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 (32)
NefariousDrO
I love these kinds of stories, and you have an unbelievable knack for choosing excellent images to go with your stories. Wonderful stuff. So wonderful, in fact, that the archeological nerd in me wants desperately to go to Agara and see these wonders for myself!
Tholian
Creative description of a (non-existent) history of a device remnant which the photograph does not hide but does embellish with its PoV. Nicely done and a great shot.
tamburro
Dear friend, I really hoped that this picture was some mysterious device of a lost civilization ... love this stuff! Stay really impressed with your creativity and with this sensational photo! Congratulations on posting! * Thanks for your comment! Big hug!
KatesFriend
I often wonder what future historians and archaeologists will make of the oft disposed technology of our age. Little bits and pieces of cell phones, MP3 players, Tammy Fae Baker LPs. etc. As always, a compelling sense of history cloaked in a seemly impenetrable mystery. The reader is left wondering if we will be able to comprehend these machines even if we did know more about them. One thing for certain, the ancient Agarans were a powerful people that built things to last (when they want them too) as the Zodiological Lights demonstrate. I love these glimpses into Agara
geirla
Great picture to go with the story. Or is the other way around? Excellent work, either way.
Violett
Interesting. I have read about ancient machinery, and it is amazing to understand what the ancients were capable of. I agree about the interest of this rust and corrosion, as the years pass by, they certainly leave their mark on everything.
jocko500
great story. i know they find gears of long ago. and even drill holes in rocks that must been drilled with devices that is 500 times faster than ours drills today. wonderful shot
tennesseecowgirl
Excellent... and a great read. Thanks for sharing.
bmac62
Having studied some archaeology myself on a journey long ago and far away, I'd hazard a guess that this artifact was designed to dissipate heat in some way for some now unknown purpose. It is all about those little fin thingies:) At any rate Chip, I've enjoyed your ability to take an obscure metallic something and generate an entire short story from it. Your narrator sounds like a skilled observer of these sorts of phenomena and is highly professional in witholding speculation as to what its' purpose might be... Well done my friend and the up close pic is just enough to wet my appetite to know more about it.
MrsLubner
I really like machinery. It is very poetic in its precision. Stellar shot.
auntietk
I thought this was Agaran when I first saw the image. The lighting at the National is so well done, isn't it? You did a great job capturing the textures on this treasure. It makes sense to me that this represents only 10 to 15% of the whole. If there were much more, we would probably forget we'd seen it. (Now why did I say that? Huh. Part of the mystery, no doubt. I'm not sure ...)
beachzz
I was just about to write a very involved, detailed comment when a spider crawled across my glasses. That pretty much scared the heck outta me and I totally forgot what I was going to say. So, anyway, a great story and wonderful foto!!
kgb224
Outstanding capture and story my friend.
prutzworks
1th thought after seeing the thumb: Pratt & Wittney lol cool story
blinkings
Just don't let Steve Jobs get his hands on any of that 'kit'! A great yarn with your unique stamp all over it!!!!
helanker
Excellent capture CHip. I wish I had time to read it too, but it must be later.
lick.a.witch
Beguiling story - fabulous image. As for the true history of this glorious planet - we don't know the half of it and nine tenths of what we think we know is wrong.... ^=^
Meisiekind
LOL @ Marilyn! My excuse for not writing a long meaningful comments is much less exciting! I am sitting at work ducking and diving and commenting in between!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the accompanying image! Although I am not fascinated by old machinery, you just have the ability in both word and image to tickle the imagination! Excellent work dear Chip!
anaber
Fabulous as always, Chip. Your close up is magnificent. And here it is a piece that worth to be seen. Thank you, for this and for all your work! Have a GREAT DAY!:)
lucindawind
fascinating history .. there is so much that we dont know from ancient antiquity ! its one of my fav subjects..excellent shot
jmb007
bonne photo!
durleybeachbum
What a tale! and a great pic. I want a brain like yours. I hope your birthday is memorable for all the very best reasons! Andrea
Hendesse
This is a fantastic shot. Excellent DOF, great details and perfect light. Thanks for the informations too.
MrsRatbag
I love this; reminds me a bit of "Engine Summer" by John Crowley, my first introduction into alternate/future world fiction. Gears and rust are so fascinating!
mermaid
what a fascinating shot, Chip, and wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays possible...smile
CrownPrince
Wow! You had me all aught up in ancient mysteries and wonders with that story! Hey! Did you hear that they have found new and unpublished Kafka writings? Bet that will get YOUR imagination well oiled and started up!!! LOL!
redchilicat
Fantastic shot and you had me going with that story!
myrrhluz
Fascinating find and capture! Great crop, emphasizing the progression from light colors and narrow fins to darker and wider fins. There is wonderful balance with the light on the bottom left counterbalanced by the strip of light on the top right, and the bright orange on the top right bringing the eye back to the rusty red center at bottom left. Excellent textures and detail! Terrific fun to go back to Agara. The narrator is very calm and matter of fact in his presentation, yet there is a current of suppressed excitement and longing for more knowledge. I think he is compelled to come back to learn more of Agara again and again. Terrific read and image!
gonedigital
WOW! You so totally had me going there. I was ready to launch the ultimate search for more information on ancient machines. =-) It is a great photo! I love the textures and complexity. Wonderful and thanks for sharing.
minos_6
Initially I wasn't sure what I was looking at here. The different textures and the lighting are superb, as is the detail. I REALLY like this capture! The background/history that you're creating for your Agaran writing is what makes it so compelling, and this example goes perfectly with the image. Excellent, everything!