Challenger – High Level, Alberta 1
Challenger – High Level, Alberta 2
Challenger – High Level, Alberta 3
Challenger – High Level, Alberta 4
In 2006, Disney and Pixar created a movie called ‘Cars.’ Through anthropomorphization (computer imaging and human voice over), vehicles became characters. Vehicles were personified with front-end grill work that took on features of the human face and with animate vehicle bodies became expressive in gesture. What was the adult draw to the children’s film was the close attention paid to the style and design derivation linking the computer animation to original autos. For example, Doc Hudson’s character and vehicle are based on the lines and styling of the 1951 Hudson Hornet. Other characters are composite renderings of vehicles from a former time. Mater’s character is a vehicle cross reminiscent of a 1951 International Harvester ‘boom truck’ and the styling associated with a mid-fifties Chevrolet, one-ton Wrecker Tow Truck.
The film draws upon an underlying theme characteristic of North American society that of the car we drive representing significant attributes in our character … our auto becomes ‘how we represent’ and contains ‘our colours.’ Beyond actual clothing, an automobile is the next way we clothe ourselves in strength, colour and speed. And, that vehicle and how it’s driven embodies our habits, mannerisms, attitude and even outlook. People know us by how we drive. Anthromorphization in reverse – three 2013 Dodge Challengers were present at last week’s Show and Shine and what was noteworthy and perhaps the attracting feature of the Challenger’s design was the configuration of headlights in relation to the front of the hood and to the grill work. For anyone standing looking down to the front of the car from eye-level places the headlights under a long ark of the hood, a styling that conveys something similar to eyes looking up and out from under someone’s brow – an attribute and styling that likely makes these Dodge Challengers ‘mean machines,’ contenders on the road … or at least something fun to drive as it becomes persona for its driver.
Listening to – Sheryl Crow’s ‘Steve McQueen’ and ‘Real Gone,’ John Mayer’s ‘Route 66’ and Rascal Flatts singing a Tom Cochrane tune, ‘Life is a Highway.’
Quote to Inspire – “A photographer is an acrobat treading the high wire of chance, trying to capture shooting stars.” – Guy Le Querrec
In My Back Pocket - Photography 
Awesome images The first two in this series are my favs.
Hey there, Marcus:
I’m liking those first two images, as well, and the detail of lines and shape delineating the Dodge Challenger. The grainier, faded images remind of Steve McQueen movies in which cars and car driving featured prominently. The shot is hand-held when, in truth, I would much have preferred to access the vehicle visually with camera, tripod and manual focus with Canon’s Live View. Clouds on blue sky day would have introduced reflection and depth into the car surface. Overall, I would have been happier with tripod and manual focus … Maybe next year or perhaps another Show and Shine somewhere within July and August.
Thank you for looking in, and, for your kind words.
Take care … 😉
Interesting how we project ourselves both backwards and forwards onto what are essentially tools, object we use. I like the last shot, the rough colour and compression of perspective.
Jim
Hey there, Jim:
It sounds like a phenomenon that is not strictly linked to North America … in one way or another it’s something that’s been a part of every literature course through University. I get a kick out of the ability we have to step in and out of persona, simply by using and departing from our vehicles. I suppose to a lesser degree we do this with clothes and homes etc..
The images … I am with you – the last shot does a lot … the rough colour captivates.
Good schtuff – enjoying your mountain trek images; perhaps you’ve been into Canada’s rockies? You’d enjoy the Crow’s Nest area in southern Alberta.
Take care … 🙂