Close Encounters

The difference between an “encounter” and a “close encounter” may be subtle. For me, a close encounter usually means either feeling like I’m part of the scene or being closer to the person, place or thing, maybe getting ready to chat with someone.

Sometimes close, but just observing.

Sometimes really close, but no chatting!

Being close to or part of the action can be scary, like crossing a street in Hanoi.

Or it can take me by surprise and make me chuckle.

When the light is just right and I am close to something inside or outside there is a moment in time when something special happens.

Getting close makes me more aware of shapes, textures and colors.

Art, especially sculpture, can alter one’s perception the closer one gets. Size and scale change. Color perception changes.

I can be inside, close to a window, and get a sense of what’s outside.

Or, I can move close to something outside that is striking in its own right.

Sometimes there’s a barrier, so almost close is close enough.

Here are the Close Encounters photos you sent me.

Thank you for sharing. I hope you continue to look “closely.”