SL’s got talent #2

Second Life is an amazing environment for fostering creativity, be it for business, fashion or simply pleasure. A goodly while ago now, I started a little series looking at talent in SL, but never really followed up on it.

Well, today I’m changing that, I want to follow up on both Rena and Latexia by talking about the work of another outstanding artist it has been my great good fortune to meet: Himitu Twine.

Himitu is remarkable for a number of reasons. For a start, she is one of the warmest, caring people I’ve met in SL so far. From our first meeting she was friendly, approachable, warm  – someone who can instantly establish a rapport with you.

Secondly, she has one of the most stunning avatars I have seen in SL. Her look is simply amazing – as the self-portrait to the left more than demonstrates. The look – from skin (and tone) through make-up, hair and oufit is always nothing short of exquisite.

Thirdly, she is one amazing photographer – or more correct photo-artist, seamlessly blending avatar shots with both rl and rendered backdrops, weaving both together to create evocative and sensual works of art that each tell a story, with the story itself neatly summarised in a flowing caption. Encapsulating everything from period costume through fetish to high-concept science-fiction, Himitu’s works are simply breathtaking.

It wouldn’t be fair to reproduce more than a couple of her works here – they really should be seen over on her Flickr stream, where they flow together as a collage of artistic expression I personally find inspiring – and I invite you all to go and browse her work for yourselves.

However, there is one last image I must reproduce here; just a few days after meeting Himitu for the first time – a meeting of pure chance (or possibly serendipity) while browsing a shopping mall – she asked me if I would consider posing for her; a request that was in and of itself utterly flattering. Of course, ego demanded that I did just that; I had no idea what to expect, but to be honest, anything I had imagined would have faded into nothing when compared to the picture she unveiled to me earlier today – a picture that honestly moves me in ways that I cannot express. It is called Serenity and within it, Himitu has captured not only my avatar, but also my very genuine love of the Orient. That she has done so, and so perfectly, is testament not only to her skill as an artist – but also to her insight as a person. All I can do is thank her, deeply and sincerely and encourage all of you, again, to go and look at her work – and leave comments!

All images reproduced here are Copyright Himitu Twine and used here with her permission. They may not be reproduced through any medium or in any form, digital, mechanical or photographic, without the express permission of Himitu Twine.

Images in order:

1. Chinese Study: Just a little study in composition
2. Tarantula on the Roof: She was a hunter in a world where life is cheap
3. Serenity: Don’t say anything, just feel the serenity in this place…

My grateful thanks to Himitu for her time and for allowing me to reproduce these images here.