Wing by Chipka
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Description
The word, ‘wing’ is derived from the Old Norse vængr . If I understand Old Norse correctly, then vængr translates to: that thing that makes stuff go up and stay there without falling until it comes down on purpose. Or something like that. The term was initially used to describe the forelimb of a bird, though the definition of the derivative-word ‘wing’ encompasses the appendages of birds, bats, insects, boomerangs, airplanes, and even maple tree seeds. A wing is defined as an appendage with a surface that produces lift for flight or propulsion through the earth’s atmosphere, or any other gaseous or even liquid environment.
I found this largely transparent, exceptionally-fragile wing at the end of last summer. It belonged, once, to a cicada. I suspect that the now-wingless cicada in question became a meal for a rather hungry bird. How strangely symmetrical that one winged creature very probably consumed another. Nature is rife with such examples of symmetry, and I suspect that’s one of the things that keeps life interesting.
The cicada wing, as you see it here, remains in my possession, and I suspect it may figure prominently in future photographs. It is exquisitely fragile, however, and so I’m hesitant to do very much with it. I admire its beauty, however, and so I decided (a while ago, actually) to immortalize it, digitally, and—on a cold day like this—use it to conjure memories of warmth: enough warmth to allow Chicago’s annual cicada chorus to fill the air with their odd, buzzing strudulations.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this photo as much as I do. It’s one of my favorites, for reasons I can’t actually articulate. I think it’s simply because it’s all that remains of a particular (long digested?) cicada, and as cicadas are among my favorite creatures, it’s nice to have something of a token of cicada existence.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a warmer week than Chicago is currently experiencing. I've decided to put this in the "Aviation" genre, as Nature (through insects) is the actual inventor of advanced aviation (advanced avionics?) and though cicadas are clumsy flyers, many of our most sophisticated aircraft borrow quite a lot from insect aviation.
Comments (24)
bmac62
The structure, the engineering, the space age materials... One wing makes me wonder. Did the ingesting bird swoop down like the Mighty Eagle in Angry Birds and simply miss one wing? Did a poor cicada lose it while in flight and auger in ending his already brief life? Why one wing? Did you possibly remove it surgically from a hollow carcus found in the truck yard? So many things to wonder about:) Anyway Chip...this is a finely detailed photo. I am always left marveling at how such a thing of beauty and obvious design ever came into existance in the first place. I'll not get an answer to that question anytime soon... Well done sir!
whaleman
Yes, wings are marvellous structures. Good to view with a microscope if you can find one, to see their cellular structure. Last line? Aviation okay, but not avionics. Avionics generally describes electronic gear that help pilots get where they're going, and back, in one piece. And it is very true that most aviation knowledge came from close scrutiny of our various flying creatures.
blinkings
What a great composition. Simply and eye catching.
brewgirlca
I love the starkness and asymmetry of your visual composition, though you speak of symmetry in your prose. The contrast of space is matched by the contrast of almost pure white and dark. Life and death. I wonder if you left the space for what might have been? It's partner.
auntietk
Such fine work! I love the placement of the wing in the frame of the photograph. Excellent composition!
fallen21
Amazing picture.
kgb224
Stunning work my friend. God Bless.
durleybeachbum
I can see why this excellent pic os one of your favourites!
Faemike55
Great capture and interesting discussion
EJD64
I like the detail in the wing and the fact that there is only one to look at, this makes it cool.
MrsRatbag
It's a beautiful thing; what a great find! Why is it that I can imagine you digitally implanting this wing onto various and sundry Boystown residents in front of apocalyptic skies and huge metallic and mirrored structures...?
anaber
Hello,Chip:)thank you very much for your explanation. This wing, is marvelous!! So perfect structure and so detailled! To me, wings are always powerful, even when they look very fragile and gentle...i love very much the simplicity of your photo and the simplicity of this wing :))
helanker
Isnt it amazing how finicky mother nature is. Such a beautiful work. and excellent shot.
flavia49
excellent image
watapki66
Perfectly titled and shot!
RodS
OK - now here's a brief glimpse into how my mind (what's left of it) works.... When I first saw this, I got this bizarre mental image of a cicada somewhere out there flying around in circles.... Coffee...... I need coffee..... A very crisp and clear macro of this wing, Chip!
wotan
Minimalist and beautiful... thx for the cool text and explanation!
nikolais
looks like a sail on the winter sea
beachzz
wow---just WOW!!!!!
anianiani
Wow....favorite one..
NefariousDrO
I don't know how you get these superb macro-shots. I really need to take a bit of time to learn more about my camera. This is beautiful, I love the stark high-contrast nature to this.
rembo11
sometimes the less is more... i like this
Ilona-Krijgsman
It really looks like stained glass....how lovely this is.....creative artists can use it for fairies......did you thought about that?
danapommet
it looks like a wing and a prayer photo!