Tangerine Vapor Ironwork (for CoreyBlack) by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
On the cusp of an important day, Corey (CoreyBlack) and I marked a threshold, and in crossing a bridge, I spat into the inkwell shadows of the water below. There were no passing boats and so no one felt the splatter of Roma superstition keeping the Devil at bay.
We returned to Corey’s apartment near midnight and promptly threw ourselves into slumber. We awoke at 6:00 am the following morning and stepped closer the threshold looming before us. It is his to cross, but he will not do so alone. This (for me) is the meaning of friendship—and as another friend of mine once said: ’Friend’ is the name of god inscribed on the tongues of all humans, but only the bravest of us ever dare utter that single, simple word and embrace ALL of its meanings. Okay, he didn’t quite say it like that, but hey…I like my version of that observation a bit better. And so, with the name Friend on my tongue, I can say that Corey isn’t crossing any thresholds without me, and Victor and Pavl (and many, many others) at his side. Surgical procedures are a routine-enough threshold to cross, but it’s best when the recipient of such procedures can cross such a marker with at least a few people acting as cheerleaders (or in my case, a science-geek techno-nerd who annoys nurses and anesthesiologists with probing questions about ion balances, pressure differentials, and the relative merits of parabolic curves as opposed to straight-line scalpel cuts.)
Now, in looking back, I can still sense myself on a particular bridge spanning the deeper, murkier depths of the Chicago River—the downtown part of it where big boats may throw their wakes in the night. Though I’m civilized enough to not spit in polite company; I’m just atavistic and primitive enough to load such an archaic (and wet) gesture with all sorts good vibes.
Moments before I nabbed this shot, I’d paused to allow Corey’s camera finger to capture me gawking at the pretty lights of the night-lit city, and after he took the shot, I looked next to him—noticing ironwork and rivets. I noticed the light and thought of his Tangerine Series. As I was on a bridge over as familiar as my dearest Vltava or the seductive, inviting Moscow (Moskva) I felt it only right to snap a capture to mark the night before a big event. It’s only fitting that I dedicate it to Corey, as close a friend to me as Pavl, as Victor, and ALL of the official Renderosity Ninjas (even the ones who don’t post here, or who aren’t photographers.)
Now, with the surgery/recovery event underway, I’m posting that mark: quite happy that it’s a tangerine shot, albeit with my camera and my take on that vaguely hepatic city light that marks so many of my nocturnal wanders with Core,: with fellow photo ninjas, loopy Czechs, and one particular, quiet Russian. There will be more night shots, more Ninja Outings, and rambling wanders with Corey and other friends, and this is (after more than 500+ posts in my gallery) only the beginning.
***
Corey won’t be posting for a short while, but images will appear in his gallery during his break. He’s taken a number of shots and given them to me to post on his behalf. I hope to post the first of those shots tomorrow at the earliest or Saturday at the latest. My own gallery and commenting output might be a bit sporadic for a while, since I’ll be visiting with Corey and helping out with various necessities that might eat into posting/commenting time, but as always I hope that you enjoy this shot and that it acts as a lens, focusing all sorts of good (tangerine tinged) energy Corey’s way.

Comments (31)
A huge time for Corey and there are a LOT of people sending so many good thoughts and prayers his way. This is a great dedi for him, and I can't wait to know he's on his way back. Please give him my love.
You ARE a thoughtful Friend indeed. One I bet Corey is happy he has. This is a wonderful story, photo and dedication Chipka. Nice of you to share it too. Brings a smile. Best wishes for Corey's speedy recovery.
makes a wonderful design
I love Corey's Tangerine series! My very best to him. This is a beautiful dedication and image. I look forward to seeing his images and to seeing him back here.
a wonderful dedication, a wonderful re-wording of that quote (a chip re-wording, and all that carries with it), a wonderful evocation of how much corey means to you, and a wonderful image of the beauty & mystery you two give us all the time. My very, very deepest wishes to Corey, may he heal fully, down to the toes, and be back among us with full power, light & love. And may he take all the time he needs & desires too! A beautiful dedi, Chip, I'm not here these days, but this was too important & dear not respond to it. You did your brother proud. All the best, Corey, come back like the sun itself!!!
Firstly the image, and what an image! Stark ironwork, but so rich and warm that it's totally appropriate to accompany your words. It's always good to see the interaction between you and Corey here at Renderosity, as you are obviously such firm friends. Your dedication of this image to Corey is very moving, especially since it's also "in his style". Here's hoping he's well on the road to recovery soon, and please pass on our beast wishes to him when you see him.
What a wonderful dedication for Corey. May he be as strong as this ironwork in no time. My very best wishes for him to be well soon. :-D
A wonderful pic. Give Corey my love and best wishes! Having such a good friend as you will make a HUGE difference to his recovery rate.
great lines...
Oh wow Chip - this is a perfect "pick-me-up" for Corey! You are a wonderful friend indeed! Love the light and lines!!! Please let Corey know that he will be in my thoughts and prayers and I wish him all the best for a very speedy recovery! Send him hugs all the way from his sister in Africa!!! :)
superb capture and colors!
Stunning capture my friend. Regards to Corey and he will be in my thoughts and prayers as well.
I love the pattern of the rivets on steel in any light, but this makes it really magical; what a fantastic shot, and a wonderful dedi. Please give Corey my best wishes for a speedy recovery!
A fabulous color to heal by. Uplifting, warming... a stunning shot and story.
Wonderful and moving words, Chip and great image. Corey is fortunate to have a friend like you and we are fortunate to be able to enjoy your eloquent words and image.
Great capture!
Beautiful warmth within this image and in the words that accompany it. To Cory, bless.
This is a wonderful shot! I love the in-the-style-of-Corey thing. It's perfect for today. My heart and my love are with you both today, my dears. I know Corey is healing already ... you realise, of course, that on a cellular level he is really QUITE busy! :) Take good care of him and of yourself, okay? I look forward to excellent progress reports! >:D< >:D< >:D< >:D< >:D< >:D< (that's a LOT of hugs!)
A great pic of some very old ironwork. Glad to know you'll be overseeing Corey's healing. Having had the same operation last year...I remember all the details vividly. My favorite place for the first two weeks after discharge from the hospital (5 days and I was more than ready to go home) was my extra-wide recliner with a couple of pillows strategically placed. Felt almost 100% back together after 6 weeks Followed that up with 3 months of cardiac rehab (exercises) and have never felt better. Give Corey an atta-boy for me. I am assuming he had his operation yesterday the 21st. Best to you both!
great wishes and all the best !
very creative image, superb work! and i hope everything is going one OK, my best vibes for Corey (and you of course!)
A freind of your caliber is a rare gift indeed! Although I don't know Corey, I wish him all the best,and a speedy recovery! Love the warmth and symmetry of this photo. Most excellent!
Glad to hear he is recovering now... you are a special friend to be there for him. Wish him well for me please..
It is a wonderful shot and keeping the "Tangerine" thread going is very powerful Mojo for Corey. I am going to fav this for your narrative. Prayers for Corey and admiration for the friendship that you two have. Dana
thats a real great pic! wonderful in light and dark!
I left a note on one of Corey's images to wish him well but I would like to add my wishes for a speedy recovery. This is an absolutely stunning work as almost all of your works are.I'm sorry I am unable to get here as much as I would like to I am having problems with the monitor or graphics card and I can't see the true colors of anything, they are full of wavy lines that distort the image and the colors badly:-( Anyway many blessings and healing energy to Corey, what great friends you are!
Looks great in that light.
Wonderful image!!!
Well I've been out of the RR loop for a while. Give my best to Corey, I hope he recovers quickly and it wasn't anything too serious. Well, if you have to go under the knife, as they say, it is serious, but I think you know what I mean. And having had to have (hmmm) surgery this year, it is important to have someone around you can trust! Congratulation on LWITG. Awesome shot :)
A wonderful dedication and photo! :)