“In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.”
– Aristotle
One of the premises of a mystery story I recently read suggested that a person can become invisible or unnoticed by others if they adopt a low-key demeanor and embody what others prefer not to see. How many people do we truly notice in a crowd or who might just be somewhere along our route? Do we pay attention to all the wait staff rushing about at a party or in a restaurant? I believe that the homeless, the poor, and the oppressed have been aware of this phenomenon—whether intentionally or unintentionally—for quite some time. I observed this dynamic nearly every day at a local homeless shelter. For some individuals, being unseen leads to feelings of anger, while for others, it provides a sense of safety and security. And that’s people, imagine how much else falls into our invisible zone.
It’s impossible to notice everything in our surroundings; doing so would overwhelm our minds. However, I often wonder how much we overlook in our daily routines. When I take on the role of photographer, I’m making a conscious effort to notice and observe my environment. I look around and down, seeking out the details and hoping not to miss something unexpectedly interesting or unseen.
But, I don’t know how successful I am at being observant; we can’t know what we don’t see.