The Space Between

One of the difficulties of space is that most people do much to get rid of it. A simple drive on the California freeways (okay, almost anywhere) is probably proof enough of this statement. There are those who are threatened by space and do all that they can to fill it up. A picture of my office/bedroom should suffice. I have books, nearly ten cases of them filled up – and I could use another. Granted, I only keep books I want, usually as references and some for pleasure. Some of this clutter is enforced: I must keep records for seven years for various aspects of our nation’s reference proof. There goes two filing cabinets. Most of them are kept out of fear that I’ll never see them again.

White space – the space between lines around margins and inside texts is an invaluable tool to the advertiser and marketer (of which I have some experience with). Consider the success of Google. I would argue (though I won’t here) that their success is largely based on their use of white space on their search engine.

White space is also what gives many comedians (the comic pause) and dramaticists (the dramatic pause) their strength. Andy Kaufman got this – and as a result, it made his career. When he, a simple phonograph, a 45 record graced the Tonight Show’s stage – there was nothing but space around him. That image alone was enough to bring a laugh. But space continued to rule the routine as he stood proud, played the record and posed as though he were going to lip-sync what was soon to be heard: the Mighty Mouse theme song. But Mighty Mouse, as it turns out, had only one line throughout the song that was used only a few times: Here I am to save the day! Kaufman’s contribution was white space brilliance. And very funny.

Groucho Marx (one of my personal heroes) likewise used white space by raising his eyebrows to great effect.

And, of course, The Beatles White Album did the same.

Why do these work so well (when not over done?). Because now the audience gets an opportunity to think. This is why film engages in a way that television cannot (the space between the frames). I’ve not taken the time to wonder at digital projection in the theatre but from what I’ve heard of IMAX digitization, I’d say it’s a minor fail. This is not to say that television doesn’t work, it just doesn’t engage; instead, television directs and impulses rather than activates and motivates.

Personal white space involves listening and receiving. It gives us more information to work with that goes beyond our experiences – we are able to synthesize more clearly and make better decisions regarding our relationships and environment. Personal white space – the space between – allows for a broader perspective.