Open Your Eyes

Open your eyes to what's around you. Experience, feel, learn, engage, be present.

Thomas Iser

This photo of my friend Thomas both intrigues and frustrates me. I'm intrigued by the fact that there stands a half naked beautiful man covered in black body paint posed in the middle of a bustling street in Tokyo, yet no one is looking. It frustrates and saddens me to see the faces of the people passing by appear to be disinterested and disconnected. Do they simple lack curiosity? Are they fearful, are they that disconnected, uncaring or simply afraid? It boggles the mind. For someone who can't take a step without documenting a moment, taking a photo or memorizing + internalizing an experience, it is simply too difficult for me to comprehend. Knowing Thomas and how positive he is from conversations we've had, I'm sure he met and connected with many nice people who were interested, just not seen here on the faces or in the eyes of these people as represented in this one snapshot. This photograph appears to be staged, and everyone in the background, simply actors playing a part. 

Keep up the good work Thomas. Keep inspiring and connecting the world through your art and your heart.

“Show Up, Engage, Be Present.

Open your eyes to what surrounds you. Take in the experience, feel your emotions, and connect.

Debbi DiMaggio, Foundation 4 Success”