Poetry Moment

Gitte Broeng.
Originally uploaded by Strawberry Holiday

If you looking for a fun mixed media moment in Second Life®. Gitte Broeng as her Second Life® avatar, Beatrice Coleslaw has a little minute long gem at Boom Pearls in SL. It's a sweet poem called "Hypothetical imperatives (desserts)".

This isn't an amazing, blow your mind, Second Life Experience. But it is a quick, fun read along moment.

SLURL: http:/slurl.com/secondlife/Phyllira/169/139/90




The Official Press Release:


Gitte Broeng: Dessert Room - at Boom Pearls in Second Life
Opening online, 21. February. 16-18 gmt+1. 7am-9am sltime.

Dessert Room is a hybrid work that mixes words/sound/image in an ironic vision which challenges traditional ideas about one of life’s sweetest phenomena: desserts.

The work examines what happens when all context is removed and a space without orientation arises. It is inspired by Second Life’s wasteland with no physical reality, where you are able to build a “second life” from scratch - but without scents, tastes and feelings, senses without which a dessert does not seem to be any pleasure at all - or any kind of food for that matter.


The starting point for the work is Broeng’s conceptual poem Hypothetical Imperatives (Desserts) based on dessert recipes that she has “emptied” of all ingredients. Instead of descriptions of delicious desserts we are faced with imperatives such as whip, grate, decorate.
Recipes like to make use of imperatives in the instructions and if the ingredients are removed the odd thing happens, that the recipes will appear as insensible commands. Completely inverse of the product they describe the making of.


Dessert is a total sensory boom, we do not need to eat, but eat anyway - of sheer pleasure. However Gitte Broeng’s dessert room at Boom Pearls’s territory in Second Life is completely devoid of sensuality. Here visitors will meet a monumental cookbook, which stands as a sort of open brown building in the desert-like surroundings. On the pages of the book the vertical commanding poem is seen and by pressing “Play” Broeng’s reading of the words, or rather orders is activated in the dessert room. To view the installation inside Second Life please visit this link: http:/slurl.com/secondlife/Phyllira/169/139/90, which will teleport your avatar to Boom Pearls in Second Life. Avatars can be made at www.secondlife.com.

Gitte Broeng b. 1973. Lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark. Being both a poet and visual arts facilitator Broeng is interested in hybrids between the two artistic fields. She published the book “Interiør” (Interior), Hurricane Publishing in 2006, a book that she designed herself. Broeng has done several public readings and published texts including visual poems in literary journals in Denmark and abroad.

Dessert Room is the third show at Boom Pearls in Second Life. 8 artists have been invited as newcomers to this online world which consists of mainly user created content, and the exhibition projects show art at the transition from Real Life to Second Life before the artists have decided if they want to be integrated users of Second Life or not. Screenshots and other documentation can be viewed at BoomPearls.com. Boom Pearls is curated by Jon Paludan.

The installation can be seen until 22. March 2009
Thanks to the Danish Arts Council

Wintery Heaven in Cu Mara

My home in these past few days has been the beautiful Cu Mara. I love the peaceful winter atmosphere here. The snow movement, colors, trees,...everything is absolutely charming. I ended up making a little machinima about the sim (see below) and I even edited some of the footage into my holiday card for this year.

If you'd like to spend a few moments in the ideal winter environment with your friends or by yourself, I highly recommend Cu Mara. There is also a hidden skating ring that you can get to by sitting on a snowman :) Have fun exploring!

The Photography Studio of Grignano

Contest 42: BURNING LIFE

Theme: Burning Life, the SL version of Burning Man, which takes place from 27 September through 5 October 2008. Also eligible: photos from previous Burning Life celebrations.

From the wiki:
"Because Burning Life is a mirror in spirit of a real life event, albeit with the unique and creative twists only Second Life can offer, we follow suit. Together, we will build a city, and we voluntarily accept many of the same restrictions that Nature imposes on the real thing. We do this to see how creative we can be with the same palette of materials and to revel in the beauty of simplicity. We use the same blank, desert landscape, and many of the things we build are naked or primitive in structure, easily revealing to the casual viewer how they were constructed. Just pretend that you're bringing everything you need with you in your car or truck and you're going camping. Extreme Camping. Really Extreme Camping. "

The wiki is here: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Burning_life

Cash prizes.

You may make something like an animated texture or other cool thing if you want. You don't have any tight limits. If you make something cool that doesn't seem to fit the "textures" requirement just enter it anyway.

Straight snaps or manipulated - it's all good.

DATES
Enter by: 19 October 2008
Exhibition: 21 October - 22 November 2008 in the Photography Studio upstairs gallery.

++++++++++++++++++++++++
We will have an awards ceremony - time TBA.
++++++++++++++++++++++++

TO ENTER
Enter 3 textures of Second Life screenshots. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<----------
Textures can be no bigger than 512x512 - rectangular photos saved as 512x512 regain their proportions once they are put on a prim. TRY TO ADHERE TO THIS, PLEASE.

Title entries with title + your name <---= so I don't lose it in my inventory
Send them to Osprey Therian with MOD permission and COPY permission.
Give me an IM so I know to look for them.

>>>>>.Don't send them in a notecard - I say this as I look at textures every day but I rarely look at notecards. If I don't get your heads-up the entry gets buried under the billion spam notecards I get per week. I hate it when things get lost - the only entries to've been lost thus far were in notecards.

The Loco Pocos Are Arriving!

I was recently invited to beta test the Loco Pocos adventure island, created by the super-talented Damien Fate...and I can't wait until July 9th, when the doors of the sim open for everyone to explore! This place is not only breathtakingly charming, but it's also chock-full-of-details and follows a beautiful story that unfolds as you visit the space. It's actually a perfect introduction to Second Life, in a myriad of ways. Read on for details and info on how you can get in before the crowds!


Sending you love from the Loco Pocos! :)

I'd say that there are three levels of complexity that made this experience truly special:

1. The customizable avatar
2. The story of the island
3. The gaming/puzzle elements

First, you are encouraged to explore the lush island by fitting into the story and becoming a character. If you want to try the deep immersion, definitely get the avatar pack. It contains one of the cutest and most advanced bunny tinies I've ever seen. The package also comes with a pleasant HUD that allows for easy control of emotional expressions, gestures, and endlessly customization of your avatar & its accessories (hats, glasses, tshirts, etc.). As you visit various spots on the island, you can win treasures, typically swag items for your avatar. No description can do this justice - just go try it out!


Loco Pocos avatar HUD

The storyline really makes use of all the elements and invites visitors to learn more about the history of the place. It's seamless and doesn't seem forced. The background is part of the large puzzle of the island - you get small insights into why the giant tree exists and where the abandoned ship or lighthouse areas fit.


Down the bunny hole to start the journey!

By the time you start the individual brain twisters, you are won over by the character of your new avatar. The user experience in the various puzzle sections is incredibly well-developed and thought-out, both in the gaming aspect and in adapting a game to the Second Life environment. There are four games: one situated at the abandoned ship, one in a tunnel/maze, one on a burning lake of lava, and the final one in a hobbit-like village.

If you like what you're reading and seeing, you can join the Loco Pocos group for free right now and get a sneak preview on July 6th. All others will be allowed into the island starting July 9th. Either way, this is one island you won't want to skip!



The talented creator of Loco Pocos - Damien Fate

Ilianexsi Sojourner at Mysterio Gallery

Ilia has been in Second Life for over four years, and has been creating intriguing self-portraits, which will now be on display at Mysterio Gallery. There will be an opening Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 11AM at the gallery, so come meet the artist herself and compare her current look to her images! Virtual food and drink available.

PetGirl Bergman's Art Exhibit for the Swedish National Celebration

Tina's installation based on the Swedish flag - formed of scripted units that will appear bit by bit, can be seen from 1 June at the Swedish Embassy - Second House of Sweden - until June 6. In the evening of the Swedish National Day celebration on 6 June, it will disappear forever.

The complete Swedish flag finished size is 30x48 meters, consisting of a total of 168 prims 3*3* meter in size. One can walk on it, look at it - and Tina says, "The flag will also show my point of how Sweden as nation are today... have a look at it and you will understand."
Then it die, quite simply vanish, leaving no trace - something which is possible only in Second Life.

The installation is created by Tina (PetGirl) Bergman - the idea and execution in cooperation with Deirdre Boyer who did all necessary scripting.

A bright light goes out...The Sojouner

It's impossible to encapsulate Soj's life in a few words, but saying nothing at all would be even worse. The Dreams community was the fuel behind my belief in Second Life and Soj's faith kept all of us on track through some rough times.

I met The Sojourner in my first months of Second Life, back when I was still considering medicine as a career. I then realized something that may seem naive now...if you ever read about stroke in a biology book, you'll never know the whole truth: the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which every day, stroke survivors find themselves more limited than they were the day before. It's a feeling of uselessness, of anger at yourself and at the world that very few can conquer with as much dignity and patience as Soj did. She challenged herself and the obstacles her health placed in her way. With Second Life as a filter, I almost forgot that she was a bit slower or that she reacted to a social/technical change by falling apart. She focused so much on helping others that we, in turn, almost forgot the struggles she went through or that she only had a short amount of time to be with us.

The Soj I had met wasn't the person she was before stroke, or at least this is what she told us all. The truth is that stroke changes people – things you could do alone before, even simple things like reading the analog clock, need to be done with the help of someone else. I found this email I once sent to her:

“Often times I wish I had saved the many conversations we had. I am truly happy I met you, and even happier that you now have a part of your life that can make you feel like you have a purpose. I think the purpose was there all along, it just may be harder to adjust to it when you change from being the strong one into the one who needs support.“

I don't know about you, but Soj never felt like she was asking for help. She inspired strength and love, while taking in a little advice or care when she was discouraged. Second Life allowed her the freedom to be who she truly was, to keep being a nurturing, loving person, even when real life was very different.

The Sojouner ...despite her name, she is here for a lot more than just a day. I know a lot of us will fight to keep her dream alive. Let's hope we can be half as strong as she was for us. To place a tribute to her, please follow this link.

The Photography Studio of Grignano

Contest 38: BAY CITY

Enter your 3 photos! Join in the parade! Make a weird picture involving graffiti taggers, boats, gangs, roller skaters, and/or THE PARADE.

SL Shakespeare Company

Os Goes to the Globe

I usually forget to go to things as my time is so limited, but I happened to read something on the forums about this, and since it was in about half an hour I stirred my stumps and got a good seat before I wandered off to the kitchen to find some yoghurt.

The costumes and actor's look in general was excellent.
/me gives Hamlet a comb.

The setting was lovely, and the theatre itself very nice.

Ina Centaur and everyone who has contributed to the production deserve praise. It was an enjoyable evening out and I'd recommend it to anyone.

NMC Presents........

NMC CAMPUS
Presents ...
An Interactive, Kinetic, Holographic, Virtual Art exhibit.

Come explore the possibilities of what can be created,using SL as a medium for art. Many talented SL artists have art on display at this exhibition. Play with the art, interact, touch, watch... enjoy! Now thru April 30th.

Ars Simulacra 223,213,22
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ars%20Simulacra/223/213/22/

Starax!

Over 20 Starax Sculptures can be seen at the Crescent Moon Museum.
The exhibition is being held over until the 19th of April.
Stop by when you get a chance and see the masterpieces of one of the
first and most famous artists within SL. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fairchang%20Village/191/138/21/

The Photography Studio of Grignano

Contest 37: MUSIC
Theme: The theme is "MUSIC " in any use or interpretation of the word . Get weird - you know you want to.

Cash prizes.

On the poster: Bitstream Boogie - Real time Internet/SL music jam
Komuso Tokugawa/Japan http://music.sonicviz.com
Hathead Rickenbacker /Canada http://hatheadinc.com/hhi/ (less)


You may make something like an animated texture or other cool thing if you want. You don't have any tight limits. If you make something cool that doesn't seem to fit the "textures" requirement just enter it anyway.

Straight snaps or manipulated - it's all good.

DATES
Enter by: 30 April 2008
Exhibition: 4 May - 24 May 2008 in the Photography Studio upstairs gallery.

++++++++++++++++++++++++
We will have an awards ceremony - time TBA.
++++++++++++++++++++++++

TO ENTER
Enter 3 textures of Second Life screenshots.
Textures can be no bigger than 512x512 - rectangular photos saved as 512x512 regain their proportions once they are put on a prim. Title entries with title + your name <---= so I don't lose it in my inventory Send them to Osprey Therian with MOD permission and COPY permission. Give me an IM so I know to look for them. >>>>>.Don't send them in a notecard - I say this as I look at textures every day but I rarely look at notecards.
If I don't get your heads-up the entry gets buried under the billion spam notecards I get per week.
I hate it when things get lost - the only entries to've been lost thus far were in notecards.

Organic Symmetry

A press release from Vlad Bjornson:
Join me as I celebrate the re-opening of my New World Gallery. Organic Symmetry is an exploration of the shapes and colors provided by Mother Nature, viewed through a distorted digital lens. Undulating colors and self-similar shapes are combined in a variety of ways to create an immersive, full-sensory experience.

The works begin their life as RL digital photos captured in the wild places of the Pacific Northwest. Moss & bark, flowers & leaves, earth and sky. I take these images into Photoshop, exploring the shapes and color combinations that arise as I experiment. I have always been a fan of symmetrical compositions and the self-similar shapes found in Nature, and I enjoy creating my own variations on these themes.

I brought these manipulated images into SL for further experimentation. In here I can combine the images in new ways, put them in motion, create interactive pieces that surprise and delight. I never know what this Mashup of tools and ideas will bring about, but I know what I like when I find it. :) This Organic Symmetry show includes digitally manipulated photos, interactive sculptures, kinetic art, video installations - even a symmetrical space created specifically for this collection.

MoShang Zhao will also be joining us for a live musical performance. His music is a perfect fit for this show. Energetic yet introspective - a blend of traditional Chinese music, ambient sounds, and hip-hop flavors. He calls it 'Chinese Chill'. You can learn more about MoShang at his website: http://moshang.net/

I will also be providing some live visuals to accompany MoShang's music. Pictures, videos, particles, and other colorful eye-candy drawn from the same pool of natural imagery.

See you at the show!
Vlad Bjornson

Contest - - Rinascimento virtuale

Rinascimento virtuale
Originally uploaded by Frank Koolhaas

Mario Gerosa, known as Frank Koolhaas on Second Life, will be presenting his new book, "Rinascimento virtuale" on Friday 11 April 2008 at noon SLT (9pm italian time), in the Toscana sim, in Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/toscana/85/215/105. The book, which has been published in Italy, is about the art generated in social network, avatar branding, grassroot culture, virtual tourism and much more.

For the occasion, a contest will be open to all SL residents, called "Second Renaissance." The competitors must create one or more pics (max 3) inspired by famous Renaissance paintings, with the photos being entirely taken in SL. The avatars should take poses and situations by famous masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello.

Submissions are due by 3 pm slt, Thursday, April 10 (midnight Italian time) and must be submitted in .jpg format, no larger than 250 kB, to secondlife@intoscana.it. The submissions will be shown during the presentation on April 11. The jury wil be comprised of Mario Gerosa, journalist and writer; Mirko Lalli marketing and communication officer of Fondazione Sistema Toscana; and Sergio Tossi, gallery owner and curator of contemporary art exhibitions in Florence, Italy.

The three top pieces will receive these prizes:

1st prize: Weekend in a Tuscany agriturismo offered by B&B LA VILLANELLA (http://www.villanella.it, lavillanella@katamail.com - 0575.48394). Winner to provide their own transportation.

2nd : 5 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid

3rd: 3 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid

Gossip - Death of an Avatar By Poid Mahovlich

gossip
Originally uploaded by Strawberry Holiday

:: Gossip - Death of an Avatar :: Part 1
By Poid Mahovlich

Saturday March 22nd 2008
4pm SLT
Ars Simulacra: NMC's SL Artist Showcase Island

This interactive installation by Poid approaches the themes of gossip, betrayal, and SL Drama. Scripted to allow you to "point the finger".

you can tp directly from here.

Cotton's Dystopia

Cotton's Dystopia
Originally uploaded by Vivian Oblivion

Recently Cotton's Dystopia was razed - sad as it was a good build. I had meant to chronicle it a wee bit before its end, but there was a surprise lightning-fast deletion that took more people than me by surprise.

As I understand it Cottonteil's account was suspended for something minor like needing a card update or something, but she never bothered to sort it out . The build, on land owned by Thea, was owned by Cotton, and therefore couldn't survive a land sale. Set me straight in comments if I'm wrong.

Life moves on. On the plus side the new doings in Gibson are heartening.