Gothic by Chipka
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Description
As I sit, at Corey’s, writing this, a part of me remains in a place I’m reading about: a far away, exotic city called Toronto. Well, it—like many young cities—was probably more exotic in its younger days. I’m reading a novel by Michael Ondaatje. I’m reading In the Skin of a Lion. As with many readers, I became familiar with Ondaatje’s work though the film version of The English Patient. As with many readers of Ondaatje’s work, I’m familiar with a number of his characters, especially Hanna. Patrick. And Carravagio. The thief who happens to be a painter, the thief…who after something of an adventure, realized that the shade of blue he’d been thinking about was called aquamarine.
In the Skin of a Lion focuses on many things, including the construction of a bridge. I am reminded of this as I study an image of Chicago’s Tribune Tower…the crown of Chicago’s Tribune Tower, and not the lower portion, where a statue of Nathan Hale (a historical hottie) resides. I’ve learned a lot about bridge construction, thanks to Mr. Ondaatje, and now, I’m curious about other forms of major undertakings. I wonder at the lives and the stories of those who actually constructed things like the Tribune Tower. Were they like the ancient Egyptian pyramid and tomb builders, dining on onions and unleavened bread before washing it down with dollops of thick, chewy beer? Were there thieves involved: men like Caravaggio, who’d been betrayed by red dogs, one broken ankle, and chloroform? One can only wonder.
I wonder…
*
I took this picture while wandering around with Tara and Bill and Corey. It was during the second Photo Ninja Confab, and I can remember that day clearly. As we are drawing to the close of this year, I think it’s fitting to show something that marks an exceptionally pleasant time. There were no thieves named after Italian painters, or treacherous (sleeping) dogs involved, but the day (partly captured here) was rich in stories, and as always, those are the best days.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all on the verge of a great weekend and a fantastic, fresh, new year! And if anyone is interested, I’d highly suggest reading In the Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje. It’s a doozie of a novel.
Comments (27)
Faemike55
Very lovely building Great capture
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
watapki66
Wonderful shot!
auntietk
Hmmmmmmm. That's me, pondering. Hmmmmmmm. The minute I saw this image, I knew you took it on THAT day. That Friday when the sky darkened and vomited water upon the city for ... oh ... five minutes or so. When the light suddenly just ... turned. Now how did I know it was that day? You live there. You must see this sort of thing on a regular basis. You take pictures all the time. But there's something about this shot that made me think, "I was standing right there when he made this picture." Do we leave more of ourselves behind than we think we do? Nobody is the same person they were thirty years ago, but the changes are constant and infinitesimal. Anybody who knows me knows I've left part of my heart in Chicago, but did I leave something that somehow shows up and is familiar to me when I see it in someone else's photography? Hmmmmmmmmm. Great shot, btw. Outstanding work!
CoreyBlack
I remember this day, and as I recall it WAS pretty amazing. With good friends, general mischief and great lighting. You really nailed the "crown" of the Trib Tower here in all its Baroque. And that light! And those clouds!
whaleman
It looms fearfully, almost presaging a difficult year ahead! And that might well be the case considering the state of the world economy. 2012 does not bode well in my eyes right now.
blinkings
I could imagine the Batman light shining behind this!
durleybeachbum
Tara's musings are interesting. I find this construction overpowering and depressing!
tibet2004uk
Beautiful dark blue sky. And that building is a piece of art in itself, so many details all over! Quite amazing to think about those who built it indeed :)
fallen21
Amazing capture!
Feliciti
a wonderful and detailed building !! like the light and shadowplay on it too,and against this clouds/blue sky !!
flavia49
astonishing image! Happy New Year 2012!!
wotan
Beautiful architecture and tower... have a happy New Year Chipka!
thecytron
Xcellent photograph!
MrsRatbag
Wow, what a marvelous structure this is; and your shot is brilliant--I can see sunlight on the shadowed side that seems to be filtered through (or reflected off of) the windows of another building. And the sky--portentious and dramatic! All in all a truly great capture, Chip!
helanker
A shining building so beautiful :)
bmac62
On our next trip to Chicago (may be an annual event) I've got to walk the Magnificent Mile and see this building up close...inside and out. I just read where there is a wall that contains rocks from famous places...the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China and the Alamo...and that's just the start of the list. What a dramatic picture of it you've brought to us! Exotic...
dragonmuse
What a mazing light.. beautifully captured.
RodS Online Now!
Stunning image, Chip! Happy New Year!
charpix
That was exactly what I was thinking when in Chicago so many years ago, and it definitely said to me it was gothic, or as in the words at the time, "This is Gotham City!" Don't know if "gothic" and "Gotham" is related in anyway, but Chicago gave this idea to me. It reminded of the dark drama of Batman stories, and yet the greatness of the looming, tall buildings around us. Anyway, great lighting and POV, and I'm so happy you had wonderful times with friends on this day. Happy New Year to you and Corey.
sandra46
OUTSTANDIG WORK CHIP I LOVE THE SATURATED COLORS
treasureprints
Love the photo, and as always...the narrative.:)
nikolais
a wonderful example of the gorgeous architecture that influenced Stalin's choice of the way the postwar Soviet architecture would be developing for a couple of decades... looks impressive against the dark blue
elfin12u
:) I cannot help but gaze on this and be reminded of Ghost Busters!! I read your dissertation twice,......yet still.........Who you gonna call? Well done my friend!!
0rest4wicked
Bold architecture against the beautiful sky! As if man could build/buy a stairway to heaven!
alanwilliams
beautifully dramatic
danapommet
An intricate design and beautiful lighting. I'll check out Michael Ondaatje but being dyslexic – it would have to be an audio book.