Clark Nova by Chipka
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Description
David Cronnenburg and William S. Burroughs are, perhaps, two influential artistic forces in my life. In a sense, they share something in common with me; or I share something with them. Ah, that’s the beauty of perception—do those you like resemble you, or do you resemble those you like? I suspect that the answer to that existential puzzle lies somewhere between the two questions.
At any rate, I saw an odd and surprising tripartite conjunction two nights ago, while at the local internet café with Corey. He’d just uploaded a photograph and I was out, smoking a cigarette. I noticed a Stag Beetle (at first I didn’t realize that’s what he was…I thought he was a fancy Japanese Beetle, but ah…they’re smaller.) He’d come to rest on the wall just beside the door to the café. I immediately thought of Clark Nova, the talking beetle in the film version of Naked Lunch. I replayed his dialogue in my mind:
“Bill Lee? I am Clark Nova. Your case worker.”
I also relived a conversation I’d had in Prague with a visitor from Bosnia. He was a fellow Naked Lunch fan, and was able to go into intimate details concerning the movie, and the book. At some point during that night, we drank more than our fill of beer and shots, and—in that inebriated state that brings on flashes of strange inspiration—we went in search of cockroaches, beetles, or “Kafka-bugs” so that we might breathe on them to see if we could get them drunk. That didn’t happen and I’m in Chicago now. All of that came back to me as I saw this gentleman. And since I carry my camera with me constantly, I was prepared to snap a few pictures of him. He posed…for a moment, then decided that he had things to do, elsewhere. This is a capture taken just as I’d discovered him. Just as he’d climbed to the level of my eye. Though he appears black here, he’s actually somewhat reddish…more burgundy, actually…and despite his somewhat short attention span, he seems content to move slowly between destinations. That’s always a good thing for photographers.
As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and I am sure that Mr. Nova (wherever he ambled off to) is equally thankful.
Comments (18)
KatesFriend
Ah yes, such as why do cat lovers often seem feline themselves? Either in appearance or behavior. Cronnenburg has a really odd fascination with arthropods. He even has a couch that bears a striking resemblance to a cockroach. I saw it when he was interviewed for the TVO programme 'Prisoners Of Gravity'. Curious thing about Burroughs, in at least one interview he claims that he does not remember actually writing 'Naked Lunch'. And this splendid fellow does look rather a lot like an extra from that rather infamous tale. Great photo Cheers!
RobyHermida
GENIAL!!!
CoreyBlack
Ah, yes...the infamous Clark Nova! Takes me back to my early 20s, and discovering the bad boy Beats; I'll have to admit that Mr. Burroughs has always been my favorite of the group. Great picture with great details, I had no idea these things had such extravagant appendages on their antennas, they look like they could grab and hold onto things. Zooming in to full size really brings out the details of this photo. It always amazes me that the longer you look at creatures like this, the more intricately-designed they look. This guy looks like some kind of stealth-cargo-carrying aircraft with pliers on the front. At least he didn't ask you to rub bug powder on his lips.
bpclarke
Very cool capture. Excellent details and macro work. :o)
mbz2662
Very interesting. Those "pinchers" in the front look lethal this close up!
MrsRatbag
I'm very glad I've never found one of these eye level to me...but it's a lucky find for a bug-lover! Great shot, Chip!
Roxam
just needs a little macintosh apple tattoo, fine photo, very interesting antennae too
beachzz
I have no idea who this Mr. Nova is and Naked Lunch sounds kinda kinky--- Guess I'll have to look into these things!! This bug, well, like Denise, I wouldn't want to get quite so up close and personal, but I'm glad you did, I never know what I'm gonna find here on RR!!
durleybeachbum
GREAT narrative! I remember 'secretly' buying Burroughs book! I'd no idea there was a film! (This is a female Clark Nova, buy the way..I hope that makes no difference!)
Prematos
Fantastic macro.
photostar
Don't think that I want to get my finger between his forward facing pincers. Ouch!!!
ladyraven23452
cool.
Mousson
Beautiful image!!!
romanceworks
Can see why this beetle captured your attention. 'Naked Lunch' was definitely a trip. CC
misha_d
ha, that's a great story and an amazing shot! both artists are my favorite too by the way
anaber
OMG!Wonderful macro!! That clark Nova is so dark and so clear!...and she seems dressed with a brillant leather jacket and the orange necklace is fabulous.thank you for your story...or i will think we could eat her:))))
elfin12u
After reading the tale to go with the photo, I soon found myself wondering what kind of cigarette you might have stepped out to enjoy. I started reading Burroughs when I was a young teenager, and soon found that I needed to find and read almost everything he wrote. The Pelucidar series were by far my favorite!! As a kid, I'd run across Clark Nova clones many times, and even decided to check out just how wicked those formidable looking jaws really were, and promptly stuck my finger in. I can attest to all, that they look a lot more ominous than what damage they might be able to wreak upon human flesh,....or at least when just one is involved. Thousands could be a completely different story......Ok, I got carried away again didn't I?.......sigh
elisheba
Breathing on bugs to make them drunk, I just love that thought and your entire history behind this capture. Do we resemble people we like or is it the contrary? It is the 2, in the sense that creatures sharing the same perceptions always attract each other, maybe there even is a gene to what people call talent, while some others call it madness :) anyway...the little guy looks very cute!