Red's Kingdom

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Sputnik (2025)

To create these Sputnik-inspired photographs for The Kick-About No. 135, I ordered a large steel ball from one of those companies that provide fixtures and fittings for grand-looking railings and gates. I knew I was going to have some fun with sparklers to evoke the spines of this famous satellite and I needed something I…

philgomm
1–2 minutes
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A close-up image of a large steel ball emitting vibrant sparks, resembling the re-entry effect of a satellite. The background is dark, enhancing the bright, dynamic lines of light radiating outward.

To create these Sputnik-inspired photographs for The Kick-About No. 135, I ordered a large steel ball from one of those companies that provide fixtures and fittings for grand-looking railings and gates. I knew I was going to have some fun with sparklers to evoke the spines of this famous satellite and I needed something I could ‘strike’ without fear of burning the house down. I captured some fun ‘re-entry’ vibes in some of these, but there is something rather implacable about that mysterious orb, which puts me in mind of Gort from The Day The Earth Stood Still...”

A large steel ball beside a sparkler emitting bright sparks, set against a dark background, evoking a cosmic atmosphere.
A large steel ball with sparklers emitting bright sparks above it, against a dark background, creating a dramatic effect reminiscent of space themes.
A black and white photograph of a large steel ball surrounded by sparklers, creating a glowing effect. The image evokes a mysterious, cosmic feel, reminiscent of Sputnik.
A large black steel ball is surrounded by bright, sparkling fireworks against a dark background, creating an energetic and dynamic atmosphere.
A large steel ball surrounded by sparklers, creating a dynamic burst of light against a dark background.
A close-up view of a metallic ball surrounded by sparkling light, resembling a dramatic burst or explosion, creating an artistic effect.
A glowing steel ball surrounded by sparkling trails of light, evoking the look of sparklers, set against a dark background.
A steel ball emitting bright sparks against a dark background, evoking a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
Close-up view of a large steel ball surrounded by sparker trails, creating a dynamic and ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of a satellite.

7 responses to “Sputnik (2025)”

  1. Lewis Punton Avatar
    Lewis Punton

    Love it, Phil! There’s a touch of exploding Death Star about these!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. philgomm Avatar
      philgomm

      on a fraction of the budget… 😀

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  2. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    I like the crystal ball gone berserk vibe. I wonder what it sees? (K)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    Phil, you can tell you’ve had fun….but there is a serious side to all this business of sending things into space, which is what “art” highlights!
    I need to thank you again, for presenting any of my work! The whole thing about the K-A is just amazing for me, as it is not only allowing me to contribute but I am learning so much, not just from the prompts themselves (I have to research) but from all the submissions by the Kick-Abouters! 🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. philgomm Avatar
      philgomm

      You’re more than welcome, Ashley: fun is good.

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  4. Graeme Daly Avatar
    Graeme Daly

    WOW Phil!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. philgomm Avatar
      philgomm

      Cheers, Big Fella!

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      Reply

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