Light magic

Like most of us, Colin Cranmer is a walking contradiction.

He's equal parts organized and wildly creative.

For example, when it comes to his art, which he calls "devices of weirdness," he takes great care to etch out where the paint's going and uses a razor to carve out the designs.

But when he gets down to painting, he's not reaching for a brush -- he's using his bare hands.

And rather than canvas, he creates his works on Plexiglas, a surface he says is more freeing.

"I'm not a fan of canvas," he said.

During the day, Cranmer, of Elgin, works as the assistant director of youth services at the Elgin YWCA -- a job he's held for nine years.

In his spare time, the 30-year-old creates works of art out of the Plexiglas and acrylic paint, installing a 40-watt-bulb to illuminate the designs. All his work is done either in his basement or in his backyard.

As the final touch, Cranmer spray-paints the backs of all his works so you won't see the light bulb.

First, there's the large-scale yellow smoke-breathing dragon inspired by the movie "Aragon," which is spread across 12 separate panels of Plexiglas.

And there's another piece, "Alice's Orchid," with maroon and white swirls radiating out from the center.

His wife, Shay, named it, after saying it would have fit in perfectly with the characters in "Alice in Wonderland."

"It's kinda trippy and funky," Cranmer explained.

A selection of his works is now on display at the Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St., through Halloween.

For more information or pricing details, call (847) 741œ0349.