Into the gloom by durleybeachbum
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I had a challenge for Flickr entitled 'Follow Me', and it being after dark which is always a challenge for me and my camera, I had a fiddle about with these on various surfaces. This is one response, and Here is another.
This little set of ivory elephants has been in my family for at least 100 years. The largest one with the rider is only one inch high.
Grandma's brother was the Chief Civil Engineer of Leeds but was sent at some point to supervise some railway project in Ceylon.
I expect these came from there.
Thankfully trade in ivory now forbidden.

Comments (13)
in total zoom, we see the subtle textures and veins in the ivory. In 'mid' zoom (where we see the whole pic in one shot), it has wonderful lighting and shadow. And the procession, as well as the pattern of the wood, make a beautiful shot. (Your flickr version is almost a jewelry shot---it has depth, mystery and beauty.) You did beautiful work with these, Andrea. If being dark outside brings out shots like these, more long nights please...and they're beautiful heirlooms too. (I know that the ivory trade has caused great suffering to these animals, as it was cutthroat and cruel. But since we have ivory art from the past, we can appreciate it for its beauty, and as a testament to the glorious animals that it comes from. These elephants are typical of the care and beauty that went into ivory carving; and your photos of them are wonderful.)
Beautiful composition !
I agree with what Mark said about the ivory trade - completely opposed to it, but can appreciate examples from the past like this. A creative shot...
The details in these figurines are superb and were created with great skill. You have captured all of this wonderfully well. My parents left me some ivory pieces. I must post them someday. While I am also opposed to the ivory trade it should be noted that, if these came from Ceylon, the ivory likely came from domesticated elephants who died rather than an elephant that was hunted.
Elephants are my favourit animal. How amazing they have been past down through the years in your family. I appreciate they are beautiful even though they are ivory.
Super result..each little elephant has a different pose
Wonderful capture - great composition
Spectacular! And so tiny...I think I like the black background better for highlighting the structure of these little darlings. Wonderful work!
My dear old pop would have loved this........................;
One inch tall and consecutively smaller from there on to the smallest! That is a feat in itself and the talent must be acknowledged in spite of its creation source, as that was 100 years ago and views were much different then. It is still a beautiful treasured family keepsake and your composition and lighting are most impressive.
What a great answer for the challenge! You did well with the lighting, as well. Nice work!
Beautiful work Andrea. I like the lighting and the composition very much.
Again both pics. are gorgeous Andrea.
What a stunning set and very valuable keepsakes.