Two Catalpa Leaves by Chipka

Photography • (none) • posted on Nov 13, 2008

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Description

Flags of Unreal Nations: #1 Agara The flag of Agara consists of an off-red background upon which are imposed two, upward-pointing Catalpa leaves. The flag was designed after the most ancient of Agaran ideals: raw and untamed passions, as exemplified by the red background, brought under rational control, as represented by the Catalpa leaves. In the most ancient mythologies of Agara, the self-created brother-gods (Tāü and Müé) caused a Catalpa tree to sprout from the primordial realm of Na, the chaos before order. When the gods planted the seeds of this magical tree, all other aspects of reality came into existence. Though 21st Century Agara boasts no official religion, its ancient, pagan symbols permeate nearly every aspect of symbolic Agaran life. It is for this reason that the Agaran language boasts two words for the term 'flag.' The first, Ençÿna (Ensign) is a reference to the literal flag of the nation. The second, viýzaż, often translated as (Visage) refers to the subjective face of the people. It is, perhaps, the viýzaż that stands as the most pervasive symbol of the Agaran Lands. Like the flag itself, it is composed of two overlapping Catalpa leaves against a ruddy background. Unlike the flag, however, it is used in a wider range of prosaic contexts. It is in this way that the personality of Agara continues—in Agaran popular belief—to shape and enhance the global personality at large. **** This is a slight photomaniplation of two leaves that were the intended lunch for the Golden Sickle bearded dragons. The colors of the leaves were enhanced slightly, and the background was tweaked in a few more obvious ways. As I looked at the image emerging on my screen, I was struck by the way in which it did, vaguely, resemble a flag, and so the idea of Agara sprang to mind. Other nations are likely to emerge in the future. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and hopefully everyone's week is heading towards an excellent weekend.

Comments (25)

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Janiss

3:38PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Very symbolic and creative Chip!

M2A

4:03PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Both punchy and soothing, a kind of sobriety i like. Very nice image.

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ladyraven23452

4:59PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

i like it.

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Fred255

5:09PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Very striking!

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claude19

5:16PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Beautiful story, with good ideas !!!

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Lunastar

5:42PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

I love the story. I can't wait for more.

L8RDAZE

7:11PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Your consistent use of RED tones in your photgraphic images intrigues me...looking back they all seem...connected. This image is simple, yet make a BOLD statement. I also enjoyed reading how one piece of artwork...brings out more of your creativity.

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beachzz

7:35PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Simple, strong and so stunning!!

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mbz2662

7:38PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

The contrast of color is very eye catching, and the leaves seem very 'lover-like' ... symbolic and bold is what keeps coming to my mind.

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MrsRatbag

7:41PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Unity in the face of chaos...the calm before the storm...I'm also fascinated by your creative processes! Beautiful image!

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photostar

10:31PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Excellent storyline surrounding the origin of the Agaranian flag.

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auntietk

11:01PM | Thu, 13 November 2008

Wowwwww ... what a phenomenal image!

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romanceworks

12:19AM | Fri, 14 November 2008

A most interesting and intense image. CC

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Rainbowgirl

12:22AM | Fri, 14 November 2008

Flags of unreal nations. Now, that's a fascinating idea and as always you need only a few words to bring into life a new unreal civilisation! The photo manipulation looks great, I love the contrasts of light and contrasts of colors.

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Meisiekind

7:52AM | Fri, 14 November 2008

Fantastic idea and brilliantly executed! :)

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marybelgium

10:36AM | Fri, 14 November 2008

great idea ! superbe !

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sema_fox

12:45PM | Fri, 14 November 2008

Creative!!!

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elisheba

2:20AM | Sat, 15 November 2008

This is a gorgeous image, the conrast between red and green here is sublime, and I like how you even add some more personnal inspiration into making this "the flag of Algara"... An instant favorite for me!

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mark.spooner

5:37AM | Sat, 15 November 2008

Nice work, like the composition and contrasting colours.

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NekhbetSun

7:30AM | Sat, 15 November 2008

I'm sure the dragons won't mind :o) ....good one Chip ! Hugs ~

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anahata.c

10:17PM | Sat, 15 November 2008

wish i could catch up on everything at once, but it's slow...still, what a place to come back to. You remind me a bit of Calvino here, though you have your own unique voice & go such different places...I adore the creation of a people, and the subtle distinctions you make w/ different words for the same thing, etc. Your inner universe has whole worlds tucked behind a single paragraph, and if you had 1000 lives, you could write thousands of imaginative studies of endless cultures & their histories & visions. The image is striking too, esp. in the juxtaposition of the simple (yet alit) leaves with the passion-red background; and I love how an image spurs whole worlds in you. Beautiful visually & poetically; i love how you meld visual with poetic. I can see have much to catch up on...

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