Three Degrees of Patience by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Humans are such interesting creatures. There’s something incredibly cute about them: in a largely-hairless primate sort of way. It’s something I notice, whenever I wait for a train or a bus; it’s something I noticed (last week) with Corey, as we sat, waiting for the next train to Kimball. It was a hot day. Humid. It was a sunny day—a thing deemed rare just a few weeks ago.
During a moment of boredom, I gave my camera something to do. I saw three people with three distinct faces across the tracks. They were divergent; members of the same overall species, but different in their manners of expression. One of them was older and female. A Babushka: not quite as Orthodox as some I’ve seen, but the look is unmistakable. The comfortable, supremely sensible shoes are a dead giveaway. The common shape of the arms is a telltale, if you know what to look for. I lived (for two years) among the inventors of the babushka prototype. Where I lived, babushka was pronounced babichka, but the meaning was the same. It was a reference to the age, the facial expression, the shape of the arms, and the shoes...and (perhaps) the number of dumplings (or goulash) in the diet.
The other two components of my focus were younger. Male. Acquainted with one another. They talked. They looked north and south—for signs of a train. They shared conversation: laughing…chewing gum. Unlike the babushka, they wore tee shirts. They wore shorts. They wore the flagrance of sandals without black socks. In the world of the babushka, one doesn’t show one’s toes in public. It’s a bit too casual. In the world of the younger males, intimacy was something else, and it, apparently, didn’t involve toes…at least not overtly.
I tried to find the stories behind the faces I saw. I recognized at least three distinct nationalities. (It’s in the skin tones, the hair colors [and textures] and in other tiny, insignificant physiological identifiers. It’s in the smiles, the half-frowns that blossom between sentences, as the face (confused for a moment,) settles on whatever emotions are carried in words just spoken. That, I thought, was the most interesting thing my camera could capture. The faces. The emotions determining each facial expression. I can’t guess at what anyone was saying or thinking, saying or feeling, but it was quite fun to watch the subtle, cryptic drama, taking place across the train tracks. Each person I saw displayed a moment of public transportation patience. Despite any talk, or the absence of talk, they were all doing the same thing. Waiting. In different ways, each way appropriate to the person. I found that endlessly fascinating, and it ended when their train arrived. I’m sure I’ll look for more dramas, more urban tableaus, and now that summer seems a bit less rainy, it’s something of a pleasant proposition.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great weekend.
Comments (23)
great captured all three !! I also like to watch people and study too...
Hmmmmmmmmm, this station looks familiar. Could it be the platform at Damen Avenue very near the stairs that I just put up as my most recent post (albeit 4 months apart)? I like how solemn/bored/impatient they all look as they wait for the arrival of the next train that will let them get on with the rest of their day. I also love the same/different looks of the individuals and what they tell you/or don't about them as people. Nice urban shot.
people watching not only gives us insight into human beings as a whole, but helps us take a look inward as well. I like to ppl watch and make up stories about their lives and pastimes--heck who knows. It may not be too far off... Great capture all around!
People watching should be an Olympic Event--it's got so much going for it. I love doing it, you can be sneaky or overt, even if you get caught, you can pretend you weren't REALLY looking! I love how even Mrs. Babushka is perched on the bench or whatever it is. Great shot of a city scene!!
stories to be told and heard at the same time but some or most will never talk to us or tell us anything. even if we hear the y stories. Our ears will hear but will not understand. Our mouths will talk but the hear will not hear as they got they story in they mind ready to tell us.
I could relate to every word of your narrative. Isn't is just intruiging how the tiniest clues can even lead to a fullscale life history when one has time!
Yes...people are endlessly fascinating in their various forms.:)
A fascinating shot! I loved looking at these people. They could be anywhere, anyone. The guy in the middle reminds me of my nephew Blake (the pose, the casual ease) who in turn reminds me of Corey. Now that's interesting, in a Keven Bacon sort of way. Does the guy in the middle remind YOU of Corey?
funny pic with great idae; you have the eye!
excellent image and prose!!
Stunning capture my friend.
This is a great photo, full of interesting bits. I like to people watch, although admittedly I am less patient with faces...I like to watch them walking, there are so many different ways to put one foot in front of the other. Lovely shot.
OUTSTANDING CREATION
Three people, three internal universes. Well seen and captured dear Chip.
Another cool shot and great observation of a sometimes strange, but always fascinating species. It must require about 180 dergrees of patience to comment as slow as this site is running today! :-D
Wonderful candid capture of the urban natives...I love your social commentary, as always! Great insights!
Interesting capture of three humans.
A nice people study Chip and your narrative forced me to study all three. You have me thinking about sandals now and the fact that I don't wear them. I will have to think about that. Dana
When I visit transit stations such as this, it is interesting to contemplate the intersecting life paths which has brought all these individuals to this moment where they have (against all odds) gathered together.
Great shot, body language speaks so much- thanks for sharing! :-)
Selina Photography™
Such a great shot Chip and the story behind it is quite amusing and aptly. :-)
I like the pose and expression of the lady. Her eyes have that faraway look of not really focusing on anything. Her brow is furrowed and I wonder if that is habitual or if she is thinking of something troubling. The gaze of the man in the middle is very reflective. Of course he could just be idly reviewing a grocery list but he seems to be contemplating more meaty matters. The one on the right seems to be letting his mind wander in a totally haphazard manner. I can imagine that he has contemplated what to eat for supper, the political idiocies of the moment, whether to adopt the cat that has been tearing up his screen, and the people on the opposite platform all with little concentration and all only for as long as a new thought didn't interrupt the stream. Excellent capture of the three on the bench, and there are many wonderful elements in this photo beyond the fascinating people. On a purely non-consequential note, the blue edge of the station platform reminds me of Lego blocks. I love the lighting, the rich colors, and all the wonderful vertical lines! I like the reflection on the window behind the woman and by her left arm. Excellent detail and light. As always, a most enjoyable read!
Great shot, full of expression