Reflections and Empty Spaces (for auntietk) by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The day began with clouds and the promise of rain. It ended with sunset and broken clouds like stray cotton-balls torn into shrapnel’s harmless cousin by the exuberance of a cat at play. The air was comfortable. Breezy. To the east, the lake was dark.
As is my weekend custom, I walked with Corey. As is my weekend custom, I sought photographic subjects: something to pass the time and to render the city more bearable. Chicago isn’t a terrible place to live. There are worse places, after all, but by the same token, Chicago is (at times) as featureless as the wetland on which it stands.
Corey and I walked through Chinatown. Again. We enjoyed lunch at Seven Treasures (again) and gorged ourselves on shrimp won ton soup and chicken flavored with vegetables and cashews. We sought the vertical lift railroad bridge we’d seen for decades before ever finding its exact location—the same vertical lift railroad bridge that has haunted my gallery for quite a number of posts. We saw the bridge. We heard a siren like the dive alarm of an old-fashioned submarine. This was an announcement to clear the span. The bridge was about to rise. There will be future posts concerning the vertical lift railroad bridge—in its raised position, no less, but first—in belated honor of a friend’s birthday—I’m posting a different sort of image.
I was struck by the light in this little tableau. There is nothing—after all—more bleak and haunting than an empty café on Michigan Avenue (in this case, Michigan Avenue at the intersecting corner of Roosevelt Road. The Renderosity Photo Ninjas will recognize this corner as it stands a mere block and a half away from Chicago’s Museum Campus. We passed this café on the bus that was supposed to take us to the Art Institute. That bus had other plans, however, and neglected to tell us! Ah, busses are like that!
Anyway, as Corey and I ghosted the path we took to the Museum Campus, I saw a bleak and haunting tableau: tables and chairs, salt and pepper shakers and dark, empty space. It was a tableau I had to capture, and it wasn’t until later—much later—that I recognized the charming surprise of a reflected reality at play on the window through which I captured the empty café. I immediately thought of Tara, and so…as is only fitting, I’d like to dedicate this image to Renderosity’s resident glass and reflection lady, for her birthday, and also just because....
As always, thank you for viewing and reading, and commenting, and I hope you've all had a great weekend.
Comments (28)
This is superb and perfect for Tara, who is such a master at capturing reflections. It beautifully embodies the bleak and haunting atmosphere you describe. The bright glare of the table and receding darkness bring such a feeling of loneliness, which is intensified by the reflected line of people at the train stop. I like the way the reflections and elements of the restaurant intermix and mingle. Above the platform a vent or light from the restaurant hovers like a flying saucer. On the furthest table, a reflection (of a car?) lurks like the blob, perhaps disappointed at the lack of customers. A solitary man on the platform, looks down into the room and sees his loneliness reflected back at him. This is a beautiful and fascinating image! I love it!
Superb image. If only the Ninja Photogs could take a seat and share a meal the scene would be perfect.
A Hopper scene, minus the characters...wonderful work, Chip!
You always see so much more than the casual observer might otherwise pick up. Great shot and thoughts!
I love serendipity, it is what created Tom Baker's scarf on Dr. Who many, many years ago. The reflection worked brilliantly, merging the inside and the outside universes into one image. The dark empty cafe contrasted against the bright and busy street and rail station. And you are not quite sure where one world begins and the other ends. For example, the street lights might just as easily belong to the restaurant as they do to the bridge. The brick wall in the back, is it part of the bar or the entrance to the station? There is a bit of an Esher quality to this scene.
Oh yeah, this is all about Tara for sure--the light, the mood, all of it. I love that i recognize so many of your shots, having BEEN there--so I know it wasn't a dream. Walking the city with you and Corey would be so good, and I can't wait till it happens!!
"stray cotton-balls torn into shrapnel’s harmless cousin by the exuberance of a cat at play" Gadz,..you are a word smith,..a true poet,..with an eye for seeing deeper than most. Appreciate your posts in here
Wonderfully evocative image and words..perfect for Tara!
Very well done - great eye candy well blended !
Stunning capture my friend.
what a wonderful mood....so poetic...well done
bonne photo!!
I love the way the reflection is strong at the top and fades to the interior toward the bottom. There's so much to see in this, and I'm loving staring at it! (Full view ... absolutely!) I love the mood, the subject matter, the dark, mysterious center ... everything about this is just right! It's SO Chicago. Thank you, my dear! You've made my morning. :)
wonderful image!! fantastic lights and great dedication!
Wonderful capture!
CHip, that is indeed a wonderful image for Tara. I just couldnt be more perfect with the gorgeous reflections above and lovely and rich colors below. And the story behind it..yeah, that is just awesome. :)
Most amazing work Chip and once again I lost myself in your narrative - feeling like I'm walking with you and Corey through Chicago streets! Great and perfect dedi to a wonderful lady!
Tara's reflections are working on all of us:) This is a perfect example. I'll bet you said, "Wow, look at this!", after opening it later and finding the prize you had captured. Well done Chip...your descriptive words and very atmospheric image.
Nice how the reflection worked into this.
wonderful shot, i love the reflection and the mood conveyed by the lonely table under a bright, sharp light! the reflection of the cars and the people on a terrace (?) or a gangway (?) on the upper part of the image makes the empty diner emtpier, lonelier...
You are so observant, all these shiny thoughts pinballing through your head. Mostly today I wondered about what was for dinner. And now I've forgotten.
Have a cup of coffee on me... these photographic and written reflections are marvelous.
fantastic scene and mood ..fabulous narration on this also
Outstanding description and an awesome dedi for Tara! Its truly a wonderful image...yesterday I kept looking for reflections because thats one of my fav things too but the light just didn't hit right on any glass (gray day). I wonder after reading some of your things, if you have written professionally? Very engaging!
at times human figures destroy the mood... glad this place with its clear lines is deserted.
It seems a cold little table, without humans sharing conversation and a meal. But at least the salt and pepper have each other. Great mood shot and narrative. CC
And another fascinating shot, telling a story and painting pictures in my head together with your words... and such a sweet dedi to Tara...smile
How I like this shot ! Fantastic atmosphere !!