To many of us, the night sky is a source of inspiration, peace, calm. We gaze up at the stars, comforted by their beautiful glow, soothed by the fact that they're so, so far away. That last thought remains hidden behind the curtains of subconscious, of course... Whatever threats or horrors exist on countless planets orbiting countless stars in our universe, they're made benign by distance.

We live on our little planet, our ideal bubble, padded on all sides by the vastness and incomprehensible distances of space. I think this fact eases us all, decreasing our collective anxiety and allowing us to focus on more pressing issues like parking meters and grizzly bears. But what if, by some miracle of technology, this distance were made irrelevant? If we could boldly go elsewhere, or if visitors could come here instantly? Well... Let's just say that life would be anything but tranquil.

This panorama shot means a lot to me; it was one of the few times my father came with me on a nighttime photographic adventure. We were staying in Canmore, and we'd both read about grizzly bears in the area, so he insisted that he come out with me that night for the quarter mile hike to this spot. You know, to keep me safe.

I happily accepted, and he got to see me in my element, snapping long exposures of the stars above an impressive mountain range.

Artist: Steve Walasavage
Series: Non-Fungible Travels
Collection: SuperRare
Edition: 1/1 NFT

Extended Editorial License: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.