Category: Reviews

Finding Esgaroth in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Laketown – June 2021

So this is going to be a little different to my usual offerings under the Exploring Second Life tag in this blog, as it is not exactly about a “typical” region visit, nor is it a product review. However, a photo posted by Loverdag at the end of May sent me scurrying across the grid to pay a visit to a commercial build by creator Del-ka Aedilis (karport).

I say “scurrying” because I’ve been immersed in all things Tolkien since the days of my childhood, firstly via having The Hobbit read to me as a bedtime story, and then discovering The Fellowship of the Ring when I was a (very precocious) 12 (I would pass a pun here about Tolkien’s writings being Hobbit-forming, but I’ll leave that to one side). This being the case, I was hardly going to pass up the opportunity of dropping into the community of Men laid low by Smaug the dragon: Esgaroth – or Lake-town – on the waters of the Long Lake east of Mirkwood and south of Erebor, the Lonely Mountain.

Laketown – June 2021

This Laketown (to use the name given to the rezbox-enabled build) appears to be based on the visualisation of Esgaroth as seen within Peter Jackson’s (overly drawn-out) film trilogy of The Hobbit, rather than anything based on Tolkien’s own drawings of the town (which were more akin to neolithic pile dwellings than anything, whereas Jackson’s visualisation allowed for a far more adventuresome setting).

From the watchtowers overlooking the pier and drawbridge linking the town with the shore, through to what appears to be the  house belonging to the Master of Lake-town, this is an exceptionally creative and flexible build that utilises both original mesh by Del-ka Aedilis and incorporates full permission kits from the likes of IvanBenjammin to fully capture the tone and spirit of lake-town as seen in Jackson’s films.

Laketown – June 2021

Set within surrounding mountains that are both too numerous to be foothills of Erebor and too close to the the flanks of the Grey Mountains or the Iron Hills but which are nevertheless a perfect setting in which to show of the town, this Laketown is ideal for photography – as Loverdag demonstrated. Even moreso, for those with the space (the build tops out at around 1,736 LI out-of-the-box and covers an area of 196 x 107 metres), this is a build ideal for any medieval or fantasy role-play, whether or not any gold, kings-under-the-mountain, dwarves or dragons are concerned.

Materials enabled, the build is supplied partially dressed with reeds and (I believe) various waterside items – boxes, barrels, etc.). Even tho the buildings are all unfurnished, its hard not to wander the boardwalks around an connecting them and here the sounds of commerce and domestic life going on along the wharves and behind the wooden walls.

Laketown – June 2021

I’m not sure how long this demonstration version of Laketown will be available – the build is apparently available at an introductory price of L$7,499 until the end of June, so perhaps it might poof after that, I’ve no idea. However, for the photographer among us, it does make for an engaging and photogenic visit!

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CK’s space adventures in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Hoot Suite Gallery: Blushock Space Adventures

Earlier this year, and initially at the suggestion of CK (Ceakay Ballyhoo), I visited Planet Idun, a role-play / photography region developed by Fazzy Constantine (Faisel Constantine) and the Blushock role-play team, which includes CK as a member. I found it an engaging visit, as I noted in An Away Team Mission to Planet Idun in Second Life).

That visit gave me the chance to familiarise myself with the Blushock team, their backstories and role-play and the future mythology they’ve built up around their activities. It’s an acquaintanceship I was able to extend in April, when I paid a further visit to the group’s region to tour their latest build, Resilient Station, which in their developing story has become the team’s new base of operations (see: Docking at Resilient Station in Second Life).

Hoot Suite Gallery: Blushock Space Adventures

I mention all of this, because CK is also an artist, and in her latest exhibition has opened at Hoot Suite Gallery in Bellisseria (curated by the super Owl Dragonash), and it focuses on the Blushock team and their adventures within the Vanaheim star system.

As an artist, CK is perhaps best known for her regions-as-paintings installations, rich in story and always a delight to tour (see The Forest Beyond in Second Life and Niamh’s Journey of Dreams in Second Life). Here she presents a series of vivid paintings that chart the Blushock Team’s adventures across the Vanaheim system, including their time on Idun, at Jasper Point on the planet, and the worlds around the system’s blue giant star – including the discovery of Baldur, the asteroid that is now home to Resilient Station.

Hoot Suite Gallery: Blushock Space Adventures

Rich in colour and vividly portraying the locations the crew have visited – and members of the crew themselves – Blushock Space Adventures presents an engaging set of images and forms a further means of learning about the Blushock Coalition and their activities, information on which can also be found at the Blushock website.

Information on the exhibition and the team will also likely be available at the exhibition party, which will take place 12:00 noon at Hoot Suite Art Gallery, and will feature the music of Joe Paravane.

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Reacquainting myself with a Missing Melody in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Missing Melody, May 2021 – click any image for full size

The last time I wrote about Missing Melody, the home of the Oh Deer brand by Bambi (NorahBrent) – who also designed the region – it was to report she was taking something of a leave of absence from Second Life (see: The natural beauty of Oh Deer in Second Life).

However, and as pointed out to me by Shawn Shakespeare a while ago, Bambi is now back and once again offering her region as both a home to her store and a place for people to visit and appreciate – although it has admittedly taken me a while to get back there.

Missing Melody, May 2021

Bambo has a talent for creating relaxing pastoral settings that sit well with the heart, eye and camera. In general setting, the region could be a little isle hidden among the large Wadden Islands off the north coast of Holland, if only because the field of brightly growing tulips naturally (if perhaps a little stereotypically, given the song) brings to mind thoughts of the Netherlands.

Missing Melody, May 2021

With a north-to-south orientation that runs along the region’s west side, leaving the east to open waters, the main island is split between southern beach, fields for the aforementioned tulips and for cattle. and open grasslands.

A barn sitting between the beach and the fields is the home to the Oh Deer store, a track running northwards between fields and grass, splitting into two before reaching the water channel that separates the island from a smaller, more rugged companion.

Missing Melody, May 2021

Reached via a low-slung bridge, the second island hides its secrets behind green slopes down which water flows to drop into the channel, and beneath a canopy of trees. These secrets start with the Oh Deer café – open 24/7 – while steps cut into the hillside beyond lead the way up and over the island to where an unexpected surprise awaits: a little village setting that might have been lifted from a corner of Santorini and gently place down on the island’s north side.

Missing Melody, May 2021

The path around to this little village also offers a way up to the crown of the island, where koi swim and paper boats sail in a little rocky pond that sits beside another secluded spot where visitors might pass the time.

As with all of Norah’s designs, this iteration of Missing Melody is rich in the kind of detail that encourages the eye to tarry. From the places to sit to the sheep and cattle grazing, and onwards to the façades of the little village and the sprinklers keeping to grow the crops, this iteration of the region has something to see in every direction – and even overhead; whilst the general layout and design makes it a gentle treat to explore.

Missing Melody, May 2021

So, why not hop along and take a look for yourself?

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Vita’s contrasts in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
La Maison d’Aneli – Vita Theas: Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is an Italian term that literally translates as “clear-dark”, although within the world of art, it is more usually referred to as “light-dark”, and references the use of strong contrasts between darker and lighter colours or shades in images, be they paintings, drawings, sketches, photographs – even video and film in the modern era – and which is intended to give a sense of volume and three-dimensional depth to an image through the use of lighter contrasts within the subject of the composition, and the broader contrast between the subject and the background.

It’s a technique that is all around us in art (just look at almost any portraiture or painting by the European painters of the Renaissance, for example or modern photographic portraiture or even graphic novels), and its use extends into visual mediums such as the stage, and more latterly, advertising, television, and film (for example, Francis Ford Coppola uses the technique extensively within The Godfather trilogy – just take a look at this still of Al Pacino from the first film in the series). However, it also doesn’t have to purely the contrast between “dark” and “light”; Andy Warhol, for example, utilised the technique extensively through his use of really bold colours contrasted against lighter tones rich in brightness.

La Maison d’Aneli – Vita Theas: Chiaroscuro

In music, Chiaroscuro again emphasises contrast, combining a brilliant sound referred to as squillo with a dark timbre called scuro to produce a sound that has considerable depth and warmth. It is perhaps most notable in its use within opera, although again, many compositions, from classical through to the modern era also use it.

I mention all of the above, because it is the richness and depth of contrast suggested by Chiaroscuro that Vita Theas embraces in her exhibition of the the same name that opened at Aneli Abeyante’s La Maison d’Aneli arts centre on Wednesday, May 26th.

Set within a space created by Vita that enhances the idea of contrasts  (dark brick wall and heavy wood roof timbers over which sits the inverted bowl of a glorious sunset itself beset with darkening clouds lit by the lowering Sun, the marvellous murals she also presents on the walls – look at the sense of movement contrasted with the relative calm of the ships beyond in the “waterfront” piece, for example), this is a collection that embraces the idea of Chiaroscuro in art, image, and life.

La Maison d’Aneli – Vita Theas: Chiaroscuro

From monochrome images – perhaps the “simplest”(if such a word might be employed) expression of the use of contrast through to avatar studies that reflect the use of chiaroscuro both in modern photographic portraiture (Lost, If Only…, Hope), to pieces evocative of classical portraits of the likes of the Dutch Masters (And Then He Was Gone), this is a collection that also celebrates the broader use of the technique in  landscape photography (where again, we might not actually be aware the technique is present) pop art (the quite brilliant Warhol-esque Seduce), and more.

These are images that also illustrate the essential vitality of life that is evident through contrast. As Vita herself notes, the interactions of light and shadows, brightness and darkness, warm and cool colours and shading, all work together to give these pieces a visual and emotional depth, a reminder that chiaroscuro isn’t just a technique, it is a part of the fabric of life. Just take a look (again) at And Then He Was Gone and both Regret and the exhibition poster; all three present a powerful sense of emotion through the contrast of pose and background, or that between the overlaid focal image and backgrounds.

La Maison d’Aneli – Vita Theas: Chiaroscuro

A truly powerful and evocative collection, Chiaroscuro offers an engaging selection of art that can be appreciated for its visual appeal and composition and for its ability to get the grey matter working.

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  • Chiaroscuro, La Maison d’Aneli (Virtual Holland, rated Moderate)

A peaceful Zephyr in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Zephyr, May 2021 – click any image for full size

Talia (Natalia Corvale) has an eye for creating region designs that are wonderfully attractive, rich in natural detail, and evocative of places that one might find tucked away whilst on global travels. Her designs are places I always enjoyed visiting and writing about (as evidenced by the articles in this blog), as they are always so beautifully bucolic in presentation, places guaranteed to put the eye and heart at rest.

For Zephyr, her latest setting in her homestead region of Porter Island, Talia presents a a place I confess to immediately falling in love with for its fusion of ideas.

Zephyr, May 2021

Surrounded by off-region hills coated by fir trees that suggest a northern latitude, Zephyr sits as a trio of islands, two of which are linked by a causeway. Together, they individually contain suggestions of China, Japan, and Africa that are most marvellously brought together, whilst collectively their appearance also brings to mind parts of the coastline of IndoChina to mind.

The landing point sits atop a flat-topped mesa that rises vertically from one of the region’s two larger islands. This sits to the north-east and curls away eastwards around the region’s outer limits.

Zephyr, May 2021

Watched over by a seated Buddha and sleepy pandas, its steep flanks fall away to grasslands that wash around it, and which could easily look right at home on the African plains – especially given the Africa tusker of a bull elephant standing upon them. Even the presence of a great monkeypod tree raising its head alongside the plateau doesn’t break with the African vibe that echoes here, as from a distance, it might equally be a great Umbrella Thorn.

But the fact it is a monkeypod tree reminds visitors that the core influence for the region is Asian in nature, as does the curving arm of this island as it turns to the east, its razor back line home to a Japanese styled structure. However, quite how you reach both it and the grasslands below the landing point is a little open to interpretation, preference.

Zephyr, May 2021

This is because while there is a zipline connecting the landing point to one of the highlands of  the central island, the only path from there leads either up to a bridge sling across the gap between the two plateaus or down to where the causeway connects middle and northern islands. Save jumping down from the ziplines end-point or wading through water at the foot of the downslope path, there is no clear route to get to the lowland that sit under the flanks of the two plateaus (well, you can fly of course, but that’s cheating! 🙂 ).

like those of the landing point island, the lowlands of the middle isle are dominated by a monkeypod tree. however, there is also a small bridge that spans the waters back to the north island, allowing visitors the opportunity to return to it and then make their way eastwards around its raised back.

Zephyr, May 2021

However, for those who prefer, the taller of the two rocky tables on the middle island is home to a wooden platform where comfortable seating a a good vantage point out over the islands are to be found, while the caused offers a dry route to the other northern island isle, and which sweeps around the west side of the region.

This is the largest of the three islands by area, and has much to offer that again gives hints of Africa (the elephant and the suggestion of broad savanna, the thatched hut by the water suggestive of a hide from which to observe wildlife). But then, with the sakura, the bamboo, the very Japanese styling of the little cabin across the grass from the hideaway, the sampans and monkeypods, visions of Asia also abound here.

Zephyr, May 2021

To the north, this part of the land rises to a ridgeline that is home to waterfalls that drop into the waters between the islands and another hideaway that offers a comfortable retreat as it overlooks the causeway visitors must cross from the middle isle.

Of course, the African lean to Zephyr can be excused by the fact there are precious few Asian elephants in SL – and the two featured in the region certainly look as if they are semi-domesticated and awaiting mahouts, despite clearly being African in origin – but I love the way they add that sense of fusion to the region. Elsewhere, the wildlife does lean more towards Asia with cranes, tigers, panda, parrots, etc., all of which enrich the setting, together with the lanterns that in places drift overhead, even as orca swim in the waters.

Zephyr, May 2021

And even with all this, I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the delights Talia has brought to this most idyllic of settings. So,rather than sit here reading, get your boots on and go see for yourselves! And be sure to take your cameras!

SLurl Details

  • Zephyr (Porter Island, rated Moderate)

Melu’s Kinds of Minimal in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Desideratum Gallery: Kinds of Minimal, Meulsina Parkin

May 16th 2021 saw Desideratum Gallery, operated by Péru (PERU Venom) and Algezares Magic, open its doors to its latest exhibition, featuring the work of one of my favourite artists (and a friend!) Melusina Parkin.

Melusina’s work is unique in its blending of detail, space and minimalism brought together in elegant, crafted pieces that offer a richness of narrative and emotion; pieces that offer insight into life through their framing and focus.

Desideratum Gallery: Kinds of Minimal, Meulsina Parkin

This is perfectly reflected in the perfectly-named Kinds of Minimal at Desideratum. Comprising 25 of Melu’s images, the exhibition presents visitors with a marvellously diverse collection of ideas and themes, all framed by Melu’s skill in using both open space and confined areas and / or angles to capture the attention.

These are pictures that sit as the covers of books, hinting at stories within their depths, together with comments on life and the living – although it is entirely up to us, the observers, to allow our imaginations to unwrap whatever each piece might have to say to us.

Desideratum Gallery: Kinds of Minimal, Meulsina Parkin

Take, for example, Minimal 8. Set within a room it offers a simple view of a hat and cloak, perhaps on a stand, with the hint of shadow beyond, perhaps cast by an open door, suggesting they have just been hung in place. but who might their owner be? And what is this room? A warm lounge to which they have returned after a walk outside? A place of work?  How might it be furnished? The questions are myriad, as are the stories they suggest – including whether or not the cloak and hat are indeed hanging on a stand, or whether there might yet be a figure still wearing them – and if so, who might it be?

Just along the wall is Minimal 6, a piece richly evocative for calling forth a variety of stories – and even songs (anyone for Springsteen’s 57 Channels And Nothing On?) and / or thoughts of everything from the desert mid-west of America, Roswell, trailer parks, and even nuclear testing.

Desideratum Gallery: Kinds of Minimal, Meulsina Parkin

Then upstairs is Minimal 20. Who might live on the top of the steps within the doorway  it features? And who is the figure on the top of post? A repairman who has scaled the footholds that climb it, or a local mischief-maker who has scaled the ladder we can also see in shadow form? Or is it a person at all, or just a trick of the light falling against a pole-topped transformer box or somesuch to cast a human-like shadow?

And that’s the secret to this exhibition: not only are the images exquisitely frame in their minimalist presentation, both in terms of image and in story, offering just enough for the imagination to take flight.

Desideratum Gallery: Kinds of Minimal, Meulsina Parkin

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