Camera Obscura

Eyes see what we think. Whether it’s something we like, or something we’re afraid of, mind pictures are not an objective summary of life (is such a thing possible?). Even cameras lie, and tell stories that have narrators and hopes. The two dimensional form they squash real space into is shaded all over with these ideas. So many beautiful ideas.

In the realm of monsters it’s important to remember that some of these creatures have been hitherto unknown. How can our eyes see un-liked, un-feared and un-thought quantities? Clearly, we need some help. This help comes in the form of my camera obscura, passed down (somewhat awkwardly due to its strange boxy shape) to me from a long line of monster-hunting ancestors. My camera obscura snags shots that slip my eyes’ grasp.

Here’s a freshly coiffed and slightly titillating monster lurking by the side of the superhighway on Chiang Mai. I stopped for a drink on my long dusty passage and had a feeling about that hair.  

 Kate helped wielded the unwieldy box to capture this fight. It happened with little understanding at the time. Instinct takes over, and time moves in circles more silly than usual.

 

Hexed

Monsters are often fickle and prone to tempestuous mood swings. When dealing with them it is best to use caution, politeness, and a big stick in whatever order seems most pertinent.

While wandering in Nevada, Kate and Julia attempted to soothe a rock monster who apparently misunderstood their actions and decided to take revenge. As monster aficionados, we should have donned our bright orange safety vests and beat the rock with big sticks while apologizing profusely. We did not, and now Kate must suffer the consequences.

The sour-faced rock cursed unaware Kate with a hex which will eventually turn her into a tree-person. That rock monster has proved to be particularly powerful, or just particularly insulted at Kate and Julia’s imitations, and dealt Kate a curse the consumes her with agonizing slowness. After weeks of nails falling out and bark erupting in rashy patches, only Kate’s left arm is a stick.

Her other limbs remain fleshy; there have been worries of leaves, but it is not known at this time if leaves are growing on her head or merely seeking shelter there. All that is left to do is water her feet and hope.