The Beetle (Clark Nova II) by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The unseen thing is quiet, as members of its kind invariably are. There is an undeniable dignity to it, a kind of unearthly silence. It is a cold thing to the touch, weighted in a manner that defies expectation.
It is a feast of intrigues and silences--its limbs move like expensive Swiss clockwork, though--perhaps--there is something German in its bodywork.
It has inspired aliens and monsters, but it is neither of these things. It is simply what it is. Silent. Elegant. Uninterested in the rush and the monkey-chatter of humankind. As always, it is a surprise to see some member of its breed, at rest, on on a nightly constitutional...unhurried and supremely indifferent.
This is actually the second capture of the enormous Stag Beetle I'd seen outside of the internet cafe I use on occasion. I'd dipped outside for a break from...well...the distinctly primate-like chatter inside. It's amazing how loud humans are, especially in a confined space. On most occasions I enjoy the noises humans make, and I certainly love humans (the good ones, at least--and of course, it helps if they're cute.) But there are times when the quiet company of a beetle is preferable.
***
As always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting. I'd intended to be online a bit longer, but alas, I must return home and prepare for a rather hellish day at work...at least I'll get paid for it, but this also means that I'll have to catch up with things after the Saturday crazies that have yet to occur (at least at the time of this writing.)
Also, I should offer special thanks to Kristofer Luck, for allowing me (and Clark Nova) the use of his bonsai tree, and Corey Black for holding the flashlight so that I could capture the wonderful antenna appendages, beetle-armor, and softer, yellow beetle fluff that appears here. Also, a special thanks to the beetle itself, for putting up with flashlights and bonsai trees, and a human thing trying to see if its mandibles produced anything remotely like an impressive bite. (The answer to that question remains illusive as the specimen here didn't seem very interested in biting me...Not even in the name of science!)
Comments (20)
That thing looks huge! Cool shot. I would suggest getting a flash diffuser to help cut down the harsh light. But a cool shot of a great looking insect!
very fine
A wonderfully clear capture. All the more remarkable because it seems likely this was taken at night. You have a steady hand my friend. I like the strange egg plant hue of its its slightly nicked and dented armour. A royal purple shade. It makes me think of a nobleman warrior, a knight of many campaigns whose worn, battered but unbreached shield is sign of honour and experience.
Kudos to you and Kristofer, Corey and of course, the beetle!! Together you take this ordinary shot and turn it into something very special--though I was waiting for you to turn him (?) into an alien Namaen (I hope spelled that right)!!
I remember this. You do have a very steady hand and my hand got tired from holding that flashlight! Did you even tell Kris what was walking up his plant...He must know, since you took the plant outside and we kept walking in and out, borrowing flashlights, and bottles, and other things. I remember him giving a strange look and saying "Oh...ok," then going back to his customers. Great shot. The details are very, very good. I love that interesting color: kinda like the grape wine my grandfather used to make in his basement a long time ago. But what I really want to know is how close did you actually get to this creature? And my other question is: You wanted him (her?) to bite you on purpose?!?!?! You science types are weird!
I told a friend about you today ... I said, "Chip takes a picture of a bee on a leaf, and then writes a story about the bee. He turns it into a moody alien with history, a backstory, relatives, and ISSUES, for heaven's sake! Not only that, but the stuff he writes is brilliant!" Now we have a stag beetle. I'm not generally interested in bugs, but yours are amazing!
This shot is very clear and the textures are amazing looking. I love what Auntiek said in regards to your critters story. You created a wonderful story! Well done!
Well it didn't bite you because it's a Lady, and ladies never do anything so vulgar(!) This is the clearest I've seen the antennae, marvellous! A superb shot.
Nice close-up!
great picture!!!!
VERY NICE PICTURE I'VE NOT SEEN THEM AROUND FOR SOMETIME NOW.
all i can say is great.
Those pincers of his look mighty dangerous. Awesome specimen capture, Chip.
Beautiful shot of this wonderful insect..!!
Wowwww!!! Fantastic capture!!!! To our luck it is very small! Hugs. Orlando
Although seemingly indifferent to human 'monkey-chatter', this character seems well armored against unpleasant things. A great shot and your words give a little beetle stature. CC
The antenna structures are fascinating, Chip; I've never seen one of these live, only in pictures or museums. You did a great job capturing it, and of course your narrative is compelling as always....
Fantastic capture.She looks very special.
Lol thank you for sharing this experience my friend.Thank you for everyone who helped you to make this a marvelous capture.Just keep on going my friend.I know it is tough in the concrete Jungle.Where human kind rush from one point to another point after wind.Focus spot on.Lighting perfect.Outstanding capture my friend.
Superb capture. Especially impressive that you caught this by flashlight. Love the Burroughs reference.