A few months ago I began tinkering in my studio with abstracts created from the interplay of sunlight and liquid. Like making abstracts featuring subject matter in the natural world, it's a great creative exercise. However, these are quite different in that I have complete control over the objects and, because I'm working indoors, Mother Nature isn't calling the shots.

While the basic building blocks for each image are the same, the possibilities are nearly limitless depending on which specific components are chosen and how they're combined (such as the shapes and characteristics of the vessels, which colors and color combinations are used, and whether the light is soft versus hard).

What one might "see" in the finished images is also limited only by the imagination: it could be the surface of an otherworldly planet or the sun setting at the ocean's shore. A kaleidoscopic flower, a skyscraper, or a waterfall.

The simplicity of the setup might surprise you. There is no strobe or artificial light of any kind. The camera is hand held. To date, I've used only a single lens (56mm LensBaby Velvet). The subjects are arranged within a very small area - roughly six square feet or less. As for post processing, it's bare bones; these images essentially come straight out of the camera. Sometimes the orientation is shifted or there's some cropping, but that's about it.

I've shot hundreds of these but am selective about which make the final cut. Currently I'm developing pairs and triptychs based on similar color palettes. When I return from working in the field, I'm right back to my weird and wonderful colors.

I've included a few images from the series along with this post. What do you see?