The face is like a switch on a railroad track. It affects the trajectory of the social interaction the way the switch would affect the path of the train.
~Alan Fridlund
This photo was taken on February 16, 2007.
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Comments and faves
original_ann, Eric K., Dead Air, pinkyhonor, and 38 other people added this photo to their favorites.
original_ann (64 months ago | reply)
What a stellar capture Derrick! This tells such a story. I can hear the faceless head chattering away, like a run-on sentence, about the "important" gossip of the day - - who said what and where. Completely unaware that her hollow friend is unable to hear her, unable to care about what she's saying because she's faced with real life concerns.
Too mentally exhausted to even interrupt the run on, to share her concerns, to do anything, she just stares at the weird expressions that the faceless head's mouth makes as she allows her own self to slip far, far away...
The cherry on top is the portrait above the hollow lady. The lady in the portrait finds this entire encounter absoluteley peculiar and her expression says it all.
Wowweeeee!!!
Sidya Motumbo (64 months ago | reply)
Is she still looking at me? Tell her to quit looking at me. I am not going to sit here and try to eat with that winch staring at me. Let's move to another table so she won't be looking right over my shoulder. I swear, some people.
And what's with that 90s choker? Doesn't she know that it's sooo completely 1998?
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Ann, yes, I couldn't keep my eyes off of her! Ha! --- sounds kind of strange, but I'm glad she never paid me any mind. I never find myself "staring", but more-so "observing." The mind wonders and ponders and begins imagining the many reasons why the person has that particular composition; whether sad or joyful. She seemed so disappointed and flung about the wash rag, and it was somehow heart-breaking. She would often shake her head at everything, keeping her squinchy-forehead with concern and worry. This particular restaurant is filled with vintage images and rare items, and I thought that the portrait of the woman above them was a perfect propeller. It looks like I composed this one a bit crooked, but it appears this way because of the framed portrait which looked to be slightly fussy to the right.
Thanks, always! :)
Sidya: I don't know! I could always go back and ask her if you'd like, but when I relay the message to you afterward, don't be surprised if she replies with a somewhat sarcastic resort. It often pays off for people who enjoy being brain-washed. ;)
~btezra~ [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
fantastic quote, one I've never heard but completely find meaning in
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Thanks for stopping in, btezra! --- I actually locomotively ran across that quote when doing research on the psychology of the emotions of the face and how they relate to the "inner" chamber of the soul. It's quite interesting...
is done is gone [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
Image and quote together are terrific thoughtful
Contemplate your work is a intense experience
jot.de (64 months ago | reply)
great quote and image combi!!!
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
kbozen, jot.de: Thanks guys! ...as always!
Ralpheyesee (64 months ago | reply)
Interesting shot Derrick, your photos always provide food for thought.
I love the woman's "gaze" she is obiviously listening to a mind numbing run of verbal nothingness. I wrote "gaze" as she doesn't really appear to be looking outward, her gaze is inward as Ann said, she's merely providing the other woman with a face to talk to.
Dead Air (64 months ago | reply)
Noticing the "witch" in "switch".
pinkyhonor (64 months ago | reply)
i'm enjoying the fence implications of the latticework, as if the two chattery neighbors used laundry-hanging as a devise to exchange crucial tidbits or more importantly, vent to a kindred soul. but restaurants are a poor subsitute for the yard's privacy and thankfully poor acoustics! i'm always amazed at the imagined barriers these tables-for-two erect...and they are so often lined up next to each other, like a row of confessionals. and that lady above....did the painter talk to his mute subject the entire time?or maybe she was the village gossip and is now condemned to be all ears. wonderful shot! EDIT: oopsies, i've expounded on everything but the expressions. sorry to digress!
Lorrie= :oP [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
I love this.........not only is the woman's hollow face so telling in her painful expression........but i love how the face in the painting seems to be jeering at their conversation....... like hmmmmmmmmm :oP
Great capture my friend!
Opal in the rough (64 months ago | reply)
Neither "switch" seems to be a friendly one.
maybe more unwelcoming.
The painting "switch" seems skeptical. glancing sideways at the viewer. Where the woman's "switch" looks disappointed and ready to repremand the person in front of her.
I'm use to the uneasiness in some of (OK a lot of) your works, and this one is no exception. I wouldn't want ot be in that room. there is tension there that (as a peacemaking sort) i do my best to avoid.
Now that i know it is a restaurant setting, it's gains a different feeling all together, but my first impression of the photo was uncomfortable.
I just want to walk over and give that lady a cookie so she would smile or something.
priam160 (64 months ago | reply)
Wonderful capture, I too really liked the apparent dichotomy between the face in the portrait (whose eyes appear to follow me wherever I go, but since I'm at desk, and my going isn't far ranging, I suppose that's not that much of a surprise. . .) and the somewhat disenganged expression of the woman in the picture.
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Ralph: Oh my, thanks for the perception and visit, as always! "Mind numbing of verbal nothingness" and her "gaze" was certainly android-like and bizarre. Well, not really "bizarre" as much as it was like a dried canteloupe, but I wanted to give her a hug or something. Or a barrel filled with poems --- love poems and happy ones. I wonder if it would have made any difference? I always find myself wanting to "ask" about their situations, but it would be wayy too strange, I think. Then again, everyone's different. I wonder if she would have freaked out had I sung her a Gregory Abbott song?
Girl, I been watching you
from so far across the floor now (baby)
but, of course, that would be IT. End it right there. And leave the "baby" out of it. Hahaaaa! Oh my. I flatter myself way too often. Sorry.
Thanks, always, Ralph!
Jim: Kind of makes one wonder, doesn't it? :)
pinkyhonor: I agree, whole-heartedly about how "restaurants are a poor substitute for the yard's privacy", but even the privacy of one's own back-yard or front-yard or wherever-yard isn't always private in this day and age. Just the other day I saw a man walking in my yard, in which he walked around the side of the house and back into the thick neighborhood in the back of me. I keep a look-out rather intently. --- Anyhow, the painter was probably into psychics and knew that this particular 'moment' would be captured, so he painted it directly for me! I wish it was like Charlie Brown's teacher or the Nanny on "The Muppet Babies" where you only get the "shoulder-down" --- now imagine the psychological 'horror' THAT would create, eh? --- Thanks, thanks, always!
Lorrie: I quite like the fact that the woman above them seems to be snickering at them as well. I think it makes the image 'stronger' to a certain extent. It makes you want to listen to the rain quietly pour. Happy to see you over here, as usual! :)
Mel: Perhaps she's 'waiting on the world to change' like John Mayer? ...she has another thing coming if that is the case! ;)
Hm, perhaps I somewhat ruined your moment with the mentioning of this being a restaurant-setting? Funny thing, I felt like I 'ruined it' anyway because I couldn't "keep still", which is why it's somewhat blurry. This may have qualifications of being one who critiques his own work with extreme ceaselessness, but it bothered me at first. I'm glad you found this one to be somehow strange, ominous and "uncomfortable", which is exactly how I "felt" being there. I don't think she would have smiled had $100 bills starting pouring out of the walls and into her lap! I say that "unfortunately-speaking" rather than being pessimistic about her external avenues. I think what had me so mesmerized was the fact that *I* was waiting on her to flush out a smile. I imagine it would have been llike waiting for mold to grow on old bread, but I often compare experiences with other ideas and thoughts. Marching straight to euphoria! Ha!
If anything, I'll take the cookie. ;) --- Thanks, my friend!
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Ah, I missed you, priam160! Thanks to my consistent blabbing, eh? :)
I laughed out loud when I imagined you swaying from side-to-side in your chair at your desk, and then imaginging your co-workers beginning to whisper amongst themselves, which then summons the Boss over to ask: "Dear, are you okay?"...thanks for that. --- Glad you like this one. I was actually skeptical to post it, but it looks like it was a good thing I did (in more ways than one!). Thanks! :)
inez indigo (soulfuse) (64 months ago | reply)
the words that come to mind here are "energy vampires", people who drain the life right out of us. I think this poor trainwreck of a woman is undergoing her final energy drain and is about to collapse backwards in the maze like tracks of the latticework .....the picture on the wall with its elaborate frame and smug looking lady, make this whole scene all the more cruel. great image, thought provoking quote!
Self Timer (64 months ago | reply)
strong faces. I love this juxtaposition between both faces and that both faces are slightly covered
...old ( painting) against new ( woman)- your images are always so rich and complicated- love it of course :)
judekyle [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
this kicked in my repressed catholicism. that crosshatch with the painting brought me straight back tot he confessional and i tried to hear what the woman was confessing to the priest in the painting -- my unimpeded, unedited, nonsensical reaction. and now i feel the need to genuflect and take communion. amen.
Sidya Motumbo (64 months ago | reply)
Weh oh weh
What can I do?
I can tell you got your pride now baby.
torchesforghosts (64 months ago | reply)
I don't have the energy to read everything that's already been written so pardon me if I repeat someone else's words.
I find this haunting - the combination of the vague painted face and the eerie live face partially blocked by the back of someone's head. Your photos always manage to communicate; they're always greater than the sum of their parts. I can't even fully explain why I find this so profound, but I'm glad you're here.
.Mohammad Taheri (64 months ago | reply)
This is brilliant Derrick, always working on different thoughts and levels simultaneously..
Cheers to you
=]
3amfromkyoto (64 months ago | reply)
Can't find any words to accurately describe this.
I'll just think about it instead, but know it is excellent.
annabelletexter (64 months ago | reply)
it is an amazing capture... love the mood it gives... nice one!
Opal in the rough (64 months ago | reply)
in fact if you hadn't mentioned the restaurant aspect i may have been more reluctant to comment like i did. I know you use your reletives in your works frequently and i wouldn't have wnted to offend you by saying one of them was a sourpuss. I find it funny that you'd be fidgetting in your chair waiting with your trigger finger on the camera for that slight smile to make an appearence. Oh well, sometimes impatientness can produce a better picture in the long run.
enjoy the cookie, Cookie.
depassagem (64 months ago | reply)
it looks like a murnau - herzog mix
you have the surrealistic elements
and the modern too
the picture in the frame spooks me!
bluechameleon (64 months ago | reply)
Oooh! I am so in awe of this. There is such a feeling of being watched and of watching. I can't take my eyes off this image and I am not sure who is going to spot you first...the woman or the woman in the painting. Or maybe they are watching each other..and you are actually invisible!
A different kind of "Picture of Dorian Grey" comes to mind! Oh the stories that can be told here! You keep me wanting more....
(more please!).
sunburnsideup (64 months ago | reply)
Love the layers and the details, fine and soft.
My Baby Mia [very busy for few days] (64 months ago | reply)
Your fantastic black and white picture is my winner!
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/bwphotoaward/ Feel free to post this wonderful photo into our weekly and/ or monthly competition
Out to Lunch (64 months ago | reply)
Nice shot...and too much bullshit from your detractors. Cheers, SNC
Karen O [back in a while] [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
the people in the foreground do seem rather tragic don't they ? as if the paths they've chosen has left them together, but completely stranded forever in a nightmare world from which they can never now escape.
be careful what you wish for...
and a truth thats told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.
trapped in a web.. forever doomed, forever damned.. in a world of eternal darkness.
the painting, it reminds me of a mona lisa 21st century stylie. she sits and observes the downfall with a wry, ironic smile. as if to say : 'told you so, you fuckin cretins.' :)
grace*c* (64 months ago | reply)
I'm going to tell everyone I know to take a look at this.
The woman in the painting has a priceless look on her face...as if she is making a connection with YOU, Derrick about the women conversing in the foreground.
Dalmatica (64 months ago | reply)
grande dames of society. great framing.
kagogo (64 months ago | reply)
Yes, both faces say so much. I love how there is a parallel between them -- it isn't a one-to-one mapping, but there is a similar vibe to their expressions.
The "live" woman in the photo makes me think of the following:
You know when you're out and about in the city, or when you're riding the train, or when you're stuck in commuter traffic, or when you're grocery shopping -- anything mundane or routine, really -- how everyone seems so miserable? As if misery is the default state for most people. But then you stop someone to ask a question, and they usually light up, or at least the misery fades... I'm not sure what that means, but I know it means something... :-)
Jiffy Cat (64 months ago | reply)
Derrick the lady in the painting is tipping you off to the switch which is hidden in the back of the facade droid you have photographed. "Turn her off please" she implies. As a witness to many irritating and banal conversations she pleads and begs with her knowing gaze to please end this now.
[kren] (64 months ago | reply)
The irony is that the only person who is aware of being photographed is the now-dead woman in the painting.
praxis9 [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
it is what the doorman remmembers and the waiter prospects...a certain regard for the manner carried forlorn without ..socisl instigator burgeoning a a pasage so its midst
☀Benjamin (64 months ago | reply)
It's a wonder the portrait lady is able to keep such a smooth and unblemished visage - squinchy-foreheads are so often contagious, faces as sponges slurping up the lowest common denominator mood of the thing.
She's doing what she can to project her squish onto her daughter - a Dorian oblivious to the picture the whole time, forgetting all about the painting and trying to suck his youth back from his own progeny.
But that would have ended equally badly for all concerned - as i fear this does... except for the portrait lady, who will live to smile another day.
Auntie K (64 months ago | reply)
Revealing and concealing on so many levels!
curious wraith [deleted] (64 months ago | reply)
derrick, it is me, lou!
im back! nice to see my first uploaded contact image!
speak soon x
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Sandy: I like the idea of the "energy vampires" and your perception! It is basically what I thought of as well --- thanks for always visiting and commenting!
Daniela: She has that look on her face like, "Life on Mars?" --- glad you like this one. As mentioned, I was somewhat skeptical in posting it, but I'm glad that I did. Thank you, as always, for the visits and lovely comments!
jude: Ha, glad this could somehow channel your repressed catholicism. Thanks for the amen! ;)
Sidya: Thanks for returning! Twice is even more enjoyable for me!
Brain Map: No need to worry about what others have said! I'm glad you decided to stop in and comment, as usual here. Your perceptions and visits are always appreciated!
sorrenta: Thank you!
3amfromtokyo: I'm happy this could make you think! Hopefully I can continue this pace! :) --- thanks, as always!
annabelletexter: Thanks, thanks!
Mel: Ha! I think it would have taken a lot more to "offend" me than to call one my family members a sourpuss! And besides, a lot of them are sourpusses, honestly-speaking. I think everyone has those "certain ones" in their family whom are a bit low-spirited and dismal. I'm glad you find my fidgetyness funny, because I was indeed a bit on the edge. Not to say that anyone would have noticed because it wasn't as if it would have appeared I had some sort of "nervous system" problem, but I think the psychological aspect of it really had me fidgety which someone also becomes slightly physical as well. --- Any how-dee-doo-dee, thanks for the re-visit! ...and the cookie was delicious. :)
depassagem: Thanks for the comparison there! Almost too much for me to bear, you know? ;) --- Thanks, always, for the endless visits/comments!
Sharon: Everytime I think about "The Picture of Dorian Gray", I always reminded of Dick Smith's amazing make-up work he did for the 1961 version. One of those "non-television" moments, I suppose --- but totally ruthless.
Give it a look:
www.dicksmithmake-up.com/gray.htm
www.creepyclassics.com/bash/bash04doriangray. jpg
4forry.best.vwh.net/pix/dorian.jpg
The Master (Dick Smith) never failed! He's the Michael Jordan of special effects make-up.
Anyhow, thanks, thanks, thanks, as always for stopping into the lair! :)
Maryanne: Hello! Thanks, thanks! :)
My Baby Mia: Wow, thanks for the invitation! I'll add it soon, thanks!
Out to Lunch: Thanks for visiting! :)
Karen: well, I don't lie and I especially don't "invent" lies. That's almost as bad as believing them! Mona Lisa smile, eh? How about wish a moustache? ;) --- Thanks, always!
grace: I'm glad you noticed this because I didn't when I was there. ;) --- Yes, I suppose she would have been incapable of filling stadiums with her gloom. Then again, if she took it on the road, perhaps she could have appealed to a lot of the other gloomy and depressed people of the world. Thanks, as usual!
Dalmatica: Thanks!
Karin: Ah, a lovely perception, as I always come to expect from you. I know exactly what you're referring to in your second stanza. In fact, this happened to me last night when I was in "Yankee Candle", but I won't go into details. Just believe me when I tell you that there were a lot of smiles, laughs and silly conversations. It always seems to liven the atmosphere. Although, in "Barnes and Noble", I was looking through the Photography/Art magazines over at the magazine rack areas and an elderly man with a moustache came into my area. I asked him if he was having a good day, and he sarcastically grunted "Um hm." I never take it personal, because it typically doesn't happen to me often. Anyhow, excellent examples! ...thanks, always! :)
Mr. Ed: "Birds are flowing out like an endless rain into a paper cup", and I find myself slipping across the universe! Tipping me off? Ah! ...so that explains the strange vibrations! ;)
kren: Ha, yes, indeed! She's definitely one heck of a gazer, eh? Thanks for stopping in!
praxis9: Thanks!
B-Mill: I imagined she was "snickering" at me more than anything. Her necromancing ideas must have slithered into me, creating a spell of unimpressive fidgetying. Certain emotions from others have a deepened emotional impact on me. --- As always, thank you. :)
K: Hey there! and thanks!
Lou-magic: Hello, hello! I'm happy you didn't leave us! The wind would have easily cried Mary...or...Louly. :) --- Glad this image was the first one you saw on your new magic carpet of Flickr!
mel-pin (64 months ago | reply)
Each gaze, one silent question.
I love this b/w intimacy.
f o k a (64 months ago | reply)
quite mysterious and deep...
DerrickT (64 months ago | reply)
Thanks you two!
panic-embryo (64 months ago | reply)
marvellous capture my friend....
I shall return when I have the time to properly comment. :)
(odense) (64 months ago | reply)
Who's watching who?
-- jenny -- (64 months ago | reply)
love the slight tilt of the frame and all of the lines here, the curvy lines around her neck against the frame and the cross hatching below.
this looked like a reflection shot to me at first, the mirror placed in between the two heads in the foreground. lots of room for interpretation and story telling here, I'm glad you posted it!
panic-embryo (64 months ago | reply)
As always, I'm compelled to suppress the endless faces that always look back in your images. I suppose the notion of 'a picture is worth a thousand words' forever finds its voice in your work.
I marvel at such a capture and a moment. Isn't it wonderful to spot such things AND have your camera in hand? I see identities and identifying. Part captivated in dialogue and holding the kinds of glares that reside in the lucid and subconscious realms. This feels like it's outside and then not. A weaker armature to a hanging portrait almost lends itself to a soul gazing forth for any pillar of strength or beckoning as it's last eye-catch will allow it to leap from the frame.
shining ever so brightly Mr T.
Ever so.
:)
noqontrol (64 months ago | reply)
so postmodern, so Lacan..
[stelka] (64 months ago | reply)
so true! and the those words fullfil classy picture :)