Greetings to the people of Earth.
I've always wanted to say that! Now that I did, I can now get on with other things.
I'm a science fiction writer (not famous yet) born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I've lived in the Czech Republic and Germany, and though I am currently back in Chicago, much of my heart remains in the Czech Republic. Maybe it's the beer. Or the bread. I hope to live in Moscow soon, as a big portion of my heart already resides there. I've had an interest in science fiction since an early age and will probably maintain that interest for the rest of my life. I love SF, and anything else that embraces the spirit of discovery...or anything that chafes against the arbitrary boundaries of "conformity."Â
I discovered Renderosity a couple of years back when I was browsing the internet, looking for cool images to spark my imagination during a period of writer's block. It wasn't a serious block, but I needed something to make me ask the sorts of questions that I always ask before settling down to craft a short story or novella. Since that time, I've written quite a lot and I've begun to post photographs and other visual works that I created here...partially because I love the Renderosity community in general, and partially because the images and text-snippets that I have contributed here are something of an ongoing journal. I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to journal keeping, and so posting picures of particular significance actually helps me to remember the things I want to remembe, without having to eat into my fiction writing time by writing non fiction. Well, at least that's my excuse and I am sticking with it.
I entered into the field of photography totally by accident; I'd always been interested in capturing small stories, but it wasn't until my journey to Europe that I began to consciously seek out tableaus that imply stories in progress. As a result of that, my writing is growing in unexpected directions, and I look forward to becoming more and more active here, and in other artistic/publishing fields.
For those looking at my gallery, enjoy it and feel free to leave comments and sitemail! Good day to all!
Hover over top left image to zoom.
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Comments (22)
vice
wow very nice use of contrast the film grain looks add a very good mood to the image This has Vision Imagination Creativity and Excellence (VICE) (__/) (>''<) (")(")
kgb224
Stunning work my friend.
jac204
I haven't seen the term "flophouse" in a long time. Perhaps homeless shelters have made them obselete. Your narrative almost makes me want to visit the place to see what it is all about. Great image with the colored "Hotel" sign on black and white.
KatesFriend
I must say the he-ne HOTEL sign could not be more perfect in an imperfect way. Small block letters, staggered sizes, impersonal. And that rarefied ruby red glow, the cheapest tubes one could obtain in those days - no emeralds or cobalt in this part of town. It's ancient and malfunctioning transformer probably buzzing and hissing to the point one might think it would explode then and there. Showing the street with glass shards, PCBs and furan. It could only have been sleazier if it hadn't worked at all. I like how you suppressed the colours save for the neon sign. The gaininess and the rain make for a gritty unfeeling atmosphere. I like it, but go easy on the EYE-TEE peoples. My species have many different breeds. Not all of us shop at DKNY don't cha' know.
blinkings
'Now, Lakeview is home to the pretender-rich: “EYE-TEE” guys, and gals who work in “Hospitality.” I don’t know how they do it, but they all resemble a species of hive-mentality predatory gazelles composed primarily of pressed resin. They text rather than talk, and DKNY is the only fashion line they seem to know.' I have a theory that we only notice these places and broken souls when we are going through it ourselves. When you have a bank account that never seems to get empty, and a great home and swish cars......it's human nature to forget. But it only takes a divorce, or losing your job that brings reality flooding back. And NO ONE is immune. Now heaps of people reading this thought 'yeah, but it will never happen to me'...........NO ONE IS IMMUNE! NO ONE IS IMMUNE
Sepiasiren
see, this is what I like about your stuff--it is absolutely provocative-- you capture "experiences" that are relate-able -- for instance, this reminds me of yet another haunt at one of my fave places to play in my youth....on a gray rainy day it would have an atmosphere that was calming yet somehow electric -- this feels the same way... And to clarify--the place on my corner was an old beat up diner my friends used to go to after a night of dancing--had the kinda charm that only old parts of a city have, which includes crazy folks screaming about Jesus...in other words, not a hotel...lol...
Sea_Dog
What amazing work! Your ability to bring Chicago to life in all its glory and infamous really blows me away. This is superb - image and narrative. Well done.
beachzz
If walls could talk......this is exactly the kind of thing I felt in Chicago---the light,the color of the signs, there is a feeling there that's truly palpable. As Tara said in a recent post, "I can't wait to go back"!!
Crabbycabby
I can imagine myself standing in this shot, but not knowing if I am scared or comfortable in the surroundings. I can also imagine a teenager and his girlfriend waiting outside wonder if they should cement their relationship inside. Maybe a man and his mistress? Maybe some gang members using it as a meeting place? Wow, have I lost myself in this image or what!
zulaan
Beautiful atmosphere, and cool tones. Great work !
helanker
Yes it could be a great book cover alright and the story behind it. is SO you. :-) That was a compliment, Chip. Both are brilliant art.
durleybeachbum
Burroughs and Baldwin..your narrative is what brought memories lurching back from my teens, when I read several books a week and still managed an active life! I can see this as the venue for Malcolm, maybe. The image seems oh so familiar..it could easily be a road in my town, but your description makes it dangerous in a different way.. Fab, Chip!
minos_6
I feel like I'm getting to know Chicago from across the pond with your photography and writing. You've certainly captured an atmosphere that can be recognised in any major city. Myself, I'm reminded of Soho in London, where similar establishments exist, but where the streets are narrower. Rather than actual motels, you see open doors with red lights and poorly crafted hand-written signs promising "models".
flavia49
Marvelous image!! superb riveting narrative!
romanceworks
'Girls with names like Tralala met or became the catastrophes that bred in places like this.' This, and your photo, say it all, and with such personality. CC
MrsRatbag
Reading your little musings I have a very strong suspicion of who the Upton Sinclair of the 21st Century might be, standing on the shoulders of William S. Burroughs, Jon Dos Passos or even Hubert Selby Jr. You have a fantastic feel for grit and the small things of life!
popeslattz
MrsRatbag might be right. Write that book. Make this the cover. I'm waiting to read it. The rainy night was the perfect time for taking this shot. Excellent that you took the color out of everything but the neon sign.
sandra46
My, you captured the atmosphere here, even if Chicago means more the stories about the IWW and the Weathermen for me... superlative mood and great composition as usual!
auntietk
I agree with Denise. Just keep writing the story, and there it will be. This is the perfect image for that story.
watapki66
Excellent shot!
EricSBauer
Nice job with the selective coloring. The film grain effect works perfectly here.
Djavad
Me revient en mémoire un film "L'hôtel du Nord" http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_du_Nord