D.B. Kim

In the Waiting Line

Vogue Cafe, Tokyo; photo by D.B. Kim.

“Between the wish and the thing life lies waiting.” ~ Proverb

Like it or not, waiting is a part of traveling, and, let’s face it, a part of life. Over the years, while tackling such a necessary chore, I have developed the useful activity of painting visual vignettes: cropping out unwanted views and focusing on details that stir something in me. In this world, I find a silence, which is probably why people accuse me of snubbing them. I get lost in my own construction of patience.

Blue Lounge, Vals, Switzerland; photo by D.B. Kim.

As many of us must often do, I wait for friends, family, and colleagues—outside a movie theater, in a restaurant, at a museum, etc. It is natural for me to be punctual. Friends attribute this politeness to my Korean descent. I am not sure if most Koreans are punctual, but I am sure that tardiness exists everywhere with everyone.

Wherever I must wait, I always discover something from the given atmosphere—sights that often appear as ordinary. I squint my eyes and stare at walls, windows, furniture, fixtures, people, and, in general, just plain stuff. I visually crop and edit. I wait. I do it again.

Blue Lagoon restaurant, Iceland; photo by D.B. Kim.

At times, my views are inspiring and precious, but some remind me of what not to do. These are most important as well. Certainly my inspiration comes not only from beautiful sights, but also from unimaginative ones. Possibilities are endless, and it is up to me to gently, and sometimes hastily, interpret my surroundings as something significant and motivating.

Today, the following images are about interiors in which I have waited. Some are of notable structures, others from more ordinary spaces, such as restaurants, diners, and a cinema. I hope this slideshow will inspire you to create your own worlds while waiting.

Posted by D.B. Kim on January 30, 2009 | Comments (14)