains, "I design and supply beautiful objects, balancing line, form, color, and texture, then ask the viewers to turn and tumble them into ever-changing images that please and surprise. Together we all create the beauty." Designing and making their own kaleidoscopes (under the trade name of Images) does not diminish Judith's enthusiasm for collecting the work of others. In her own words, "Collecting as well as designing are both a joy and a discipline."

You can find examples of their kaleidoscopes, as well as galleries which carry them, at www.kaleidoimages.com.