Three Benches by Chipka
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Description
I captured these two people on a Saturday after Persian food; I walked with Marilyn and Tara, with Cheri, Dave and Juanita, with Mark, and with Corey. We’d eaten outdoors. Dave and I found a carrion-feeding beetle (at least that’s what it looked like: oh-so-streamlined, as only 6-legged carrion feeders might be. But why was it in a tree?) Cheri and I found extravagant caterpillars with red heads, and shaving brushes on their backs, and Las Vegas-showgirl plumage. It was a warm day, though in a week’s time, Summer would begin its yearly vanishing-act. Things were a bit different then—I was farther away from my goal of leaving the country (again) and Corey was farther away from his goal of leaving the city. Now, as winter begins its yearly vanishing-act, Corey and I are steps closer to where we want to be. Somewhere else. Out there. Away from here. The Northwest Coast is acting like a magnet, pulling at the iron in our blood…well…in mine at least…and at some point before heading back overseas, I’m heading northwest—where slugs roam, and are taught to fly by at least two Northwest Coasters.
Chicago holds a particular charm, however; it is not a terrible city. There are worse places in the world—many with bombs exploding inside of them. Chicago understands the necessity of a “good face” to show to the world, and at times a good face goes a long way. Unlike Prague, whose beauty is more deeply-set, or Moscow, whose beauty is decidedly butch, Chicago is flashy and glamorous: like a 1980s Pop-diva with airbrush-applied makeup, and hair like feathered crest of some nearly-extinct tropical bird, and shoes that don’t quite fit. In the oddest, most rakish ways, it’s that ill-fitting-shoe thing that works with Chicago. It’s not the city it wants to be, but it’s good at pretending—rather like a fashion model, strutting on the runway, ignoring the fact that her shoes are giving her hammer-toe. She’s making money, she can buy new feet right after she pays her rent.
Ah…Chicago….
I took this picture on the well-known Ninja Photographer Saturday: a day full of laughter, gaudy caterpillars, and dive-bombing geese. Actually they didn’t dive bomb, but they did strafe the random pedestrian or two. As is typical of Canadian Geese in Chicago, they flew in staggered formation. Though there are no geese in this picture, they weren’t very far away. They—like the prodigious number of seagulls—were a palpable presence.
It is cold now, though admittedly temperatures are rising. I found this picture in my files and decided to tweak it. I found it a bit plain, a bit blah, a bit too normal, and so in the spirit of Chicago, it changed it a bit…I added things: visual excitement, a totally-gratuitous number of layers, a few diffusion filters, and artistic burns. As I worked, I thought of a guy I saw one week before the Renderosity Ninjas arrived for their visit. The guy was hired by some exclusive boutique to apply corrosives to the metal signage of the store. He was making a new sign look old, but at the time I saw him working, the sign simply looked wet in spots. I thought of that as I aged this digital capture…and I can say, if I’ve learned one thing in Chicago, it’s that appearance goes a long way…though in some cases, a longer way than it should.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope your week is a pleasant and productive one.
Comments (25)
beachzz
Ah, yes, that Ninja Saturday. All of it is still clear as if it happened just last weekend. I love how you describe Chicago, and I can picture that 80's diva quite clearly. Cities take on the funniest personalities; if I could describe where I live it would be well, I don't know. It's small, friendly (calls itself the "friendly city, though sometimes it's anything but). Anyway, I love what you did with this foto, changed and morphed it into something very different and VERY cool!!
myrrhluz
I always enjoy hearing about that Ninja Photographer Saturday, and even about bugs, when you're doing the telling. I love your postwork! It is now filled with fascinating corners. All of the layers, filters and burns give it a 'not quite here and now', yet everything else is very 'here and now'. The combination makes it surreal, like a memory not quite visualized accurately. In the middle on the far right is a little square of blueish with two people in it. (Well it looks like it could be two people) When I saw this, I thought of the Star Trek NG where the scientists were behind a camouflaged area observing a culture. Maybe these people are being observed and studied. I love the composition, with the dark trees and bushes making a strong 'V' shape. Also wonderful are the other benches with couples on them. They are like an imperfect copy of the main couple. The only other couple facing is almost hidden by the tree, with dark sunglasses closing them within themselves. The main couple seems the only real one. All the others are ghosts of memories. I love this image and how your work sets me off on odd tangents!
auntietk
When I saw this, I thought it must be from that day. Something about the light, about the easy way the people are just hanging out enjoying the weather. In my mind, Chicago is a sunny, easy place to be, filled with beautiful architecture, fabulous light, and yummy friends. It's a giant photo op just waiting for me to show up and start clicking! This is such a good memory, seeing your photo. Thank you for this, dear one!
IO4
Beautiful manipulation:)
durleybeachbum
It's a sort of mysterious image, which I like very much! Your description of Chicago is marvellous!!
helanker
OH Yes, I also love bothe this wonderful picture with all the filter and stuff, which made it look marvellous and I love the story about chicago. I have seen so many pictures off that city and heard so many stories ad I am feeling I have been there and that I know it well :-) You NINJA photographers made me love this city and I have seen even more wonderful shots from Mark. Now he became a cyper Ninja Photographer. I hope you have been in his gallery, Chip. :-D
Meisiekind
Wonderful Chicago!! I really need to go visit again! The power of three - I love the image... it is really most relaxing and makes it easy to forget that it is in huge city! Great work Chip! :)
MrsRatbag
Wonderful image, it has the feeling of a distant memory; your postwork has become very deep and mysterious, almost otherworldly, and I think that's a very good thing!
Sea_Dog
Great narrative, as usual; we feel we were part of the Ninja festival. The postwork feels like this is an oasis in a vaguely threatening urban environment. Well done.
romanceworks
Love the artsy effect of this, and of course, your wonderful description of a city that understands the value of a 'good face'. CC
marybelgium
wonderful photo !
flavia49
wonderful work!
watapki66
Wonderful image and story!
mbz2662
I really like what you have done to this photo. Thanks for the few minutes of "Chicago" narrative. You never disappoint, coming to your gallery is like having a mini vacation :) .. and I can definitely use the distraction right now.
sandra46
wonderful, gorgeous image!!! i especially love the mood and the color-non-color quality
KatesFriend
You always come up with some very interesting ways to describe Chicago. "1980s Pop-diva", really says a lot which I can't elaborate much upon without becoming insulting. Though, I can testify to the sexiness of that era in spite of some of its short comings. Thoughts often blended with the sent of lime juice and rum and loud, repetitive dance music - heavy on the base.
EricSBauer
Very cool post work. I love the look and feel of this, especially the contrast of the ominous sky and the two dudes sitting on the bench like all is well. Nicely done!
kgb224
I am glad you enjoyed your Group outing my friend. Outstanding work with this capture.
alwaysonmymind
You succeeded in giving this the nostalgic haze of a picture postcard of days of very very old. It would be almost impossible to tell if it weren't for the blatantly contemporary dress of the main protagonists. One almost expects to see a blatantly alien lifeform, surreptitiously staring back from the backbenches.
zulaan
Beautiful and peaceful image
elfin14doaks
LOL, I am so sorry I am so late. I haven't been feeling well lately . You put a smile on my face remembering the day. It was so totally awesome, and precious. This is a really great shot!
blondeblurr
"Where did I put my wallet?...I can't find it" she says, "Oh, let me have a look, maybe I can be of help ?"... or so the story goes, with these two bench-warmers! I agree with most comments, so what else is left to say ? the ol'fashioned painted look is well done. BB
BertDes
Wonderful capture.
MagikUnicorn Online Now!
VERY ARTISTIC LOVE THIS !
Sepiasiren
Makes you want to take a stroll...very provocative...