The kind of improv that I'm particularly addicted to is the kind that... aims at creating a momentary, fragmentary experience that has a totality to it. It's kind of like fireworks. It's the more ephemeral of art forms - once it's gone, it's gone, baby.

In this quote, Del Close reflects on his deep appreciation for a particular style of improv—one that creates a momentary, fragmentary experience with a sense of totality or completeness in its brief existence. For Close, the joy of improv lies in its ephemeral nature, much like fireworks, which are visually stunning but last only for a short time. He emphasizes that this fleeting quality is what makes the experience so special; once the moment is gone, it cannot be recaptured, making it all the more precious.

Close highlights the ephemeral nature of improv as a defining characteristic of the art form. Unlike traditional performances or works of art that can be revisited or replayed, improv exists only in the present moment. The thrill of it lies in its spontaneity—the ability to create something meaningful and engaging on the spot, without any pre-planning or rehearsal. This momentary nature means that the experience is unique, and its impact is felt in the now, intensifying its significance.

He also draws a comparison between improv and fireworks, which are beautiful and awe-inspiring but gone almost as soon as they appear. This metaphor underscores the transitory beauty of the art form, where the satisfaction comes not from permanence or repetition, but from the intense, fleeting energy of the moment. The comparison suggests that while improv may be short-lived, it carries with it a powerful emotional impact, much like the sudden explosion of light and color in the sky.

Ultimately, Close's quote reveals his appreciation for the impermanence of improv and how it mirrors the unpredictability and excitement of life itself. He embraces the idea that the temporary nature of a performance—once it's gone, it's gone—adds to its beauty and value, reminding us to cherish the moments of creativity and spontaneity before they disappear.