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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Making Physical Therapy Work For You by Psychic Medium Linda Lauren



I was having a conversation this morning with someone who was asked to consider physical therapy again, despite best efforts, instead of going the surgical route. My feelings are pretty clear on this.I believe physical therapy works well when the injuries are minimal and the person much younger, with less of a medical history of injuries. Or, if you can afford it (which most can not) private sessions.
PT facilities assign you to on-premise therapists after fully evaluating your case. That makes the patient safe and secure in the knowledge that they are in good, expert hands. However, it’s what happens after that initial appointment that may undermine your healing progress.
A therapist is not necessarily permitted to treat the whole body, as they are asked to work on the one issue you came there for. For instance, if you had back, knee, or hip surgery (for which you are not being treated for at that time) and being presently treated for an issue with an arm or a foot, you might only legally be treated for the issue assigned to your case. The focus is on what the insurance companies will pay for in regard to your coverage.
There is also the chance that therapists rely on assistants taking over for them in the middle of your therapy sessions. That assistant will look at the clipboard that indicates your injury and treatment, but they, too, are not permitted and/or required to treat pre-existing conditions you may have, that are not cleared for in therapy. I believe that leaves a person open to creating more health issues for the future. It’s like curing one problem and exacerbating others.
As someone who has had this happen personally several times, and over several years, I looked into how I can avoid this possible pitfall. It is certainly not the fault of the technician or the patient, but the insurance company’s requirements.I considered the following questions to take control of my treatment, so that I might avoid injury in those areas not being treated.
  • Choose the facility for therapy carefully and based on doctor and patient recommendations. A previous patient will have the inside track which can be a valuable heads up.
  • Discern whether or not the treatment scope will cover any pre-existing conditions you might have in your medical history and give them careful consideration.
  • When at the facility, make sure that each physical therapy technician or assistant is aware of your complete history, and refers to it during your treatment.
  • Be an active participant in your therapy. Do not be afraid to speak up if you are having any doubts about your treatment.
  • Never let a technician who has a cold, sniffles, or any health issue, work on you, as they should not be treating a patient while they are sick. The treatment facility is supposed to be a healing environment.
I realize that some therapists who read this may take offense, but it is not meant to offend at all. It is meant to enlighten, as I am speaking from personal experience, as well as the experiences of others who have suffered injury that caused them pain enough to change the way they approached their physical therapy experience. PT can be a wonderful experience if the the stress of additional injury is avoided . Knowledge is very powerful to healing.

Linda can be found Island hopping or on ETU Abbracciare, her SL Island.  Come visit!  

Monday, February 27, 2017

The Spoonful of Sugar (S.O.S Festival) and MSF/Doctors Without Borders Fundraiser March 18 - April 1st, 2017


For every national and international disaster Doctors Without Borders has been there. There is no barrier, border, or line they will not cross, no length they will not go to too bring aid to those who need it most. Where there is need they are there giving generously all of their knowledge, talent, and skills. Now it is time to give back to them.

Second Life is a global community and with the help of Seraphim, AIM, LTD, ModeLS Magazine, The Second Life Enquirer, T1 Radio and SL Live Radio, we will come together to celebrate the world wide movement of Médecins Sans Frontières with an entire two weeks of parties, events, and fund raising running March 18 - April 1, 2017. Join us at The Spoonful of Sugar Festival as we visit the Netherlands and Amsterdam for our second event!

We bring to you the finest in SL Fashion, Home and Garden and amazing Breedables to enhance your second life with style, comfort and charm. Our calendar is packed with a Panel Discussion with MSF workers, SL's highly acclaimed entertainers, dance troupes,DJs and Fashion Shows. The best part it can all be yours knowing it will all benefit this amazing, globally reaching cause! 


To learn more about the S.O.S Festival and MSF/Doctors Without Borders please visit our website where you can see all the latest happening and developments: http://www.thesosfestival.com

You can also stay up to date and follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thesosfestival/?pnref=story

To see all the new releases, exclusives, and creations from over 150 (and counting as of this release!) amazing designers, check out our flickr group: https://www.flickr.com/groups/thesosfestival/

We will see you at The Spoonful of Sugar Festival 2017!

Yours Truly,
Ever Courtois & Angel Wickentower 
S.O.S Founders
&
S.O.S Event Team

** This article has had some corrections and is updated as of 2/27/17.  

Sacred Cauldron School of Wicca in SL -Seersha Heart Reporting...





It is 7:00 pm slt and a class begins.  Each student of Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary is represented by an avi sitting in the classroom.  “Earn Your Degree From Anywhere” is what Woolston-Steen emphasizes to their prospective students.  All of their classes are held online in their SL virtual classroom environment so that all students may participant from any location in the world.  If the student has access to the internet, they have access to the campus through SL.

            Sponsored by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Woolston-Steen is recognized by the State of Washington as a religious seminary able to grant degrees in Wiccan Ministry.  You may earn an Associates’, a Bachelor’s, or a Doctorate in Wiccan Ministry.


The Dean of Seminary is Belladonna Laveau.  She is the Archpriestess of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church International.  She authored the book Awakening Spiritwhich is used by the U.S. Military to assist chaplains minister to Wiccan troops. 
            Today we get to hear from Dean Belladonna Laveau about the school and it’s connection to second life.

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Thank you for the opportunity to talk to the SL Enquirer about what we do at WiccanSeminary.EDU, a real Wiccan College that holds classes in Secondlife.

Seersha Heart:  Happy to hear all about the college.  There are ways to make a class offering online, why did your school choose SL?


Dean Belladonna Laveau: We teach witchcraft at WiccanSeminary.EDU. Secondlife is a 'tween space where magic can be done and energy can be experienced. It's very similar to any other place "between the worlds". In this place we can teach magic easier, because we can generate the energy in the space with the students, and illustrate it. Students can see what we are doing energetically, and learn faster.

Seersha Heart:  Are any of your students veteran SL residents?  Are some familiar with SL before they begin school?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:We get a good bit of our student body through Secondlife residents. It's helpful to be familiar with, and a fan of Secondlife before starting school. Learning to navigate Secondlife can be an additional challenge for the student, who is not already adept with the software. Knowing how to shop, build, and edit makes it easier to turn in assignments and progress through the school.

Seersha Heart:  What training in SL do you offer students?  Do you have an orientation to SL?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:We take them to Caledon University, and accompany them while they go through. We also send them to Builder's Brewery, or provide a simple building class. We try to utilize the resources already provided on Secondlife, and be part of the greater community.

Seersha Heart:  How long has your school operated in the SL classrooms?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:Our school has been teaching classes in Secondlife since 2009. We first came in, when one of the students offered to let us set up on his private land. We then were offered to purchase Sacred Cauldron, which was already established. We couldn't resist such a beautiful and sacred offer. The Goddess provided us the funds for it in an immediate and miraculous way, and we were home.


Seersha Heart:  You list possible areas that need clergy on your website.  Does the school help students with job placement?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  We do. The Aquarian Tabernacle Church sponsors the school. It has many departments where a student can work. You start out in intern positions that are volunteer, and learn the industry through experiencing it from the inside. We have a Career Counselor that is available for helping you map out your career path. 

Seersha Heart:  Is there a graduation ceremony?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Yes. It is held inworld in the spring.

Seersha Heart:  Do you know some rl jobs your graduates are doing now?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Most of our graduates continue in service as Ministers. They are running festivals and churches, writing books, and articles, being spiritual counselors, and serving to help Wiccans and Pagans all over the world. 

Seersha Heart:  Has SL proved to be a good location for your virtual classroom?  What are the good aspects and what are the aspects that challenge the school in SL?


Dean Belladonna Laveau:  We love working in Secondlife. We find it supportive of the many programs we have, and we continue to bring more programs inworld as we grow. The challenge is not having voice on cellphone viewers. We have started using Skype for Business for the voice chat aspect of the classroom instead of SL voice. It's more convenient for students on the go, and it allows us to record the class. We would be happier and more efficient if SL integrated with outside technologies.

Seersha Heart: Can someone apply to the school in SL from the campus?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Yes, just pop into the castle and as for help, or ask for help right on the Sacred Cauldron group list. There is almost always someone online to help. You do have to interface with a standard web browser to complete the forms and tuition requirements. The school does not accept Lindens for tuition.



Seersha Heart:  What do you want prospective students to know about the experience and the school?
Dean Belladonna Laveau:Sacred Cauldron is an open campus, come and see what it's like to do magic in a virtual 'tween space. There are so many layers that Secondlife brings to magical training, that I couldn't cover them within the space of this article. Having to create a world that changes with the seasons is a lesson of magical design that one wouldn't expect, and that is only one aspect to the depth of knowledge you will receive at WiccanSeminary.EDU. Another very important, but unexpected perk of working within secondlife is the exposure you have to the world-wide community of pagans. I have close friends all over the world, because of my work in Secondlife. These are the future leaders of Wicca, from all over the world. That's a networking perk that will prove to be invaluable to the students of today in years to come. Knowing each other across the globe, as you build your own churches, allows you to network, and form common goals, making it a stronger spiritual foundation for not only you, but for those who know you, and for the whole religion. 

Not only is it extremely valuable, it is a fun place to learn. Never discount the fun component when it comes to learning. Students that work in Secondlife can't wait to come to class. They spend more time on campus, more time focused on their studies, more time developing magical relationships, and more time learning. Our students advance faster, and become more accomplished, as their careers develop. We find Secondlife an invaluable addition to our online campus.

Seersha Heart:  Thank you so much for answering my questions.

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions. We at WiccanSeminary.EDU appreciate the chance to share our magic with you. 

https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif
            For more information, visit their website or visit Sacred Cauldron at the links below.  It is a magical experience.

Additional Information:





**This article has been updated on 2/27/17 to correct the mispelling of Dean Belladonna Laveau. The SL Enquirer apologizes for any inconvience it may have caused 

Cʟᴜʙ Lɪᴏɴ Ξɴᴛᴇʀᴛᴀɪɴᴍent presents a Party and ContesDay on Saturday March 4th



CONTEST : Best Formal Cross Gender contest

YOU could WIN 1000L$
11 am - 1 pm slt : DJ Boo
1 pm slt : Mason Thorne
2 pm slt : Ricardo Avalira
3 pm slt : Lyn Carlberg
We would like to Invite you to our Party. Meet some new Friends and have a Great Time. Eat a Pizza or Dance, We look forward to welcoming you, and invite you a place where you will  enjoy happy times with us. Come on over, and bring your friends!!
♪♬ 𝐵𝐸 𝑅𝐸𝒜𝒟𝒴 𝐹𝒪𝑅 𝒯𝐻𝐸 𝒢𝑅𝐸𝒜𝒯 𝑀𝒰𝒮𝐼𝒞 ♬♪
Team Club Lion

Saturday, February 25, 2017

GeekSpeak – the future of the internet. Join the Discussion Saturday Feb. 25th at 12pm SLT



GeekSpeak – the future of the internet.

The structure and the function of the internet are changing.  Join us to discuss those changes and what they will mean for the lives of ordinary people, for our lives.

Imagine earning an income by watching You Tube or being on Facebook.  Imagine sources of data that cannot be censored.  Imagine the emergence of a true global brain.  Will the internet become God?

Come and discuss net neutrality, streaming money and the next digital revolution.  Tell us if you find the new ideas exciting or frightening (or both).

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/141/128/51

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Misfit Dance & Performance Art - "Misfit Follies" Showcase - Wednesday Feb 22 at 7 pm SL


Misfit Dance & Performance Art presents :

"Misfit Follies  ~  a Showcase of Theater Dance Art"

Show time is 7 pm SL with pre-show music starting at 6:30 pm  SL

Please arrive early to guarantee your seat

Another fun and engaging Playbill of fun dance art performance and we will be debuting another " New in 2017" dance art piece -  "Bourbon Street!"  ... just in time for upcoming Fat Tuesday & Mardi Gras in New Orleans!   

Don't miss this over the top cute & fun dance !

PlayBill

"Ship in a Bottle"        
"On The Clock"
"Under The Big Top Top"
"Bourbon Street"    New in 2017 ! Debuting in this show
"The Spider's Heart"
"Rockin' Goblins"
"Pinnochio Schmokio"
"The Crown Dance"
Misfit Dance & Performance Art  ~  Prepare to be delighted.

Contact JenzZa Misfit for more information.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Mind Over Matter: A Psychic Medium’s Business Tips posted by Sumi Portola


No matter what stage of business you’re in, there are always moments where we silently find ourselves wishing for answers from a higher power. We hope for ways to clear negative thoughts and energy from our lives as we move forward to make big decisions and big moves. Well, 4th generation Psychic Medium, Color & Energy Expert, Author and Reiki Practitioner, Linda Lauren, has some tips, strategies, and daily practices for learning to trust your instincts and most importantly, thrive.

Being a fourth-generation psychic medium, how has this role impacted your day to day?
The fact that I had available to me a network of female family members spanning generations who were skilled in spiritual guidance, made all the difference in the world.  My mother, especially, was instrumental in revealing to me the ways I could embrace my psychic awareness in everyday life.  As a result, I am able to intuit a better course of action in my approach as I move through day to day.  This has been a blessing because it has allowed me to accomplish more in one day than I might have in a week.  It has opened me to grow in areas I might otherwise have missed.

When starting out, did you take business advice from your mom? 
Oh, I definitely took business advice from my mom. She was instrumental in helping me to set up my first real office.  She had insight into the way I might operate it and cost-effective approaches to how I structured my business.  Her advice was invaluable.  I discuss the extent of her involvement in my memoir, Medium Rare.

What is one thing you’ve learned in business that you would pass along to someone just starting out?
A lot of people tend to look at their business strictly from the standpoint of checks and balances.  But before you can truly get to the point of understanding your business, my suggestion is to add meditation to your daily schedule.  
Meditation creates structure.  When you meditate you learn to respond to life, embracing reason, rather than reacting, which is through emotion.  That single most act can assure success and good health just by the awareness it affords us when we meditate faithfully.  To me, it’s like washing your face or brushing your teeth: it’s something you don’t skip! So, even if it’s for 10-20 minutes a day, the potential for positive energy is in every breath.

Are there any specific signs or energy that you say a female entrepreneur should specifically try to listen to as she starts her business?
I feel it is very helpful to listen to what your gut is telling you.  Put yourself into a quiet place, address any situation via a question, place your hand on your midriff, and “listen” to what your body, mind and spirit are indicating.  It is a way to learn to tap into what I refer to as your “center,” which is a place where we make our most important decisions.  If something feels “off,” this will be a good gauge to help you discern the best cause of action.
How have you learned to listen to your business intuition?
I make it a policy to meditate on each business issue as it comes along so that I can discover the best way to work.  Yes, there it is again: meditation.  I consider it a business practice that is the foundation for everything I do.  However, I also use color to work with the energy available to me in business.  I have long worked with color to help people in business pursuits. I can attest that certain colors reflect positive action when they are embraced.  Embracing them can be in the form of the clothes or jewelry we wear, the colors we surround ourselves with, and the intention we wish to convey.  For instance, one of my executive clients often focuses on the color blue when she is in business meetings.  If affords her a clear understanding of what is being said and she is able to achieve desired results. 
We’re loving the idea of your Vibe Spray. Can you explain what it is?
The Vibe Spray™ was designed to clear negativity from a space and replace it with positive energy.  I use this product everywhere, and so do my clients.  It is part of my office procedure.  I spray it when I first open my doors, when I close, and after each client.  Many of my clients use it for when they travel to spray in their hotel rooms, meeting room, and other areas.  It is designed to replace the use of smudging with smoke.  It has a lovely rose top- scent and it incorporates essential oils, sea salt and other ingredients of a proprietary nature.  I came up with the recipe via my family and have gone back generations in my research in developing the product.
What drew you to go beyond your reading sessions and develop a product that we can use everyday?
Public demand propelled me to extend my work to products.  We make or carry everything from bracelets, color/energy candles and mediation pieces, to The Vibe Spray and Himalayan salt lamps. These tools are essential to growing within your spirit in business.  They create positive awareness that moves us forward. I have also create a website that allows people easy access to the products I develop, as well as the information and advice I provide as a blogger for Huffington Post and Medium.com.

Lastly, are you able to make any predictions about what’s next for females in business this year?
Women will continue to raise their voices in unison and solidarity.  We will most likely see more businesses springing up that are headed by women.  The written word will be a consideration, too, as the plight of women takes center-stage.

Linda Lauren can be found hanging out at her Island ETU Abbracciare and her Meditation Gardens.  Come visit!

Monday, February 20, 2017

Best Country Venues in SL – Camury Reporting


The Second Life world is filled with amazing and extraordinary places, and many of them become favorites for those who enjoy exploring. Some of these wonderful places represent perfect virtual replicas of places that exist in real life and certainly deserve our visit.
See below 5 lovely places for you to visit in Second Life.

Machu Picchu
The mysterious city of Machu Picchu is one of the biggest attractions in all of South America. The ruins are above the clouds at 7,979 feet above sea level. Built around the middle of the 15th century, it is the main conquest of the Inca Empire. In Second Life you can visit and see the virtual replica of Machu Picchu and explore the stairways, temples, aqueducts and observation points scattered over a mountainous landscape resembling a maze. Machu Picchu is suitable for adventurers or those who enjoy culture and history.



Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a steep gorge carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona in the United States. This formation is part of the Grand Canyon National Park and you can experience the graphic replica of this wonderful work of nature in Second Life. Many visitors, however, do not know everything the place can offer them, such as the distinct and inspiring landscapes and the many outdoor adventures for those who love adrenaline. Take a balloon at the entrance of the park and explore the cliffs of this tourist spot. The Grand Canyon it’s the owner of such a grandiose beauty that it inspires its visitors. It is not by chance that he was elected one of the seven natural wonders of the world.



Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China is a military architecture structure built during the Imperial China, and is also considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The Great Wall consists of several walls, built during several dynasties over approximately two millennia. If, in the past, its function was essentially defensive, at the present it is a symbol of China and a sought after tourist attraction. You can get to know the graphic representation, have fun and explore this great work in Second Life. Do not forget to visit the Pandas Bears.

Venice
Venice is a city in the northeastern of Italy, located on the marshy Venice Lagoon, which stretches along the coast between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. Venice is famous for the beauty of its architecture and works of art. A part of the city is considered World Heritage, along with its lagoon. Take a gondola and stroll through the replica of this beautiful city in Second Life. Explore the canals, the magnificent squares and bridges and even stop for coffee or wine while enjoying the view of the lagoon.

Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a 324 meter high iron structure, built in the 19th century and located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. The Tower has become a world icon of France and one of the most recognized and visited structures in the world. In Second Life, you can explore the virtual replica of this magnificent structure and visit the square and surrounding buildings. If you are more into a bit of adrenaline, you should climb up to the top of the tower and enjoy jumping parachutes. There is nothing better than exploring and getting to know the beautiful landscapes and monuments that graphic designers create in Second Life.

For those who enjoy beaches, waterfalls, snow, pyramids ... for all tastes there’s always some interesting place to meet. Adventure yourself!

PETIT CHAT: HEALING MY HEART-NEW JEWELLERY SET @ PRETTY THINGS SHOWROOM



Petit Chat has joined Pretty Things Showroom this month. We created an exclusive jewellery set.

Rather than doing a bleeding heart set, we prefered to be positive and we did a healing heart set. Yes… Bleeding heart was sad, but we did put a strap on it, and now it’s recovering … Because time heals everything. Of course scars remain, but there is a saying : “if it doesnt kill me, then it makes me stronger”. So we are made of our scars too. They are a part of what constitute us.

So we wanted to bring positivity and hope to all those sensitive hearts in the world who have been harmed one day. Some of them already know that after the rain always comes a beautiful sunshine. But some others do not know yet. So this jewellery set is here to bring hope, or just remind there is always hope.

Each "Healing heart" jewellery set includes a necklace and a pair of earrings. They are 100 % original mesh and texture. 

The set is materials enabled of course, and there are 5 metal colors to choose from + 1 big fatpack that will save you money if you love them all.

More details on our website (http://petitchatsl.fr/).

The event runs till March the 6th.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

A MODICUM OF COLOR: An in depth interview with SL Artist Ilyra Chardin - Dean Lawson Reporting




 

 
Ilyra Chardin is a real life and Second Life artist. In a previous interview I had a chance to discuss Ilyra's Second Life images, this time Ilyra treated me to a tour of her art installation “A Modicum of Color”.
 
 
Dean : Hi, thanks for taking the time to meet with me, is the name “A Modicum of Color” intended to be ironic?
 
Ilyra : Well, no.  there are tiny bits of color here and there … like the flowers over by the barn ... or the red or blue sailboats ... tiny bits of color here and there.  that was the intention
 

 
Dean : We both seem to be dressed for this installation, with grey clothes ... Did you build the objects in the installation or did you modify objects to reduce the color?
 
Ilyra : A little of both.  i uploaded tons of new textures.  and i also built some things from scratch.  I didn't do any mesh for this installation, but I am currently working on brand new - original - and I hope unique - meshes for the next installation, which is planned for sometime in March.
 

 
Dean : What inspired you to create an installation that is primarily black and white?
 
Ilyra : The primary reason was to create a 3 dimensional environment that highlighted pockets of color.  I thought a predominately black, white and grey build would create a dreamlike environment.  I also thought it would be soothing ... I thought, too, that anyone coming to pose here would stand out - their av and their clothing - if they wore colorful clothes
 
Dean : You mentioned that there was a problem with the color of the sky as seen through your viewer, for people to get the best effect of your installation is there a windlight setting they should choose incase it doesn't automatically adjust when they arrive at the installation?
 
Ilyra : Phototools B/W Light 02 … let me show the garden of flowers that i had mentioned … this was one of the first things that I envisioned and built - the flowers with parts of color.  I later made the flowerr painters and had them painting sections of the flowers.
 

 
Dean : It's very nice, why didn't you give color to all the flowers?
 
Ilyra : i really wanted to show the transition from greyscale to a colorful world ... and really highlight it by coloring just pieces of the flowers
 
Dean : What’s next on our tour?
 
Ilyra : This is Art in the Park - a gallery with other artists - some of my work - that is in theme - in tandem with A Modicum of Color … Sandi is a close friend ... she shot that on the sim as I was building it.
 

 
To find out more about Art in the Park or Ilyra Chardin you can visit her blog or visit the art installation “A Modicum Of Color"
 
 


Dean Lawson
 

Friday, February 17, 2017

VIKING VUE: An In Depth Interview with Second Life Artist Sapphire Viking - Dean Lawson Reporting




 

Sapphire Viking is an artist whose whimsical work celebrates the raw nature of mutable female emotions. Sometimes fantastical, other times dark.  Her paintings and drawings reflects personal experiences expressed through metaphors of color and femininity. I had the good fortune to interview Sapphire and talk to her about her work.
 
 
Dean : How did you first learn about Second Life and what appeals to you about living in the virtual universe?
 
Sapphire : I was traveling and read an article about Second Life in the in-flight magazine.  That was 10 years ago and I don't remember where I was going.  But I am glad that I remembered to go home and check out this new virtual world. The most appealing thing to me about SL is the wealth of imagination, the totally uninhibited creativity.  It is ever changing with magical surprises. I am thrilled to meet people from all over the world and see how similar we human beings are.  I love that I can go sailing in the morning, fly home in a helicopter,  work on my own art gallery,  then go dancing at 5 clubs in the same night.  I guess you could say SL appeals to my restless nature and need to explore.
 
 
Dean : A lot of your work seems to feature female forms. Does all of your work revolve around representing the female form? If so, why?
 
Sapphire : Much of my work is autobiographical. The females represent different events in my life or an emotional state I am trying to express.  As I was growing up, I had a difficult time verbalizing my emotions because I did not feel safe to do so.  I found sanity by getting those feelings out through visual art.  On a pragmatic level, I find the female form to have many more options for expression and use of color.
 
 
Dean : The painting "Non Sine Soleiris" reminds me of the movie "Il Casanova" by Frederico Fellini, while "CRAWLING" reminds me of Japanese Anime. Could you tell me about your artistic influences?
 
Sapphire : My father was an artist and my mother always made sure I had supplies. I would go to my father's studio while he worked.  I remember the smell of musty old wood and oil paint.  He would sit me down with pens and paper or clay and tools and let me go to town.  When we were at his studio it was a peaceful, happy time and I still have that feeling when I work today.  The other artists who have influenced me are many.  I admire line work so some of the early influences were; Aubrey Beardsley, Alphonse Mucha, Egon Schiele, George Grosz and the artists of Mad Magazine. I also read about the women of the surrealist movement so for me Remedios Varo, Leonor Fini & Leonora Carrington.  Frida Kahlo, her vibrant colors and the way she opened herself up so fearlessly was a big influence.  Margaret Keene, when I was a little girl I was delighted to buy small cardboard prints of her paintings at the local drug store!  I do enjoy the art of anime and am also a fan of artists Takashi Murikami and Yoshitomo Nara.  Growing up in Los Angeles I was influenced by films and enjoyed watching the old classics.  I was fascinated by the elegant yet strong women portrayed in films, stars like Betty Davis, Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell. I also find new artists that I enjoy on Instagram.   These days my favorite Instagram artist is a woman named Grace Passerottti.  In SL I love the work of Cica Ghost and can't wait for her newest installation. The way she uses the SL environment to express emotion is profound. 
 

 
Dean : The painting "The Gift" portrays a woman tied up in a ribbon, from her expression she doesn't seem too thrilled about it. The painting "The Bow" portrays a woman gagged by a bow, what are your views on bondage, and sado masochistic relationships? Do you explore this lifestyle in real life or Second Life or both?
 
Sapphire : When I was a child my house was filled with art history books.  I remember being fascinated with the Hieronymus Bosch masterpiece the Garden of Earthly Delights. Particularly the depiction of hell.  The drama and dynamics were thrilling to me. When I was a teen I was into punk rock and that was my first real life introduction to BDSM but I was too young to understand what it was. After my first serious relationship broke up, I felt it was due to the constant power struggle that is the demise of many "vanilla" relationships.  I already had an unexplored interest in BDSM and as I tend to do, jumped in feet first.  It changed my life.  While the physical side, the whips and chains are dramatic and look good in movies they are external. In my opinion, the basis of BDSM is a method of communication and understanding of roles. My RL experiences were another form of self-exploration and inspired many of the paintings that I display in my SL gallery.  I have been active in the Los Angeles BDSM scene on and off for about 15 years.  During that time, even though I am naturally dominant, I was trained as both a Domme and a sub.  Neither role is greater or less than and can not exist without the other. In SL I have been active in the Femdom scene for about 9 years.  My RL experience helps me when I meet those who come to the Femdom simply out of curiosity or a life long desire. Because of my RL experience in both roles, I have a good understanding of the dynamics and the big picture.
 
Dean: Is there anything you would like our readers to know about you or your work?
 
One day I was perving profiles and someone wrote in theirs, "Second Life is my art".  That really struck me and I started looking at SL differently.  I wanted to make it part of my art too. I felt that the colorful world of SL was a good fit for my aesthetic. I have been taking classes at Builder's Brewery in hopes of expanding my horizons within the SL environment. As I mentioned, I am inspired by the in-world installations of Cica Ghost as well as others that I have visited.  I would eventually like to create some type of installation.  I don't know how long it will take or what it will be exactly, but it is something I am formulating in the back of my mind. Thank you Dean, for your thoughtful questions and this opportunity to reach out to the Second Life community.
 
To learn more about Sapphire Viking and her work click on the following link or visit her art gallery “Viking Vue” at the following SLURL
 
 



Dean Lawson
 

 
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