Deborah Bay takes close up photographs of bullet holes. Yet far from looking like evidence or documentation, her macro-photography captures abstract forms that resemble the Milky Way or fractured gems. Her collection, dubbed "The Big Bang," examines the tension between the destructive nature of weaponry and their fragile beauty.

The Houston-based artist was fascinated with weapons and their pervasive role in our culture. This is not surprising, seeing as the Texas Department of Public Safety issued over 100,000 concealed handgun licenses in 2010 alone. Bay photographed sheets of plexiglass that were shot at by law enforcement professionals at Public Safety Institute at Houston Community College.

The results are hypnotic visions of pure energy, color and light. As Bay says on her website: "Many of the images resemble exploding galaxies, and visions of intergalactic bling sublimate the horror of bullets meeting muscle and bone." Furthermore, Bay alludes to the relationship between gun and camera, both aiming at a target and shooting.

Did you ever think bullets could be so beautiful? Check out Bay's stunning images below and let us know.

PHOTO GALLERY the big bang