STAY IN THE KNOW

Keeping You Up To Speed.

Be Involved In The SL Community

Awareness is Key to Positive Change.

Explore Your Options

Get your REAL experience points HERE!.

CREATIVITY

The Possibilities are Endless.

Find Your Inner Peace

Ground Yourself and Discover New Things

SLE Ticker



18 Years and counting...Got SL News? Get it Published! Contact Lanai Jarrico at lanaijarrico@gmail.com
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Artful Kitten Posters—Your Virtual Store in MP and InWorld gallery are opened!

 



Artful Kitten Posters—Your Virtual Store in Second Life Marketplace is opened. We are excited to announce the opening of Artful Kitten Posters, a virtual store for art enthusiasts and collectors within the Second Life Marketplace. Our store offers a diverse collection of high-quality posters spanning various topics and art styles. Our mission is to provide visually captivating images that evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and adorn virtual spaces. Whether you're an Avi seeking to decorate your home, club or gallery owner looking for unique pieces, or an art lover exploring the world of Second Life, we invite you to step into our store and explore our art. Our ever-expanding collection includes Gothic and Cyberpunk themes, literary legend illustrations and much more. Explore these unique pieces and make your virtual space come alive with art. Note we have inworld art gallery as well.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

XSPACE BY BETTY TUREAUD & AI- An interactive region Space and Art - Tabitha Mercury reporting

 




What started out as a challenge Betty Tureaud set for herself, XSPACE is a treat for the senses. Yes, I say senses because in each display there are sounds and visual stimulants, minimum.


Ok that was new…

Upon arrival I was greeted with some bots and it was explained to me that a special HUD has been attached for navigating the sim with. 

And if you know me, you know that…I started clicking away!

Oh wow, that opened a new menu to a new area? Ok…Oh goodness, where to start? I looked forward to meeting Betty Tureaud and meeting the brilliant mind behind this intense and extensive installation.



We arrived at a landing point, surrounded by blackness, with a very colorful doorway and I introduced myself to Betty. Wasting no time, she led me directly to a space frog in the colorful room and asked me to please sit on it. I was immediately teleported into another colorful room with…Betty Bot!



Upon arrival I was greeted with the following:


[11:29] INFO: whispers: Say hi to Betty Bot Betty Tureaud

[11:30] Tabitha Mercury: hi

[11:31] Tabitha Mercury: hi Betty Bot Betty Tureaud

[11:31] Betty Bot: Hello there, Tabitha Mercury! How can I make your day a little brighter today?

[11:31] Betty Tureaud: ok who is betty tureaud

[11:31] Betty Bot: Well, Betty Tureaud is a renowned Danish artist known for her vibrant and innovative artworks. Her works often incorporate elements of technology, light, and sound to create immersive and interactive experiences. She has exhibited her art globally and is recognized for pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. Anything specific you'd like to know about Betty Tureaud or any other artists? I'm here to help with a twist of humor!


Tabitha Mercury: So not only are you artistic, you are also very technical it seems, how were you able to make this bot interact like that?

 Betty Tureaud: I built it with a friend, Blaise, we made an API to open AI…we made it to interact with ChatGTP.


I was then directed to the next space frog to teleport into the next realm. There were six space frogs in all to discover new realms with. Many interactive with touch, sounds, and sights that can keep anyone occupied for hours. Each one distinct and intricately made. All of them are strikingly beautiful to experience.



Tabitha Mercury: What inspired the combination of so many different ways to interact with the installation?

Betty Tureaud: it was a competition with myself

Tabitha Mercury: a challenge for yourself, then? ok

Betty Tureaud: yes

Tabitha Mercury: Well, how does it feel to have accomplished such an intricate and tactile exhibit?

Betty Tureaud: smiles

Betty Tureaud: there is always new frontiers

Betty Tureaud: haha

Tabitha Mercury: haha you are quite relentless in your pursuit of art and technology

Betty Tureaud: my next installation will include PBR and mirrors

Tabitha Mercury: ooooo


Next, Betty teleported me to a new location, THE SACRED MONOLITHS, where I clicked a box to get a new HUD that attached itself along the bottom of my viewer. This one listed 9 objects which were the locations for these exhibits. And so the new adventure began, while I was still processing the absolute awe I had for the XSPACE one I had just been shown.




Tabitha Mercury: How long did this take to accomplish?

Betty Tureaud: about 30 days

Tabitha Mercury: what?!

Tabitha Mercury 's eyes grow wide so she doesn't look half Korean anymore

Tabitha Mercury: wow

Tabitha Mercury: just wow

Betty Tureaud: haha


Betty once again led me on a tour that was a feast for my eyes, ears, and wave of the mouse. These nine destinations have so much to explore and see.


As we traveled through them and Betty politely directed me what to do in each realm, I realized all the hard work that went into the idea of this and then the hard work that followed to make it a reality. This quite simply is amazing.


Some tips for first-timers…Use the HUD which attaches itself upon arrival to navigate to the XSPACE installation. It kind of looks like it says HSPACE. This will be where you will meet the space frogs who will direct your journey through XSPACE. Sit on a space frog and experience everything this installation has to offer by sliding your volume on all sounds up. Make sure you have the highest graphics settings possible as the installations also rely on EEP.


To get to the other installation that is featured on this sim by Betty Tureaud you will want to teleport to this destination: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akimitsu/16/122/2374


Upon arrival, click the rotating cube for the TP HUD to explore Betty’s installation!


In closing, these installations are fantastic to explore and experience. I highly suggest it when you have some time to spare. You won’t get it all done in one trip, unless you are being guided on a quick tour by Betty, like I experienced. You are going to want to take your time going through this, and like me, probably come back a few times to explore certain favorites, deeper.



Additional Information


TELEPORT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akimori/250/127/3557 


https://www.flickr.com/photos/betty-tureaud/

https://www.facebook.com/bettyai.tureaud

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=39860773935



Monday, July 31, 2023

EDWARD HOPPER EXHIBITION CURRENTLY AT THE GALLERY - NEW ORLEANS CITY

 


New Orleans is delighted to present this new exhibition dedicated to Edward Hopper, one of the most emblematic representatives of 20th american century painting. We invite you to discover the fascinating universe, both poetic and melancholic, of this painter who has inspired many artists and filmmakers. More than 250 paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, illustrations, drawings... which retrace the life and artworks of this great artist. We are waiting for you at La Gallery in the beautiful city of New Orleans.



Monday, July 3, 2023

Edward Hopper Exhibition currently at The Gallery - New Orleans City

 



New Orleans is delighted to present this new exhibition dedicated to Edward Hopper, one of the most emblematic representatives of 20th american century painting. We invite you to discover the fascinating universe, both poetic and melancholic, of this painter who has inspired many artists and filmmakers. More than 250 paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, illustrations, drawings... which retrace the life and artworks of this great artist. We are waiting for you at La Gallery in the beautiful city of New Orleans.


Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Poetry Night Presented By The Healing Muse -August 31st at 6pm SLT

 


Date: Wednesday

Time: 6pm SLT

Duration: 1 hour


You are cordially invited to the Healing Muse Poetry Night. Poetry is a way to connect through the spoken word the diversity of Life. We welcome all who are interested in participating either by listening or by sharing/reading. Both are appreciated. We ask you to consider poetry that is meaningful to you, inspires, encourages, or enriches you on your Journey.

TELEPORT:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Veritas%20Lux%20Mea/128/128/2


Tuesday, July 5, 2022

America the Crumbling at Kondor Art Center July 7th 12pm-2 pm SLT

 


Come and join us Thursday, June 7th from 12pm - 2pm slt for Chuck Clip's new exhibit entitled. "America the Crumbling" at The Kondor Art Center. For his first show in SL in 8 years, he's decided to shine a light on society in America. Colorful, disturbing, and maybe even offensive this new body of work will certainly start a conversation. No stranger to the SL music and entertainment scene, as DJ Matrix, Chuck spins both originals and covers like you've never heard them before, from the iconic legends of yesteryear to the hottest hits of today. DJ Matrix takes his sets to the next level by fusing media and music, bridging the gap in your virtual musical reality! With a penchant for challenging your perceptions, DJ Matrix can delight the senses even as he forces you to reconsider that which you think you know to be true. We can't WAIT to share this with you!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Waka/224/136/2422

Monday, June 27, 2022

Grand opening Selen, London Junkers @ L&L art gallery, June 28, starting @ 12.00 SLT

 


Love&Love Art Gallery is proud to share the new immersive art installations made by Selen and London Junkers. -“H” by Selen will lead you through a short story (on local chat), on the path of the imagination and madness of H. Interactive, multimedia and fun to come! -"The Melt" by London Junkers will take you into its 3D universe full of poetry, greater London as we like it, not to be missed! -On the Rooftop, one of the best sounds sculptor, Livio Korobase, who will look to illustrate both installations for the pleasure of our ears with his set! We hope to share the night with you all! When: June 28th Starting: 12:00 SLT Livio´s Set: 12:30 SLT Where: at Love and Love Factory Art gallery

Taxi: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Incanto/23/3/21?fbclid=IwAR1EAHPydWj63F_UlH0U4Oi93d7y_4WHh-1HNRn9iVuW4a6au89VyOqV86Y

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Scotch & Soda Gallery presents Queen of Burlesque May 29th/ June 12th Encore


Join the SALACIOUS ladies of Queens of Burlesque for our glamorous VINTAGE BURLESQUE. The Ladies will transport you back in time to where burlesque started with feathers, fun, and a lot of sexiness. Follow the trend of burlesque, as we take you through the tunnel of time.

Raffle drawing following the show.

Thanks to our Sponsor Scotch and Soda Gallery for providing donations for our Raffle Drawings.  

Scotch and Soda Gallery is an Experiential NFT project that showcases established and emerging NFT artists in a mixed reality setting. It's the first virtual reality 3D experiential gallery in Second Life.  The gallery currently has three experiential installations open featuring Dark Pinkup, StarCards, and Ultra Rare. Please feel free to contact Scotch darkheart, for more information. 


Sponsored by 

Scotch and Soda Gallery

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beachwood/141/191/3000


Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Serena Arts Center invites you to join the event "WILD WILD WEST"- May 27th- June 10th


Hosted by Serena Estates from May 27th to June 10th in a small classic Wild West town of the 19th and early 20th century: a very special place for photos and a little roleplay made by Kasama Lagan. There is a railway, a station, classical houses of that era, and a gold mine. For gambling guests of the city, there are many gambling games.

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In this event, we would like to offer you not just the Wild West, but to show how representatives of different countries have united in their diversity on the continent of America, creating a new unique culture and art direction based on freedom, equality, and independence.

The event includes:

1. Official Opening on May, 27 with the theme The New World costume contest! Prizes  + free gifts for everyone!

2. Musical parties with the best "Wild West " singers and DJs. You wouldn't miss it, there will be a lot of special tunes you never heard before!

3. We support a PHOTO CONTEST with the theme: America, arranged by Museum for Art (MUFA) - Square Photo contest, with CASH PRIZE 2000L, 1000L, 500L, organizers: Vandeverre and Art C. All entries must be submitted before June 1st, 2022.

***CALL FOR ARTISTS AND CREATORS***

2 weeks "WILD WILD WEST"  event 

May, 27- June, 10

!!place is FREE for rent but LIMITED!!

For Creators: 10 houses for setting up vendors - please avoid multi-vendors and choose low script vendors. First come, first served!

You may set up 4-8 vendors + info (total of 10 prims). You don't need New releases, use what you already have. Take it easy, we do it for fun for everyone!

For Artists: First come, first served!

You may set up 2-4 pcs + info (total 5 prims). You don't need a New Art, use what you already have. Take it easy, we do it for fun for everyone!

****CALL FOR SINGERs & DJs****

We have an open schedule for you to choose your personal performance day, including

May, 27 (opening party) -June, 10 (closing party)

Please, bring us your passion, your tip jar, and your fans!

The theme for all artists, creators, and performers is... 

THE NEW WORLD

Please, show us your art and creations in any way you wish (keep it in a moderate rating please). How it could be if YOU discover for yourself a new big world, a new big land? What you would bring there?

Where: Serena Estates Wild West area

When: May, 27 - June, 10. 

Opening party on May, 27  at

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SERENA%20HUB/168/173/4045

If you like to take a part in the event, please, contact:

Ty Silvercloud, Serena Estates or Vita Theas, Serena Arts CTR 

with the support of  Viktor Savior, Unity Art & Unity Fashion CEO

Sunday, May 22, 2022

LA GALLERY PRESENTS "CELEBRITIES... ALSO PAINTERS" GOING ON NOW !

 


La Gallery presents “CELEBRITIES ALSO PAINTERS” a unique exhibition, dedicated to celebrities who are also painters, like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Row Wood, Paul McCartney, and many others: 60 artists - 150 paintings. This exhibition is sponsored by The Second Life Enquirer and the City of New Orleans At the same time, La Gallery presents a photo exhibition by Lalle Van Beeck-Na. We expect many of you in our large art space with a bar and good music. The Gallery is dedicated to all kinds of exhibitions and events: painting, sculpture, photography, design, performances... You are a creator, painter, sculptor... You wish to present or sell your works... Do you have some exhibition ideas? Contact : Lalle Vanbeeck-Na (Lallena Resident) Taxi : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chirico/172/179/2504 Interview of Lalle Vanbeeck-Na published in the SL Enquirer : http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/03/also-painters-exhibition-at-la-gallery.html

Saturday, May 21, 2022

FOLLOW THE SUN FESTIVAL IS BACK!

 


The fun & friendly festival that rocked Second Life in May and November 2021 will be back from May 18-22, 2022. We are proud to announce that Second Life Endowment for the Arts SLEAwill be sponsoring the third edition of the Follow the Sun festival! We are looking forward to welcoming you to our dance floor, our music stages and our Boulevard of Arts. Of course, there will be another unique transport system (who does not remember our UFO or our hand-held balloon?). And for the lovers of speed and competition, we have a challenging surprise! We have always called Follow the Sun a celebration of Second Life friendships and we hope you will join us again in that celebration! The Follow the Sun crew: Aeon, Dulcis, Dy1an, Kate, Renee, Resi and Toni

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLEA8/164/106/23 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SL.FollowTheSun/

Thursday, May 12, 2022

LA GALLERY PRESENTS "CELEBRITIES... ALSO PAINTERS" GOING ON NOW ! MARCH 25TH - MAY 25TH

 


La Gallery presents “CELEBRITIES ALSO PAINTERS” a unique exhibition, dedicated to celebrities who are also painters, like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Row Wood, Paul McCartney, and many others: 60 artists - 150 paintings. This exhibition is sponsored by The Second Life Enquirer and the City of New Orleans At the same time, La Gallery presents a photo exhibition by Lalle Van Beeck-Na. We expect many of you in our large art space with a bar and good music. The Gallery is dedicated to all kinds of exhibitions and events: painting, sculpture, photography, design, performances... You are a creator, painter, sculptor... You wish to present or sell your works... Do you have some exhibition ideas? Contact : Lalle Vanbeeck-Na (Lallena Resident) Taxi : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chirico/172/179/2504 Interview of Lalle Vanbeeck-Na published in the SL Enquirer : http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/03/also-painters-exhibition-at-la-gallery.html

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Spotlight on Scotch & Soda- An Experiential NFT project in Second Life - SLE REPORTING

 


NFTs are non-fungible tokens and are non-interchangeable units of data stored on a blockchain that can be sold and traded. In early 2021, interest in NFTs skyrocketed after a number of high-profile sales auctions netted digital artists hundreds of thousands of dollars. The highest amount paid for an NFT was The Merge bought by 28,983 collectors for a total of almost $100 million!  It was only a matter of time before residents of Second Life would showcase NFT art. 

Scotch and Soda Gallery is an Experiential NFT project that showcases established and emerging NFT artists in a mixed reality setting. Scotch and Soda is the culmination of two people's drive and passion for something more than hanging art as a display. Art is to be experienced. Second life is arguably one of the first metaverses of its kind and it was fitting for Scotch and Soda to open its first virtual reality 3D experiential gallery in that world. The gallery currently has three experiential installations open featuring Dark Pinkup, StarCards, and Ultra Rare. 

Interview with Scotch (scotch.darkheart)

SLE: HI Scotch, you are the first Second Life resident who approached us with an in-world NFT art gallery! Can you tell our readers about Scotch & Soda NFT Gallery and what types of artwork you currently have showcased?

Scotch: We feature a multitude of art stylings most notable are the artists that I have been working with for a few years now such as Starcards, Ultrarare, Exit Limbo and the newly added Dark Pinup. We also intend to host upcoming artists, to the digital space, that on’t have a lot of exposure but deserve it.



SLE: Is your gallery open to any digital artist to showcase their work? If so how can they get involved?

Scotch: Anyone that has an interest in having their art shown is welcome to reach out and start that conversation with us. We are an NFT experiential gallery, so we like to highlight digital art on the blockchain.

SLE: Is the NFT artwork currently on display available for sale?

Scotch: Yes it is for sale however we do not yet have an in-game marketplace that would allow us to sell art in Linden but that is in the works.

SLE: Since NFTs are non-fungible tokens, how can you ensure NFT protection so that they cannot be duplicated or copied by anyone in Second Life using a simple snippet tool or screenshots?

Scotch: The nature of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is that they are, in fact, not a screenshot or a snippet. NFTs are a digital asset. NFTs can be multimedia with moving parts and music. They can also have utility in gaming and other platforms. Imagine playing a card game on your PC, but owning all the cards. Because of this, you would be able to take them to whatever platform you wanted and trade them for better cards, just like you would a physical deck, you might buy in your local comic book store.

The artists are paid for their work, not only the first time it sells but also as an ongoing percentage of every resale of that NFT. If set up correctly the artist will always get a royalty paid to them. This is a way to support artists that may never be given an opportunity to have their work shown let alone profit from it. Sure, anyone can take a screenshot or copy and save most anything they see on a computer screen but it’s always going to be just that. A copy, a fake. It's incredibly easy to verify if an NFT is a copy, far easier than detecting counterfeit physical goods. The fake NFT copies have no value. When you copy you are not showing support for the artist. Scotch and Soda value art. So should everyone.

 


SLE: Your gallery currently showcases several pieces that are very reminiscent of Garbage Pail kid cards and colorful hippie art.  Who are the artists?

Scotch: Interesting that you said that. One of the artists came over from the Garbage Pail kids NFT project so definitely some of the influence in those great pieces from Ultra Rare. The psychedelic-style NFTs are from the team over at Starcards.

 


SLE: I noticed there was a stage on your property. What type of events do you host?

Scotch: Soda and I are big fans of live music. We will be hosting everything from Acoustic to Zydeco (had to). But wait that’s not all we also utilize the stage for other events such as Queens of Burlesque, seasonally themed performances, and the best of them all, Puppy adoptions!  

 

SLE: Are you currently hiring? If so, what positions are available?

Scotch: We are always looking for designers, photographers, builders, stylists, and fashion designers. We generally work on a per-project basis but as we grow that could change.

 


SLE: Can you tell our readers why you decided to open Scotch & Soda? Was it to help promote fellow artists or just a love for art and to introduce NFTs to the second life community?

Scotch: Scotch and Soda Gallery is a collaborative effort between me and Soda. We opened the galley out of common interests. A passion for great art and killer music. (metal devil horns in the air) Soda and I had worked together on projects that always had a middle man or some outside interference that kept us from the potential that we could see in one another. We support and encourage each other to excel without envy. We wanted to bring that good energy to a metaverse that checked all the boxes for us. The mother of all metaverses. Second life.  We wanted to be the first to introduce the work of NFT artists that we have been following, and working with, in a way no one had done before.

SLE: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

 

Scotch: Scotch and Soda Gallery is an experiential NFT project that showcases established and emerging NFT artists in a mixed reality setting. The art is shown, not on drab walls, but within a 3D environment. We invite you to come and experience it for yourself.  As always, if you like what we do, tell people about us.


Additional Information

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Volpert/122/175/22 


Group: Scotch and Soda NFT Art Gallery/  

secondlife:///app/group/84040208-e4fb-87cb-c1b3-f69f3f5ec3e3/about

URL: https://linktr.ee/scotchandsodagallery 

Preferred Contact: Scotch.darkheart



Monday, May 2, 2022

LA GALLERY PRESENTS "CELEBRITIES... ALSO PAINTERS" GOING ON NOW ! MARCH 25TH - MAY 25TH

 



La Gallery presents “CELEBRITIES ALSO PAINTERS” a unique exhibition, dedicated to celebrities who are also painters, like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Row Wood, Paul McCartney, and many others: 60 artists - 150 paintings. This exhibition is sponsored by The Second Life Enquirer and the City of New Orleans At the same time, La Gallery presents a photo exhibition by Lalle Van Beeck-Na. We expect many of you in our large art space with a bar and good music. The Gallery is dedicated to all kinds of exhibitions and events: painting, sculpture, photography, design, performances... You are a creator, painter, sculptor... You wish to present or sell your works... Do you have some exhibition ideas? Contact : Lalle Vanbeeck-Na (Lallena Resident) Taxi : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chirico/172/179/2504 Interview of Lalle Vanbeeck-Na published in the SL Enquirer : http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/03/also-painters-exhibition-at-la-gallery.html


Thursday, April 21, 2022

LA GALLERY PRESENTS "CELEBRITIES... ALSO PAINTERS" GOING ON NOW ! MARCH 25TH - MAY 25TH

 


La Gallery presents “CELEBRITIES ALSO PAINTERS” a unique exhibition, dedicated to celebrities who are also painters, like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Row Wood, Paul McCartney, and many others: 60 artists - 150 paintings. This exhibition is sponsored by The Second Life Enquirer and the City of New Orleans At the same time, La Gallery presents a photo exhibition by Lalle Van Beeck-Na. We expect many of you in our large art space with a bar and good music. The Gallery is dedicated to all kinds of exhibitions and events: painting, sculpture, photography, design, performances... You are a creator, painter, sculptor... You wish to present or sell your works... Do you have some exhibition ideas? Contact : Lalle Vanbeeck-Na (Lallena Resident) Taxi : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chirico/172/179/2504 Interview of Lalle Vanbeeck-Na published in the SL Enquirer : http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/03/also-painters-exhibition-at-la-gallery.html


Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Art Korner Blog & Gallery Show Featuring Monique Beebe and Traci Ultsch Opening Party: April 13th 12-2pm SLT

 Art Korner Blog & Gallery Show Featuring Monique Beebe and Traci Ultsch

Opening Party: April 13th 12-2pm SLT

With Daddio Dow streaming the tunes. 

A new art exhibition featuring the work of Monique Beebe and Traci Ultsch kicks off on April 13th with an Opening Party from noon to 2:00 SLT at the Art Korner Blog and Gallery. The Art Korner show is a two-person display of work by Monique Beebe and her artistic soulmate, Traci. These two exceptional Second Life artists have had four shows together thus far. This will be there fifth show together. 

The opening promises to be a lot of fun because Moni and Traci are hilarious together: 

Monique: we are good at openings 

Traci: really I’m just her alt, used to explore the seedy parts of SL 

Monique: pinch your butt 

Traci: haha, you did invite me here, I blame you 

Monique: yes I did 

Traci: be funny if we are both Moni’s alts 

Fynn: hahahaha 

Monique: yep I like to talk to myself and pinch my butt 

 


 Monique and Traci. Photo By Fynn.

 

Their humorous interactions aside, they are serious artists. Monique began making images in Second Life in 2015, developing her skills over time she found her brilliance and inventiveness.  In a notecard she gave me it says, “She uses pure photomontage.  She does not use photography as a replacement for painting but uses the medium as an independent form of imagination.” And imagination and technique are clearly evident in her unique style. 

Her series of 12 pieces show the many faces of Monique. Titled, “Still Waters Run Deep,” we have a study in emotional hieroglyphics. Intense with broken darkness, her work reflects her emotions at any given point in time. Rich in multiple techniques, Monique uses several photo apps and PhotoShop to create the visual virtuosity found in her creations. The way she plays with balance and imbalance with intense emotion via close-up imagery is her message. In fact, PhotoShop is her favorite program for editing pictures. She also knows her way around with photo apps. 

 Look. By Monique.

She says she is her own worst critic. She needs to be “okay” with what is created. She can make 100 images and only one will be just right. The lighting, the angle, the right “look,” all must add up to the right emotion in her imagery. Her use of close-ups is for their emotional value, the facial expression, the eyes, the hair, the shadows, and more, all contributing to feelings associated with anger, depression, anxiety, trust, or lack thereof. “I want viewers to think what is behind it,” she told me. The interplay of balance and stress as her subject dances between the tension points of compositional framing adds to the feeling of her work. Indeed, Monique is an expert with close-up facial imagery and has done many profile images for her friends and acquaintances in SL.


Women. By Monique.

Her work is equally balanced between excellent graphical techniques and excellent avatar design. Moni is art herself, though she would never admit this. And so is Traci. Both avatars are studies in excellent and unique avatar design. Moni uses herself as a model for most of her images. A study in patience, style, beauty, and the transformative powers of Second Life avatar changeability, I am always awed by her look and fashion sense. In combination with the complexity of her image-making creativity, Monique’s art is thought-provoking and emotionally stimulating. But she hates exhibiting by herself and likes to exhibit with Traci. They met through a mutual friend. “I just ride her fame,” Traci told me in her modest, humorous way. 

In general, Traci doesn’t like talking about SL art, only her own work because, as she says, “I tend to upset people.” And really, isn’t that the point of art, to piss off some people? At least in my opinion, art as little meaning unless it does. Her part of the exhibit is called “Hell Is Other People.” It concerns the idea that people have a need to be seen to feel they exist. Most of her subjects are obscured in some way. 

Unlike Monique, who uses herself primarily as a subject for her imagery, Traci is in only one of hers. On Flickr she does more self-portraits, but she deletes everything every week or so. She doesn’t show her work twice either. As she told me, “I dislike my work after a while, lol.”  


Crash. By Traci.

She usually does more abstract stuff or landscapes. Portraits were a change for her, but she doesn’t ask people to pose. She takes photos as they do whatever they are doing and their choice of AO and the like, all adds to the person. Her photos are then layered with silhouettes from the area the photos were taken in over and around them, then some freehand drawing to add a few bits. Most are made up of a few different shots. A few other techniques such as printing the photos and hand drawing on them, scanning, and cutting them up help contribute to her unique style. 

She assists in running Eskol, the SL group, “Specialized in experimental music and art.” Traci is multi-talented in the arts arena. Having seen one of the recent audio-visual shows, one would get a good idea for her visual and musical talents. This non-mainstream group and space, take you for an experience that SL was made for. Join the group and receive notices for upcoming shows. Traci told me, “sl art really works when you look at people like adwehe and other light/sound artists like jade and cherry manga. Wonderful.” 

 


Crash (2). By Traci.

Speaking of her current work that will be shown at Art Korner, she says, “stuff like my portraits is just rl thinking in sl....too lazy, but it's odd, the way people think in rl terms when doing sl art, "well you can fit 9 images in this space . . . ” god forbid if you don’t have your art nice and tidy and up against the wall, in a virtual world we can fly in and be furry animals... but we still need to 'hang' art. 

Traci: I’m guilty myself 

Fynn: what would you do instead?

Traci: I don’t have an answer... but I think we all need to start thinking more about what sl can do with art, or at least how we experience it.

Go to the show and the Opening Party on April 13th. It’ll be fuuuUUUUUUUuuuuuuunnnnnnnn.

 


You can find more of Moni’s work on her Flickr page:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/moniquebeebe/

You can find more of Traci’s work on her Flickr page:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/190734658@N07/

 

 



 
cookieassistant.com