My 4 Second Thrill Ride!

I light the fuse.

The sparks and flame hustle toward the distant artwork.

THE FIRST second my instinctive reaction is to jump back and brace myself for the explosion. I think, "Am I crazy?"

IN THE SECOND of those seconds, I feel the cool metal of my camera in my hand.  I realize I am aiming at the core of the piece.  I step forward. I lean in, focusing on the heart of the gunpowder. I move closer. I am committed.  Maybe I should be.

THREE:  The fuse rushes onward.  I continue to get closer, my finger on the trigger.

I feel anxiety.

I see: The uncertain art.

The sky.

Possibilities.

Change.

I am crazy.

FOUR: The camera fires!

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist.  He creates explosive pop art and blogs from The Blast Factory in Madison, WI and Bucktown, Chicago, IL.  Follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.