Category: Reviews

Art in The Living Room

Posted on by Inara Pey
The Living Room
The Living Room

The Living Room is a new art, performance and social venue  which will officially open its doors on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015, at 12:00 noon SLT.

“Daallee and I have wanted a little comfy place for a while,” Owl Dragonash, one of the two people behind The Living Room says of the venue. “A place to give back to the artists and musicians we love an appreciate.”

Spread across the upper two floors of a tall circular tower, The Living Room offers commanding views out over the region in which it sits. The lower floor offers room for people to sit and chat or, if there is a musician playing, to enjoy the music from the comfort of sofas and armchairs. A small art display area is also on this floor, although the main gallery space is the floor above.

Cica Ghost, Small Worlds, The Living Room
Cica Ghost, Small Worlds, The Living Room

For their début exhibition, Owl and Daallee are excited and pleased to have a small exhibition of pieces by Cica Ghost. And small really is the operative word here, as Cica has provides a set of of seven exquisite little dioramas entitled Small Worlds, and they are an absolute delight.

Each diorama is displayed within its own case, sitting atop a small stone plinth. Four of them represent the seasons of the year, while the remaining three present more general scenes, one of which art lovers may recognise as a miniature reproduction of Cica’s wonderful 2014 exhibition, Little Village, which I wrote about almost exactly a year ago.

Cica Ghost, Small Worlds, The Living Room
Cica Ghost, Small Worlds, The Living Room

And when I say “exquisite”, I do mean just that, these tiny models are beautifully crafted and rich in detail, so much so that they should be seen for themselves, rather then viewed through photographs.Take Little Village for example (see above). Not only has Cica reproduced her lovely and quirky little hilltop houses, when you look closely at them, you’ll see little cats sitting in the windows of some, a familiar Cica touch on several of her installations in the past.

Each of the models is available for sale at L$400 each for those who particularly drawn to having one at their SL home, and copies can be purchased via the little sign alongside each one, which also provides the LI for each piece as well, so you know precisely what you’re getting (the LIs range from 39 through to 135, depending on the complexity of each model).

Cica's models for Small Worlds really are tiny and beautifully detailed - The Living Room
Cica’s models for Small Worlds really are tiny and beautifully detailed – The Living Room

To celebrate the opening of The Living Room, the first live music event will feature The Vinnie Show, and Owl and Daallee have already lined-up further entertainment and events, including:

  • Thursday, March 12th: 17:00 – Mason Thorne; 18:00 – Whirli Placebo
  • Thursday March 26th: 11:00 – Small Worlds closing party, featuring Winston Auckland
  • Sunday March 29th: 17:00 – Rynanne’s Closet fashion show with music by Augusto Napoli.

An in-world group has also been created for those interested in keeping abreast of news on events occurring at the venue, and which can be joined via a subscription board on the lower floor. Owl and Daallee have also created a Flickr group where people can post their images of art and music events at The Living Room.

“We imagine The Living Room to be a welcoming hang out used to share Artists and Musicians creative talents with us our community and The SL community,” Owl and Daallee say of their new venue. “And don’t forget, The Living Room lives on Lagrange Point Spaceport sim, owned By Hippie Bowman, which has a full galaxy to explore, take the space taxi it is fun!”

So why not hop on over to The Living Room and enjoy some good music, wonderful art and friendly company – and take a tour of Lagrange Point while you’re there.

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The rugged beauty of Leka in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Leka, Nordan om Jorden; Inara Pey, March 2015, on Flickr Leka, Nordan om Jorden (Flickr) – click any image for full size

Leka is the new name for Kate Bergdorf’s freshly re-worked and re-opened homestead region of Nordan om Jorden. The last time I visited, the region presented a rural landscape deep in the grip of winter. Now all that has changed, and visitors are presented with a rugged island, aligned in an east-west orientation, with a smaller island just off the southern shoreline.

The first thing that struck me when I arrived for a visit at Kate’s invitation, is that Leka has something of a Hebridian feel to it, although the name is suggestive of a more Nordic origin.  From the landing point, it is possible to teleport directly to various points of interest on the island. However, I strongly recommend you forego these, and explore the island either on foot or via the bicycles that Kate has provided.

Leka, Nordan om Jorden; Inara Pey, March 2015, on Flickr Leka, Nordan om Jorden (Flickr)

A dirt track across a wooden bridge from the landing point offers the most convenient choice of routes for explorers. In one direction, it climbs the rocky flank of the island to it tree-covered upper reaches, while in the other, it winds its way around the coast, turning north to quickly disappear from view, inviting people to follow it.

Take the latter, and you’ll find yourself on a pleasant walk (or ride, if you take a bicycle) around the island to one of its more prominent features: a large bath house, open to all to enjoy. Wander on westward, and through the gates on the far side of the meadow by which the bath house sits, and a tree-lined avenue will take you to the rocky western end of the island and a small beach offering the chance of views of sunsets of the open seas, and where horses graze on the tough grass growing up through the sand.

Leka, Nordan om Jorden; Inara Pey, March 2015, on Flickr Leka, Nordan om Jorden (Flickr)

Wander inland, and you’ll likely find you way to the upper slopes, where a small venue for live entertainment can be found, a simple little each with speakers, an amp, a microphone, guitar and upright piano, all presided over by a ginger cat.Further to the east sit a couple of greenhouses, one of which has been converted into a comfy seating area, no doubt nicely warmed by the sunlight striking its glass roof.

Seaward, the smaller island, perhaps once low-lying part of the main island, but now separated and slowly being drowned by an encroaching sea, offers a different environment. Thunder rumbles overhead, rain falls hard on the bear rock while a broken iron rail fence and tumbledown ruin of a house speak to what might one have been here.

Leka, Nordan om Jorden; Inara Pey, March 2015, on Flickr Leka, Nordan om Jorden (Flickr)

Leka is currently featured in the SL Destination Guide, and deservedly so.  It is a visual and photogenic treat, with much to see and appreciate, and plenty of opportunities to simply sit and admire. Auto-return is set to 20 minutes, should you need any props for photography – but do please clean up behind you. A Flickr group  is available available for those wishing to share any images they take of the isalnd, and if you do enjoy your visit, please consider making a donation at one of the post boxes around the island so that Kate can continue to offer the region for everyone’s enjoyment.

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When Less Than Three gives more than enough

Posted on by Inara Pey

Less Than Three, Special One; Inara Pey, February 2015, on Flickr Less Than Three, Special One (Flickr) – click any image for full size

Less than Three ♥ is the homestead region held by Kess and Bjorn Folkesson, which is now featured in the Photogenic Spots section of the Destination Guide. Kess, who might be better known to some as Kess Crystal, MadPea’s PR and marketing magician, appears to be largely responsible for the look and feel to the region, which has been both dedicated to nature and offers visitors a lot of see and enjoy.

With the exception of the private residence belonging to Bjorn and Kess, which sits on its own island in the south-east corner, Less Than Three ♥ is entirely open to the public, and the couple encourage visitors and photographers to come and enjoy themselves while exploring the remaining three large islands of the region.

Less Than Three, Special One; Inara Pey, February 2015, on Flickr Less Than Three, Special One (Flickr)

Between them, these offer a varied landscape ranging from low-lying grasslands, through rich woodlands to a high rocky island, topped with a single tree,and all with their own distinct attractions. For example, on the grassy island, which is also home to the main landing point, you can find and enjoy the vineyard and winery, while just over a stone bridge sits a watermill restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

Cross another bridge to the wooded isle, and paths will lead you through an open-air ballroom and to ancient ruins, waterfalls and a little “drive-in” theatre. Reached by another bridge. the rough rocky flanks and rolling slopes of the highest island in the group offers attractions of its own, both above and below ground.

Less Than Three, Special One; Inara Pey, February 2015, on Flickr Less Than Three, Special One (Flickr)

There are a couple of smaller islands among the group as well. On one of these sits an old wooden lighthouse and on the other, an equally old oak tree with a swing suspended from one of its boughs. Both can be reached via the rowing boats offered at the wooden jetty near the region’s main landing point, which also allow those so inclined to explore the waters separating the islands and perhaps enjoy a cuddle as the water gently laps against the boat’s hull.

With the sound of chimes floating in the breeze and birds singing among the trees, together with the slanting of sunbeams through high branches and the sight of deer through the trees, Less Than Three ♥ has more than enough to entice the SL traveller into visiting – and into staying for a while.

Less Than Three, Special One; Inara Pey, February 2015, on Flickr Less Than Three, Special One (Flickr)

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Art and artistry: Toysoldier Thor

Posted on by Inara Pey
Toysoldier Thor
Toysoldier Thor

Blogger, activist, supporter of live entertainment, raconteur, content creator – there are many ways in which Toysoldier Thor can be defined. However, the one by which he is perhaps best known is that of artist – and deservedly so.

A resident of Second Life since 2008, Toy works in both 2D and 3D mediums, many of which bridge the physical and virtual “divide” in the most interesting of ways. While his art has been widely exhibited across the grid – and even interpreted through dance – perhaps the best way to become acquainted with his work is by visiting his in-world gallery.

Toysoldier Thor
Toysoldier Thor

It would be easy to attempt witticism by referring to the gallery as his “toybox”,  but it would also be unfair; what is on offer across five floors of viewing rooms is a veritable treasure trove of unique art. All of the pieces on display are available for purchase (and any aficionado of art is going to be hard-pressed not to walk away with one or two purchases); but more to the point, each comes with its one descriptive note card, obtained by touching the work in question.

These cards are well worth reading. Far from being a purely descriptive piece on the art itself, they delve into the history of the work  – the inspiration behind it, the techniques used to produce it, the sources from which Toy drew in developing it, and so on. In this way, the cards not only reveal more about the piece, they allow us to share in the entire creative process, and provide links to influences and so on, thus providing a unique insight into not only Toy’s craft, but also to Toy himself.

Toysoldier Thor
Toysoldier Thor

The uppermost floor of the gallery includes a number of Toy’s mesh sculptures, including the remarkable Shattered. A remarkable and emotive piece Toy has produced as both 2D art in the physical world and a 3D mesh model in Second Life, Shattered and the artist have been engaged on a remarkable journey, further narrowing the perceived divide between the virtual and the physical; the piece first becoming a 3D printed model, and which now looks set to become cast in bronze in the physical world as well (and which you can still pre-order).

It’s actually this element of physical / virtual cross-over that I find really compelling in Toy’s art. By this, I don’t mean how he might use Photoshop or other digital wizardry in order to edit and enhance photos originating from in-world, but how he actually combines virtual and physical world images to create some quite spectacular works of art. As examples of this, I would point visitors to both Assassin’s Prayer and to Death Seer (seen in the above picture, on the right), which are, in a gallery of quite extraordinary art, utterly stunning.

Toysoldier Thor
Toysoldier Thor

Those familiar with toy’s work will need no prompting when it comes to a visit to his gallery. If, however, you’ve not taken the time to pay a visit, then it is well worth adding to your itinerary. Anyone who enjoys and appreciates art in either the virtual or the physical world is unlikely to be disappointed; quite the reverse, in fact.

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Art and music in a Crystal Garden

Posted on by Inara Pey
Crystal Garden Estates
Crystal Garden Estates

Update: this region has closed.

Crystal Garden Estates, operated by Sandi and Mikal Beaumont, is a full region offering visitors live music venues, fishing, boating, a taste of the outdoors and a touch of art as well.

Surrounded by tall mountains, the region is neatly divided into four island areas, one per corner, separated one from another by wide channels of water. Three of the island are connected by bridges spanning the channels, whilst the last sits on its own, the home of Dimi’s Digital Designs.

Crystal Garden Estates
Crystal Garden Estates

The main landing point for visitors offers a large open-air venue for music, with a cosy café just at the top of the steps behind it. Here one can rest a while on the terrace overlooking the stage and dance area or take  a walk across a little bridge and climb the path winding up the cliffs to one side of the region, or head off in the opposite direction, taking a winding trail past wild flowers and grazing deer to a bridge linking the venue with the next island in the group.

Here sits is little cottage, complete with farmer’s garden, offering plenty of places to sit and relax. Sheep may well graze here, watched over by an attentive collie, but it seems that if this was once a farm, the owner has found it more engaging to provide the place as a setting for weddings and receptions, with the big barn one passes while walking to the cottage tastefully decorated and laid-out for that special event.

Crystal Garden Estates
Crystal Garden Estates

It is also here that you can find a little pier, complete with motor boat, which you can use to putter about on the water and reach the other islands in the group, if you so wish. Should you continue on foot, a further bridge allows access to Temprus, landscaped by Ilyra Chardin, and which presents an opportunity to see art by Ilyra and other SL artists in an open-air gallery space with a dance floor above, and which sits alongside a small farm.

Dimi’s Digital Designs, the remaining island in the region, requires a motor boat or the power of flight to reach it. Offering an curious and interesting mix of rural bordering on bayou, it is the home of photographer and musician DimiVan Ludwig, and features his studio  overhead, and his live music venue on the ground.

Crystal Garden Estates
Crystal Garden Estates

Currently featured in the Editor’s Picks section of the Destination Guide, Crystal Gardens Estates offers visitors a range of locations to explore, which offer an interesting mix of music and art, as well as opportunities to simply hang-out or take photos.

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