Copyright: All artwork/content protected under ©2007-2011 Lynne Ciacco

All content herein copyright © Lynne Ciacco


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Rag Time Two Step



c.2012 L.Ciacco,  RagTime Two Step, digital collage 


This little number was composed on my computer today, just noodling around in Photoshop, not really planning on making anything.  I'd come across the background digi-collage in my files and began wondering what else I might do with it.  

I think there's a real story here, don't you?  A lady of questionable morals, perhaps; an opium den; money wired from a former lover or long-lost brother to get a dame out of a jam... 

I used to love watching old black and white movies on tv when I was a kid.  Can you tell? 


Elements used:

  • Main image, courtesy Graphic Fairy
  • Telegram, personal collection
  • Asian money, personal collection
  • Background, original composition of paint and pixels
  • Music Title, Dover Publications
  • Text, Shadowhouse Creations




21 comments:

  1. You've really captured the feel of that time and place - sultry, smoky, with a touch of decadence. Looks, to me, like it could be the label on a bottle of scotch ...

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    Replies
    1. Bonnie,
      Mmmmm...did you say "Scotch"?

      Delete
  2. Do you remember the telgram delivery guys on bikes in Vancouver? They were probably carrying just business notices because there would not have been any opiates or questionable morals in the neighbourhood, would there now? Hornby Street . . . hmmm.

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    Replies
    1. MB,
      Funny you should mention the telegram deliveries by bicycle--that was my grandfather's first job, which eventually led to his becoming a bike racer and competing in the Olympics.

      I've heard about opium dens underneath the streets of Vancouver in the early days of its wild westerness, on the way to becoming Lotus Land, but am not sure how true that may be. Catatonic in the catacombs?

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  3. the photo from Graphics Fairy is one of my favorites... and i love how you have woven together these elements. always enjoy your style.

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    Replies
    1. Beth,
      What a coincidence that we both favour this particular gem from the Graphics Fairy! Such a treasure trove she provides. Although our styles differ quite dramatically, I do believe we have a mutual admiration society going on!

      Delete
  4. You should be in pictures.. I mean "making" them... I mean movies... writing them, creating them, .. oh heck you could do the whole thing with an imagination like yours!

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    Replies
    1. Gwen,
      Ah, it's all been done before, thus my inspiration. But then, Hollywood seems to prefer the tried and true.

      Delete
    2. PS Gwen,
      After responding to Ruby (see following) I begin to think you could be right about me becoming a movie-maker! Seems it doesn't take much to get my imagination reeling (pardon the pun).

      Delete
  5. Opium Den was my first thought before I even read your words.This image creates loads of atmosphere. I think the Chinese guy is in control!

    Ruby

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    Replies
    1. Ruby,
      I do believe you're onto the kingpin in this little drama. I think he may have gotten our heroine hooked on the hookah for his own dastardly ends! Let's hope that, in good B-movie fashion, the hero is on his way to rescue her. Or perhaps she should die as a result of an overdose just as he bursts into her den of iniquity?!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Marginalia,
      Oh, high praise indeed from a Brit! Thanks ever so much; I am hardly worthy.

      Delete
  7. As your header begins..."An edgy mix"! This is edgy and wonderful! I too was a big black and white movie fan. Every Saturday my sister and I would dream of those silk dresses, lips and eyebrows! We were hypnotized by the sets. Again this a wonderful piece and a successful mood!

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    Replies
    1. Blue Sky,
      Didn't those "broads" know how to sashay around and command a room with just an arch of a perfectly shaped eyebrow and the swish of silk stockings beneath their slinky gowns?! All the characters and locales seemed so exotic and darkly intriguing. I'm glad my little pastiche has brought back fond memories for you.

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  8. I like the composition, the play of light and dark, and the dreamy, perhaps long forgotten man in the upper left; or perhaps a fading dream of a handsome, rescuing prince. I like old black and white movies too. Last weekend I saw Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and A Streetcar Named Desire back-to-back!

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    Replies
    1. Stickup,
      Ah, the rescuing prince. Hard to give up on that dream, no matter how many times it's proved a ridiculous, disappointing lie. (But who's bitter?)

      I remember seeing Whatever Happened to Baby Jane with my best friend when it first came out. We'd never seen anything like it and were glued to our seats.

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  9. Love this Lynne, and the anatomy at the end...

    Sure hope someday you'll "go to town" on a few more of mine, if there are ever any you feel like playing around with, and need a larger file, well, just give a shout, or send your cat to ask... :-)

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    Replies
    1. Owen,
      Always happy to give you an anatomy lesson.
      I'm glad you think this picture is the cat's meow.
      ;-)

      Delete
  10. It and she is gorgeous! I love the rich golden glow, and the elaborate pattern and texture. the word "lucious" comes to mind:)

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    Replies
    1. Lorik,
      Not only is she luscious but I suspect our golden-hued heroine might be a bit of a lush. Oh well, I guess it comes with the territory. Thanks for visiting and joining the merry band. Always pleasing to meet another creative soul.

      Delete