Passenger with Headphones by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Once upon a time (actually a week ago) I created a picture in which Corey was rather intensely reading FILE Magazine. Kafka graced the front cover and an add for “Mammorex” took its place on the back. I’ve since found myself looking at the real world around me and editing it in my mind. I can’t say this is a new phenomenon. I’ve done this since my childhood. I’d switch words on billboards or imagine different models in different shirts or whatever. And so, it’s no surprise that I’d do so now…digitally.
I’d originally planned on coming up with a story to accompany this post; but I’m being kept quite busy with work and other responsibilities, and so my creative efforts are limited (for the most part) to visual “quick skirmish” pieces of artwork. This is one such quickie. It’s an image of a stranger spotted on an el platform. I was on my way to Corey’s place to do the usual helping-out thing that has become my habit. I’m glad to say that Corey is doing better, but post-surgery recovery takes longer than one thinks; there are ups and downs…there are petty and endless interferences from people who don’t “get” the whole idea of surgery, recovery, and the need for rest…and of course, there is the sudden city-urge to begin street-repair on the exact day that someone needs rest. Yes…our presidential stimulus package dictates that all streets in northwest Chicago must be dug up (loudly) and replaced at an even greater decibel level, but only while surgery-participants (with bombastic and intrusive roommates) are trying to sleep.
Needless to say, this alone inspires the urge to create an alternate reality: and so I’ve done so…with a random stranger at a CTA el stop and a few advertising spaces behind him. I have to say that it’s quite fun to do this, to think of an ongoing narrative connected by one picture, another, and another. There will be more of these in my gallery: I’m sure of it; I have a head-full of satirical ads to be placed in various strategic locations.
As for this image; it’s a quick skirmish piece of work. I had immense fun making it, and I hope that it’s something that you enjoy as well. I’m sure that a written narrative will be inspired by this image (as I’d intended one anyway) and so I can say for anyone interested: keep an eye on the Writer’s Gallery.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week. It’ll still be a while before I can comment as much as I’d like to, but rest assured that I do at least see the stuff in various galleries, and I’ll comment when time and circumstances allow. Soon, I hope!

Comments (22)
Stunning capture and post work my friend.
A lot better than someone who yammers on their cell phone to the annoyance to everyone else. Especially if you are at a movie theatre.
Very inspiring. I do remember trying to recuperate from surgery many eons ago, and the neighbor kids got a brand-new motor skooter that was incredibly noisy. Not only was my nerves jambled from just having the surgery, but then I came home to their rucus. Pleadings to the father did nothing, and so it goes. If it isn't street crews tearing things up, it is kids or neighbors. I hope Corey can get some good rest somewhere.
wonderful work
I had to take care of my spouse after her surgery just over a year ago. So, I know where it is you come from when it comes to recovery time. Not at all predictable. Yes, I too have had the urge to reinvent my own reality with more titillating accents and so forth. Such fantasies go way beyond the desire to see streetcars return to Harbord St. of coarse. Let's just say, if Photoshop had been around when I was an undergrad, the entire Toronto subway system would have been populated with well endowed, naked fare collectors. Co-op jobs can be such a miserable experience. Interesting fellow this Klaus Hammer. Not sure if he is a film star, an investment banker or a management consultant in the Slovak Republic (Google it). An intriguing face though, looks like he could do all those things and manage MI-6 at the same time. Some people just seem to have a face that says that they know so much more than you do and know exactly what you are going to say some eight days before you say it. Klaus seems to be regarding the young man on the platform quite closely. Perhaps he sees some potential. A few subtle tweaks of his education path and he could be quite a formidable agent in the up coming struggle against the pixies. Perhaps I've said too much.
Wonderful Capture, story, photo manipulation
There's something compelling about this shot--I guess it's just that everyone's SO plugged in anymore, one way or another. Blocking out reality maybe, I don't know, but there ya have it.
I rather like the irony I find in this. The fact is the chappie with the earphones is probably far more in touch with reality than Klaus Hammer! Money and power do not, contrary to opinion, endow one with the reality factor. It simply puts one in touch with more money and power! You only see and touch the 'real' on the ground floor. No one ever gained the truth from above the clouds....just an opinion, you understand! Tell Corey 3 steps forward, but only one back and always in one direction! They are the rules I have set up for him! Get well Corey. I believe there are many who wish to see your return. ^=^
I like the way you made this capture look. The light in it is afbulous. And of course I like the story too :) Best wished for Corey´s continued recovery.
He's quite a cutie! I love what you've done with the pic, and await the tale with interest. Don't overdo it, Corey!
I like the idea of "quick skirmish" art...it often feels like a battle to get the results from my head to the screen! Great work, Chip!
Great shot!
I really like this CHip! Funny how people of all ages lately move about with headphones on... whether it is at the gym, shopping centre, work - just anywhere! I personally get clausterphobic if I cannot hear what's going on around me! And the noise while Corey needs to rest - dang... Let him wear a headset!!! Hugs to you both!
What I really like in this capture (apart from your poster tinkering) is the exceptional quality of the light, which makes an everyday scene from urban ilfe quite striking. Beautiful work! It's good to hear of Corey's continued recovery. I spent 6 months at home recovering from surgery a couple of years ago, so I can genuinely appreciate some of the frustrations....
fabulous capture!! I'm glad Corey is getting better!!
i love the mood and the color you got with the postwork! superb shot as usual!
Great Shot! It is rather funny how people do wear their headsets everwhere as they have tuned the world out! Personally, I need to hear what is going on around me in my neighborhood. Call it street smart. Great capture and PW.
Love the social commentary without words here! Brilliant, Chip!
Great shot
Kid better be keeping an eye out. ... I'm just sayin'.
I am wondering which kind of music he is listen too....I like his expression...very well taken
I like the lights here - so you bring out the character the best. Well done shot.