In honour of American Artist Appreciation Month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most visionary artists to collaborate with MOVA: Dick Termes, creator of the Termesphere MOVA Globes. As the first artist to partner with MOVA on an original design, Dick redefined what a globe could be—transforming it from a scientific object into a dynamic work of art.
Influenced by M.C. Escher’s intricate geometry and Buckminster Fuller’s architectural thinking, Dick’s work explores immersive, 360-degree environments. His Termespheres invite viewers into multi-dimensional spaces where perspective and motion merge into a single experience.
How did you get into painting?
Dick began painting in high school and quickly realised it was his most powerful form of self-expression. From that point on, art became both a passion and a lifelong pursuit.
What is 6-point perspective?
Driven by a desire to create complete environments, Dick moved beyond the limitations of flat canvases and developed his signature 6-point perspective system.
This approach maps perspective lines to six directions—north, south, east, west, above, and below—on a spherical surface. The result is a fully immersive visual space that wraps around the viewer, perfectly suited to a globe format.
What inspired the “Fish Eye View” design?
The concept came from imagining the world through the perspective of a fish inside a bowl. Looking outward, the viewer experiences a fully enclosed environment—above, below, and all around—capturing a sense of total spatial awareness.
What inspired “From the Earth”?
This design was influenced by a piece of Southwestern pottery. One half of the sphere reflects the pottery’s decorative pattern, while the other transforms that same structure into a realistic environmental scene—blending abstraction with representation.
Why the Pantheon?
The Pantheon in Rome, with its iconic dome and architectural symmetry, was a natural fit for 6-point perspective. Its structure embodies a complete spatial environment—perfect for translation onto a spherical canvas.
Do you have a favourite piece?
With such a diverse body of work, Dick finds it difficult to choose just one. Instead, he keeps several favourites that reflect his different creative interests.
How did you begin working with MOVA?
Dick first encountered MOVA Globes at a conference in Atlanta. Recognising the synergy between his spherical art and MOVA’s rotating technology, a collaboration quickly followed.
As he puts it: “I needed motion, and MOVA needed spherical images.”
What does motion add to your art?
Movement has always been central to Dick’s work. Before MOVA, he used external motors to rotate his pieces. With MOVA’s hidden mechanism, that motion becomes seamless and almost magical—enhancing the immersive quality of each design.
What are you working on now?
Dick continues to explore new ideas through commissioned work, including projects inspired by Indra’s Net, an ancient Hindu concept, and a music-themed piece celebrating influential musicians.
Art in Motion
Dick Termes’ work reminds us that art doesn’t have to be static. Through innovation, perspective, and movement, his Termesphere designs transform globes into living, rotating worlds—inviting us to step back, rethink perspective, and experience art from every angle.
