Leaf Roads by Chipka
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Description
Ursula K. LeGuin once described herself as being, perhaps, the most arboreal writer working in the field of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Trees and tree-symbols appear in many of her works: indeed, one of her novels, The Word for World Is Forest draws its titular inspiration from a whole bunch of trees defining the very word used by a race of HILFs (High Intelligence Life Forms) to describe their world. To be fair, however, Ursula K. LeGuin seems equally fascinated by walls, and those appear as regularly in her fiction as trees do.
There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that Ursula K. LeGuin is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is always fascinating, and--like many writers--she possesses a number of charming idiosyncrasies. For a while (and I don't know if this is still the case) she was known for her love of tobacco, smoked from the bowl of a pipe. I like the idea of a female, pipe-smoking arboreal Science Fiction writer (though she's written a substantial body of works outside of the SF field.)
It doesn't take much to make me think of my favorite writers and writing, and in looking at a photograph of a leaf, I was struck by the arboreal-ness of the image. I immediately thought of Ursula K. LeGuin, and various symbols she'd likely attach to a single leaf spotted with what looks to be some kind of mold or insect damage.
Of course, I saw other things, too: I am no foreigner to arboreal or at least botanical Science Fiction. The inhabitants of Argenton (in a post earlier in my gallery) are plant-derived people: their city resembles a leaf covered in gourds. I thought of Argenton and the "Wooden Folk" when I saw this image, and I wondered if I was--indeed--looking at inspiration for a second story in that universe. Maybe.
At any rate, I like the image that I captured. I like the roads I can see here. I like the colors and the implications of something. I'm especially taken by the damage to the leaf and the odd symmetry that it exhibits, and so, here it is.
I'm glad that Ursula K. LeGuin isn't the only arboreal SF writer out there, but I do find it amusing that the majority of my arboreal images come from non-tree plant forms. Funny how that works, and I'm sure there's a story in that.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you're all having a great week/end.
Comments (18)
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
Faemike55
I see the plant's eyes staring at us, asking why we are destroying the planet. Excellent capture and great discussion topic. Don't know if you've read any Alan Dean Foster's writings, if you haven't give him a try.
PREECHER
as you know i really love flora so your city sounds marvelous. on one of my trips to the netherlands on queens' day they have a huge like yard sale and everyone gets out early in the morning with whatever they want to try and sell and i came upon this man that had like a plaster but it has some type of silver type finish on it...he said it was indoor or outdoor but i don't know if i trust that...it is very unique and special to me as it weights probably 15 to 20 lbs and you can imagine lugging it all the way from there back to anywhere in the states...but i treasure it...it is a face with eyes and the face is covered with leaves as if they are growing from them...he said it was none as blaudermann...that's what he called it...i've tried to find references to it but cannot find anything on the internet about this plant guy myth...but sounds as if perhaps he resides in your city... i hope you are having a safe and happy time... chills and thrills
treasureprints
Nice little half-moons formed by whatever did this.:)
charpix
Being up in an airplane several times; this is what it looks like flying over roads and trees. ;o) Excellent capture and observations.
durleybeachbum
Do you notice the predominance of three way nodes? There are quite a few four way ones but all the major ones are in threes. It's the same with cracked mud.
auntietk
I can't help but see eyes. I love the way the light comes through those damaged bits in a different way from the green part. Wonderful!
Hendesse
Two eyes look at me. Fantastic shot, I like the saturated colors.
helanker
Always, when I see leaves like that, I remember a game I played on my old AMIGA, "Zim City". About building a city. At that time, the game was in 2D, but later they made it in 3d. though I loved the 2D and I have never played the 3D. When the city was busy with alot of residents it could look a bit like these leaves. It is such a beautiful shot and I would like to read about the tree people. :)
flavia49
marvelous picture and text
MrsRatbag
To me I see butterfly or moth wings; the eye spots on the veiny background are marvelous! Easy to see where and why the mimicry developed.
whaleman
Most interesting! And, I once shared an office with a cigar-smoking woman writer!
wysiwig
This is a superb macro. I see roads and fields and perhaps two odd colored ponds. I can see why this would stimilate the imagination.
icerian
Well seen, dear Chip. I admire your fantasy.
pauldeleu
A very beautiful shot.
praep
Like some kind of eyes - beautiful.
nikolais
grand detail and story!
danapommet
Lovely veining in the leaf and I like the “eyes” looking back at me!