have you heard of a song called The Space Between by Dave Matthews? (http://www.lyricsondemand.com/d/davematthewsbandlyrics/thespacebetweenlyrics.html)
heard it today while jogging and thought of you…a different take on the topic you’ve been interested in.

Also of interest, a photographic online exhibit, another take on The Space Between two people, using only one subject….http://mocoloco.com/art/archives/004296.php
The artist’s website can be found at http://www.kelliconnell.com/.

cheers, and see you soon!

You mention in your most recent post “the space between” that arises in our conversations, dialogue, etc., “the interaction between us and our contexts and what goes on between that we can’t see.”

This concept reminds me of what we call, in graphic design, negative space, or – a term I much prefer in view of its more positive connotations – white space. And in attempting to formulate a visual representation of your thoughts, I thought it offers quite a useful metaphor.

The definition of white space: also know as ‘negative space,’ the portions of a page left unmarked.

White space should not be considered merely ‘blank’ space - it is an important element of design which enables the objects in it to exist at all. The balance between positive (or none-white) and the use of negative spaces is key to aesthetic composition. White space is often used to create a balanced, harmonious layout. One that just “feels” right. It can also take the reader on a journey through the design in the same way a photographer leaves “looking room” in a portrait shot by positioning the subject off the center of the frame and having them looking into the remaining space. When white space is used to lead a reader from one element to another, it’s called “active white space.”

(A great example of active white space – the FedEx logo. Take a careful look, and you’ll find a subliminal white arrow between the E and the X. It’s an intelligent and thrilling use of white space that fits perfectly into their whole branding).

A note on white space: There is a tendency, especially on the web, to fill every single corner with text. But the funny thing is, most of us have been taught since elementary school to use white space. Remember how your teachers would always insist that you draw a 1.5″ margin on the left hand side of every page? They drilled it into our minds, until it became a habit that I have been unable to break, even to this day.

But why is white space so important? Part of the reason is psychological, and part of it is physical: the text needs room to breathe. When text crowds all the way to the edge, it leaves us feeling crowded and cramped. Long passages of text, written edge to edge can actually tire the eyes. White space (which can actually be any color you want it to be, devoid of text) also provides great contrast. It draws the reader in, and enhances their reading experience.

So, on the space between: Just as in graphic design, there is a lot we can do with, and learn from, the space between in life. What we choose not to say, for example, is just as important as what we do. What we don’t know, what we will know, what we want to know is just as important as what we do know. Also, listening – much like white space – often gives us a new perspective on the context of things, the dialogue, etc.

Thoughts?

Nice pictures in your most recent post. I can’t quite figure out whether the ballet one is time-lapse or not (kind of hope it’s not ;). You might like this picture - the bottom one (though the top is good too) - of falling paper in a time lapse sequence…

http://martha.mannlib.cornell.edu/charts/?p=97

The simplicity of it appeals to me, it shows something turbulent and complex with elegance. And your post talks about Buber in your recent post: I read a quote from him this very morning that rocked me…

“The world is not comprehensible, but it is embraceable: through the embracing of one of its beings.”

I think I’m a quote-aholic :)

…Kenn