The Space Between is inspired by the Japanese concept of Ma. The vibrant potential of the space in-between is perhaps even more important than the objects themselves. This sculptural piece animates and honors that invisible essence.

Ma is highly appreciated and valued in every aspect of Japanese daily life, not only in art, gardens, architecture and music. Music exists with the silent intervals between the notes. Ma means space, emptiness, pause, distance, silence. The spaciousness of Ma makes room for limitless intangible energy, where contemplation, intuition, feeling, freedom, meaning and possibility can reside. The kanji character for Ma combines the character for gate and the character for sun; it is depicting a door that is open enough to let light thru the crevice where it beams bright, between the edges.

In Japanese culture there is plenty of Ma in everyday conversation. This clearly contrasts with American culture where a long pause in a conversation would most likely be uncomfortable. Our consumer culture is all about accumulation, commodification and there is a strong cultural value to be hyper productive, to fill every moment. This past year of pandemic shutdown has certainly challenged many of us to review the impact of our cultural pace and spaces. Instead of just going back to normal, there is so much to learn from Japan Ma wisdom.