Filthy Fluno: a Second Life arts pioneer at Sinful Retreat

Janus Gallery I: Filthy Fluno

Saturday, November 6th saw Chuck Clip’s Janus Gallery I at his Sinful Retreat arts hub unveil a new exhibition of physical world art by none other than Filthy Fluno, one of the pioneers of presenting art through Second Life.

Known the the physical world as Jeffrey Lipsky, and residing in Massachusetts, Filthy is a master of art that is so vibrant, it appears to be breathing for itself. His pieces often a marvellous concoction of abstraction, graffiti, and mosaic-like composition that can be rich in presentation, whilst carrying its own narrative, and his style can frequently touch upon the likes of Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse, with a flavouring of Picasso, while also remaining true and unique to itself.

As a virtual world pioneer, he joined Second Life in 2006, recognising the platform as a means to connect with an international audience. Not long after joining he founded (and managed) the Artropolis virtual art community alongside of Maxim Deharo, a group which quickly gained prominence and a hub for arts in SL, and his involvement within the platform was reported in pieces on his work by the likes of the New York Times Magazine and The Improper Bostonian lifestyle magazine, whilst his work and adventures as Filthy Fluno have been exhibited at numerous galleries in the United States and in France and Portugal.

Janus Gallery I: Filthy Fluno

In Filthy Fluno Returns we can witness much of the rich of his work, ranging from the abstracted mentioned above, through to the surreal, with one or two coming close to being impressionistic in their style. Most demonstrate his dynamic approach to art, both in terms of his use of colour and in their overall composition. These are works that are not going to be to everyone’s palette, but for those who like modern art with a twist of metaphor and / or narrative, they are pieces that will not so much gently hold the attention but grab it warmly by the throat and give it a vigorous shaking as the capture the eye and mind.

All of the pieces in the gallery are offered for sale – and not just as virtual pieces. Any purchase entitles the purchaser to obtain a limited edition 9 x 12 inch print on paper with hand embellishments. Simply contact Filthy via e-mail with details of your purchase and suitable mailing address, and he’ll contact you (note that shipping charges included for mailing anywhere in the US or Canada, elsewhere additional shipping charges may apply).

Alongside of the 2D art are a pair of 3D pieces; Nightflyer and BAM, both of which harken back to the days when all people had to create with were humble primitive shapes, with BAM offering a sculpture of Filthy himself.

Janus Gallery I: Filthy Fluno

A genuine blast from the past featuring an artist whose work is as relevant and eye-catching today as it was back in 2006,  Filthy Fluno Returns is a terrific exhibition of art and – for those of us who have been active in SL for long enough – a real blast from the past that is evocative on so many levels.

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Terrygold’s mountain winter in Second Life

Eccapaiari Mountains , November 2021 – click any image for full-size

We’re getting to the time of year when Second Life tends to be awash with winter / Christmas / end-of-year themed regions, all rich with snow and winter wonderland settings to tromp through and enjoy.

One such place that recently opened as a winter’s setting is that of Eccapaiari Mountains, a charming quarter-region design by Terrygold, located on the ground level of the Solo Arte parcel, where it replaces her earlier Osta Nimosa setting (see: Resting in Osta Nimosa in Second life). As with that setting, this snowy design is easy on the eye, but offers plenty to see whilst forming an ideal backdrop for photography.

Eccapaiari Mountains , November 2021

From the landing point, a cart track winds its way around the edge of the parcel, high cliffs to one side, rough lowland to the other spotted by trees, shrubs and bird houses, all of them – cliffs, rocks, bare ground, flora and bird houses  – brushed over with snow, which also frosts the shrubs and plants bordering the track.  As the this track curves to follow the base of the cliffs, so the land to its right opens out to reveal a broad lake, its water frozen into stillness.

As the land opens, so too do buildings come into view: a small chapel and outhouses for a farm, the track splitting before reaching them, one arm following the edge of the lake, the other curling back on itself to pass by the outhouses and reach the low-slung farmhouse, its roof heavy in an insulating blanket of snow. A small summer house sits across the trail from the farmhouse, its interior heated by a wood-burning stove, with both farmhouse and summerhouse thus offering cosy retreats from the snow for those who seek them.

Eccapaiari Mountains , November 2021

The lake offers the opportunity for skating – there is a skate giver sign on the edge of the ice as the track loops around a rocky outcrop to bring its two arms back together into a single path. Here, sitting outdoors, visitors can enjoy a hot glass of mulled wine  or, if skates aren’t to their linking, rez a sled from a second sign and scoot their way around the ice.

Beyond the little hut serving the hot drinks, steps climb up to a small viewing point looking out over the off-region elements of the setting. Those who are so minded might find the dance system as well, sitting in the lee of the tree that also helps shade the little hut, while across the ice a love seat sits within a little wooden shelter where couples might cosy up together.

Eccapaiari Mountains , November 2021

Rounded out by an outdoor fire pit with chairs awaiting those who wish to use them, and the a large sled that also offers single sits and couples cuddles, Eccapaiari Mountains is hardly going to tax anyone’s viewer and is nicely finished with a suitable soundscape. For photographers, the local EEP setting are fine, although for the images here, I opted to use one of my personal settings, which I hope gives a sense

My thanks to Terrygold for the invite to visit!

Eccapaiari Mountains , November 2021

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Gods, woods, steampunk and Wonderland

Seanchai Library

It’s time to highlight another week of storytelling in Voice by the staff and volunteers at the Seanchai Library. As always, all times SLT, and events are held at the Library’s home in Nowhereville, unless otherwise indicated. Note that the schedule below may be subject to change during the week, please refer to the Seanchai Library website for the latest information through the week.

Monday, November 8th, 19:00: The Stone God Awakens

A 20th century scientist is rendered frozen at the molecular level, and then reanimated millennia later by a freak accident. He finds himself in a strange world populated by sentient, anthropomorphic animals, who take his awakening to be the fulfilment of prophecy.

He accepts the mantle of godhood and sets about discovering this brave new world, hoping to find clues to the past while finding his place as the last human. But his quest leads to to question the reality of his status – might other humans also have survived? To find the answers he must lead his tribe of feline worshippers to the heart of a rival god: a great tree spanning half a continent.

Join Gyro Muggins as he reads a novella by the fantasy and sci-fi author Philip José Farmer.

Tuesday, November 9th

12:00 Noon: Russell Eponym

With music, and poetry in Ceiluradh Glen.

19:00: The Wild Wood

A young artist returns to her cabin in the deep woods of Canada to concentrate on her illustrations. But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help – and she may be its last chance for survival.

With Willow Moonfire.

Wednesday, November 10th, 19:00 Steampunk Stories

Finn Zeddore opens the pages of Lightspeed magazine to read Carrie Vaughn’s Harry and Marlowe Escape the Mechanical Siege of Paris.

Harry looked out the window and thought: At least I saw Paris one more time before it was destroyed in the bombardment.
The city was as beautiful, eventful, and astonishing as any young woman who’d read too many novels could wish for. She’d traveled here several years before on her grand tour and had thought herself quite worldly and jaded this time around. But the sight of the Seine, lined with magnificent buildings, palaces, parks, and galleries, with a promise of so many treasures and adventures waiting to be discovered, excited her beyond her expectation. Brought tears to her eyes, even. Eiffel’s new tower from the World’s Fair several years previous stood watch, lurking above the city, an iron skeleton.

Thursday, November 11th, 19:00: Alice In Wonderland

Don’t fall down any rabbit holes, or allow yourself to get waylaid by airborne grins, because this is one tea party date for which you cannot afford to be late as Shandon Loring dives into Lewis Carroll’s popular tale – albeit this time a version with a certain Tim Burton twist!