‘Moon Phases,’ Brooklyn, New York, 2019

CYCLES by J. Ryan Ulsh

There is nothing new under the sun; an emphasis on ‘cycles’ means that everything will come around again. But that still leaves time and opportunity to note things that are truly special, that truly matter. The total solar eclipse in the summer of 2017 was like that for me. I drove to Irmo, South Carolina with my parents to witness the eclipse in its full totality. I will never forget watching the moon completely cover the sun as the temperature shifted from humid to cool and my sense of time slowly dissipated. It was eerie. Surreal. Beautiful — like someone had softly dimmed the lights in the middle of a hot summer afternoon. The sounds of the day quickly became sounds of the night. I lost sense of reality and realized I am such a small, yet purposeful part of the universe.

I want CYCLES to ignite questions, spread awareness, and open imaginations. Trust the universe and the gift of time and space. Know that there may be more than what meets the eye. See and find your own truths and understand that everything is connected. Show respect for the earth and appreciate its infinite beauty.

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