Spaces and people are most commonly defined by what they contain.
And yet, unappreciated or perhaps under-appreciated by us, the empty spaces that surround them are also defining them constantly - quietly, sharply and effectively.
A negative space, as defined by artists is the space around a subject, not the subject itself that forms an interesting shape, in turn becoming the "real" subject of the image. The concept of negative space has been used effectively in many optical illusions, images and visual tricks; from Rubin's vase to the Japanese gardens - so much so that it is considered a key element of artistic composition.
Most of us, tend to define our lives by who we are, what we have and what we can bring to our lives through hard work, planning and dedicated effort. And yet, I now realize that we also allow ourselves to be defined (especially by others) by the negative spaces around us - by what we lack and what we cannot have.
I now realize that despite my many attempts to focus on what is there, I have also allowed myself to be defined by what is not there. I have allowed others to define me by "my negative spaces". So much so, that there have been times when these dark, empty, 'negative-spaces' have threatened to swallow me intact or annihilate my very identity. Much like the Rubin's vase in some sense because once you see the faces, the vase is lost a little bit.
This is a note to myself and to others who have been on these roads - a reminder, to not just let the negative spaces define us; but instead to actually use them and find new meaning in life. The absence of one thing allows for the presence of something else. As we sculpt our lives, dreams and visions of our future, we need to visualize the negative spaces for what they bring to us, than for what they lack.
