Light, Steel, and Shadow by Chipka
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Description
Cities--like people--change. I'd always realized this, but it took leaving Chicago (leaving the entire USA) to bring this point home in a visceral way. I'd always had something of a love/hate relationship with Chicago...at times I'd tell people that I love to hate it; in total truth, I think that I love the idea of what Chicago once was. There are remnants of that city: in the more brutal lines of its old architecture, in the cobblestones occasionally peeking up through potholes (proof that the was once as cobbled as Prague) and in some of the city's older bridges. They are heavy things. Graceless things. I've seen few bridges like the bridges of Chicago, and I'm actually proud of that. I've always been fascinated by draw-bridges that weigh many, many tons, and the few double-decker draw bridges are even more fun.
This image was taken during a photographically fruitful day with Corey. It was on the same day that I'd taken the shot of the Nuveen Building, a few images up in my gallery. I remember the nice weather, the sun, and yeah...those girls saying "awesome" too many times. And I'm anticipating visitors, so in the spirit of Chicago, I can probably say that this is something of a propaganda piece, showcasing the wonders of the windy city, and in the true spirit of propoganda, I won't tell you about the rats that scurry through the areas surrounding this bridge. It wouldn't do to talk about rats when your city is about to receive visitors.
Things are still hectic and I'm still pressed for time (though I have 4 free days) and so I'll be catching up with making comments when I am able, but as always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting, and I hope you're all having a great week.
Comments (19)
dashboard_jehovah
Very cool image and story. I also think the Windy city is about the greatest big city I have ever been to visit. I am from northern cental Indiana...so the trip to Chicago/O'hare/ or Midway is always the worst on the tollway. Once there, the nerve endings start to numb down and we enjoy ourselves!
LovelyPoetess
Nice work. I remember those rats too (grew up in Chicago) They grow em big there. Well, when you're little they look pretty big! The B/W works very well on this photo. : )
bimm3d
great story and photo!!!!
Xantipa
Superb..
durleybeachbum
'Brutal' was the word that came to mind when I opened this image, and then I found it in your narrative too. The building above the bridge, and the reflections of its neighbour in the glass contrast elegantly with the massive iron. Glad you left them in!
Madbat
I've heard that rats are good eating...NOT! That's one nice thing about where I live...no rats!
MrsRatbag
I love the patterns of the riveted girders myself; and your composition here, with this behemoth in front of the office building, looks fantastic in monotone. Great work, Chip!
thecytron
Xcellent photo!
tamburro
Fantastic shapes my friend, excellent capture!!!! Hugs.
romanceworks
A bold and fascinating photo and loved your narriative. I used to visit all my Greek relatives in Chicago, which made it very special as there was always an abundance of grand meals and endless kisses, however the city itself seems rather cold and sad and a bit mercenary with all those toll roads. CC
auntietk
You really know how to tempt a girl! :P :D
Sea_Dog
You know, if you hadn't said you took this shot in Chicago, I probably still would have guessed. It fits my mental image - although I've never spent time there - of Chicago - Strong, solid, a little worse for wear; a stain or streak of rust. Well done.
ladyraven23452
love it
tennesseecowgirl
fantastic work, I loved the city when I visited, and can't wait to get back. Have a great day.
elfin12u
Chicago is an amazing city, rich in culture and history. I've been there a dozen times, and know that I haven't seen squat. I almost lived there myself, actually was enrolled at the Devry University,....and then I met a girl. I wonder sometimes just how much my life would be different, if I had just stayed with school. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't be here typing out this comment, or come to know so many wonderful people. I don't recall seeing the rats, probably because I was usually looking up at all of the magnificent buildings. Chicago has all of the best, and all of the worst any great city could possibly offer. Take good care of your guests, hope you all have the greatest of times. Cool shot!!
elfin14doaks
Whoo hoo Chicago .... great shot and don't forget to look north.
AndreiR
I know this place very well and I also spent some time photographing it. And you saw something that I didn't see. Great work, splendid composition!
KatesFriend
They don't make them like this anymore. I think you've captured the entire era here. With its rather inexplicable iron serpents crawling out of the ground to challenge the dominance of more graceful architectural eras. Of coarse, unfaded black and white with sharp contrast was also the 'look' of the era too. Fitting not just for the technical reasons but there was a definite war on all things green and blue in those days. Toronto has the Gardener Expressway (a highway named Fred) which is partially elevated downtown near the lake. It has supports not unlike what you have here.
nikolais
reminds of Carl Sandberg's "Chicago". .....very much in style, Chip!