For the last several years, Phil Lewenthal concentrated on a project photographing the interplay of the elements on California’s north coast. In recent months, a spontaneous and even chaotic urban project has emerged (perhaps not coincidentally) as he engaged with the Elemental practice groups.

When suggested, the title, Thin Air, seemed to appear out of thin air. It had not occurred to me. I had to look it up—and found, to my sheer delight, “disappear / vanish into thin air / idiom: to appear or disappear completely in a way that is mysterious.” So. Perfect. For where I’m at as eye express and document my aging out of aliveness in this way, with these selected images.