An Autumn Trace in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Autumn Trace; Inara Pey, July 2019, on FlickrAutumn Trace, July 2019 – click and image for full size

Elvira Kytori has a reputation for producing visually engaging and photogenic regions, and her designs are places we’ve always enjoyed visiting. So it was with pleasure that we made a return to Autumn Trace (formally Fall Trace), having last dropped in to write about it back at the end of 2016 (see Resting in Fall Trace in Second Life).

To be honest, the intervening time has not seen much (if anything) in the way of change in the physical design of the region. Still sitting under a cloud scudded autumn sky with the sun low on the horizon, this is a region that, once rendered, imbues a feeling of tranquillity well in keeping with the its official name. The low sun casts a soft glow across the region and lights the far horizon as if ringing Autumn Trace in a warm embrace.

Autumn Trace; Inara Pey, July 2019, on FlickrAutumn Trace, July 2019 – click and image for full size

Completely low-lying, this is very much a water region, the fact that it is presented as a marshland rather than the (perhaps) more usual swamplands seen in Second Life adding a further level of attraction in making a visit. It is also, as a part of the White Dunes Estate, a partially residential region; the houseboat and other houses in the region are available for rent (or may be rented), so some care is required to avoid trespassing onto private property.

The landing point sits towards the middle of the region, within a small shack. From here a board walk leads out over the water and reeds, forming an open U that runs south and east before turning north to end at a small motorboat presenting a place for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. Along the way, the path passes a couple of the rentals, and also other public rest places – including a little raft out on the water, while a shorter branch of the board walk offers access to where a rowing boat also awaits people wishing to enjoy a place to sit and cuddle.

Autumn Trace; Inara Pey, July 2019, on FlickrAutumn Trace, July 2019 – click and image for full size

Eastwards, and overlooked by a watchtower that can be reached via another wooden path, the region is open and wild; south and west is an arc of private rentals, the shallow channel of water between them and the inner part of the region forming a natural buffer against trespass. However, it is not the rentals that hold the attention here; it is the wildfowl and birds.

Across the region one can spot pelicans, herons, geese, cormorants, and egrets, while overhead crows and an eagle circle and small birds can be spotted throughout.  Also to be found are deer and beaver and possibly one or two critters we missed. All of these add additional depth to photography within the region, offering plenty of opportunities to capture the local “characters”.

Autumn Trace; Inara Pey, July 2019, on FlickrAutumn Trace, July 2019 – click and image for full size

All of this means that Autumn Trace remains an ideal destination for a relaxing visit, one which – as the heat of summer takes its toll across many parts of the northern hemisphere, perhaps offers a sense of cooler climes and a break from feeling as if you’re slowly broiling in the heat.

With thanks to Miro Colas for the reminder to pay Autumn Trace another blogging visit.

Autumn Trace; Inara Pey, July 2019, on FlickrAutumn Trace, July 2019 – click and image for full size

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BURN2 Conception 2019 announced for Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

On June 29th, the BURN2 team announced the dates and theme for the BURN2 Conception 2019 event – and with them comes an invitation for builders and performers  to get involved.

Conception this year will take place on the weekend of Friday, July 19th through Sunday July 21st,  with the theme Communal Earth.

The BURN2 announcement of the event describes the theme thus:

At Conception we look back to the roots of our regional in SL, reaching back to Burning Man. How the years have flown by! Our past event themes often relate to the Earth – Fertility, Balance. Our virtual Regional is comprised of Burners from across the world and all of us are concerned about the damage to the planet, and the realisation that the cause of it is us. Recovery from the damage must also begin with us.

Established and novice builders are invited to participate in the event and place their creations on the dusty Deep Hole playa. Novice builders or those unfamiliar with BURN2 builds can attend the BURN2 building classes. Those interested in applying for the event should read the building guidelines that can be viewed via the application form.

What is this theme about? It’s a concept around the communal effort needed to remember the origin of Earth and for everyone on the planet to preserve and heal it. We remember our roots, the first stirrings of life, and how we got from there to here, and recognise the impact our existence has had on our mother Earth. There is no magic bullet, no single solution to solve all the Earth’s problems. Therefore, it is on all of us, each in our different ways that we can do, to find and apply healing. In the process, we will see that we are all in this together.

– from the BURN2 press release for Conception 2019

Performers – DJs, live singers and performing groups – are also invited to participate in Conception. Those interested should read the performance guidelines on the Performer’s Sign-up Page.

About BURN2

BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man festival and community into the world of Second Life. It is an officially sanctioned Burning Man regional event, and the only virtual world event out of more than 100 real world Regional groups and the only regional event allowed to burn the man.

The BURN2 Team operates events year around, culminating in an annual major festival of community, art and fire in the fall – a virtual echo of Burning Man itself.

Links

Three artists at the Lyric Gallery in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Lyric Gallery: Mareea Farrasco

Currently on display at the Lyric Gallery is an exhibition featuring three artists: Mareea Farrasco, Lylah Landar and FoxiBrown30.

All three are Second life photographers who between them present images that mix avatar studies and landscapes, with the latter in particular the focus of Mareena’s work, which occupies the ground floor of the gallery building. Located on the upper floor, Lylah and Foxi present pieces that lean more toward avatar studies.

Lyric Gallery: Mareea Farrasco

The images by Mareena present a marvellous feeling of being watercolours. Taken within popular public locations in Second Life, each presents an evocative view, some of which do have an avatar focus to them, but which nevertheless offer a vista that naturally has one trying to identify the location in which it was set – if that’s not immediately apparent.

However, what makes these pieces especially evocative is the richness of narrative within each of them – with the starting point for their stories contained within their title. This narrative element is enhanced by the simplicity of the setting used for each piece. Take NorderNey Beach, for example: a view of a breakwater, an incoming tide and boat moored offshore against a haze-filled sky, and the imagination has enough to take flight.

Lyric Gallery: Lylah Landar

Upstairs, Lylah continues the painting theme with some of her images, which are displayed alongside what might be considered more “traditional” photographic finishes. It is this richness of tone and style – paintings and photographs, colour and monochrome – that makes her pieces so attractive. There are many aspects of these pictures that make draw the eye to all of them, but I confess to being particularly attracted to the three alongside the stairwell: A New Day Dawns, Every Butterfly I Get Belongs to You and the piece to its right (which appear to have been mistakenly given the wrong title).  These three, to me, are simply captivating.

Foxi’s images are very much focused on avatars studies presented as photographs rather than paintings. As with the other pieces offered here, each has a story to tell. In this, there are two themes strongly apparent: contemplation / reflection and togetherness, with the fact that all of the images are untitled further adding to their depth of narrative.

Lyric Gallery: FoxiBrown30

Contrasting and complimentary, these are three exhibitions that are captivating and deserving not to be missed.

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Catznip R12.2: a little extra quality of life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Saturday, July 5th, 2019 saw the release of Catznip R12.2.

With two major releases on the horizon from Linden Lab – Bakes On Mesh (BOM) and the Environment Enhancement Project (EEP) – R12.2 is intended to be primarily a maintenance and “quality of life” release.

 Table of Contents

In this, Kitty notes that starting with R12.2, she hopes to de-couple these smaller “maintenance” style of release from those containing major new features and capabilities, and to be able to make this style of release on a more regular basis as a result.

The following notes cover the key improvements seen with R12.2. For a full breakdown of the release including all improvements and bug fixes can be found in the Release Notes.

Maintenance Releases Transition Times

Kitty also notes that with these maintenance releases, there will be a shorter transition period before they become mandatory for all users. For R12.2, this means that it will become the default download from around July 19th. Therefore, if you experience any problems with R12.2, the request is that you contact the Catznip team sooner rather than later, or offer feedback via the viewer.

Linden Lab Updates

Catznip R12.2 brings the viewer up to parity with the (at the time of writing) current Linden Lab viewer – version 6.2.3.527758, formerly the Rainbow RC viewer dated June 5th and promoted on June 18th. This version specifically contains a Windows 10 fix for some Nvidia users, where on exiting Second Life, the system video is distorted. It was this update in particular that encouraged Kitty to release Catznip 12.2.

Quick Preferences Updates

Worn Items

With R12.2, Quick Preferences adds a further button to the Worn Items display. This uses the same shirt icon as the top-level buttons on the Quick Preferences panel, and when clicked, will open the Wearing tab of the Appearance floater.

The new Worn Items button in Quick Preferences that opens the Wearing tab of the Appearance floater

See: CATZ-475: Add button to open wearing panel to the ‘Worn Items’ QuickPrefs panel.

Inventory Folder Button

Similarly, if you have a folder set for the Quick Access inventory button, there is a new button (again using the same suitcase icon) that will open the corresponding folder in your inventory.

The new inventory option to open the inventory folder you’ve set for quick access display in Quick Preferences

See: CATZ-476: Add button to open the selected folder to the ‘Quick Access’ QuickPrefs panel.

Inventory Improvements

Catznip R12.2 includes a number of improvements to inventory.

Show In Inventory

Ever wanted a quick way to locate a worn attachment in your inventory – particularly if you have multiple links to it scattered through your Outfits? Well, Catznip has the answer: Just right-click the worn item and then select Show In Inventory from the Context Menu.

With Catznip R12.2 allows you to quickly locate, in inventory, an item your avatar is wearing

See: CATZ-501: Add ‘Show in Inventory’ to the worn attachment context menu.

Clear Inventory Filter on Close

Inventory filter are useful – but can be annoying if you forget to clear them; if you do, you can re-open inventory and be confused as the last filter is still active. Catznip 12.2 solves this problem by adding an option to the filters selection panel that, when checked, will ensure any set filter is reset when you close inventory.

The Reset Filter on Close upon will automatically reset any inventory filter that has been set, when you close the inventory floater

See: CATZ-494: Option to reset the inventory filter when closing the filter floater.

Continue reading “Catznip R12.2: a little extra quality of life” →

Bellisseria JulyFest in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Having been inaugurated on July 4th, 2019, the Bellisseria Fairgrounds will play host to its second major event on Saturday, July 6th, when JulyFest is held.

Running from 12:00 noon through until 18:00 SLT, JulyFest carries on something of a July 4th celebratory feel, while inviting residents of Bellisseria and their friends to come together for events and entertainment  – and Second Life residents are also invited to join in with the fun and meet those on us living on the continent.

The fairgrounds are located on an island within the eastern “bay” of Bellisseria, and can be reached via boat, using the moorings on the north side of the island, or by air using the adjoining airstrip (note that boats and planes will be auto-returned after arrival). For those who prefer, there’s the direct teleport, as given above, that will drop people at the entrance to the fairgrounds.

For the event, the Fairgrounds offers booths promoting groups active within Bellisseria, together with games and challenges (including a pole dancing challenge!), located either side of the main stage and sandy dance area. There’s also a fun fair with a Ferris wheel and other rides.

JulyFest: music, entertainment, games., information and a fun fair

As well as events on the Fairgrounds island, there will also be a parade of boats that will sail around some of Bellisseria’s waterways before arriving at the fairgrounds island.

Departing from the vicinity of the Calm Waters Lighthouse, the parade – or “floatilla”, as it is being called – will depart at 12:00 noon and proceed westwards, passing along one of Bellisseria’s main rivers before looping back to the east to anchor off the fairgrounds island. Those wishing to see the boats, the map below marks the route, and the parade will include motorboats and sailing craft.

The route of the parade of boats

Entertainment for the event will also start at 12:00 noon, and will comprise (all times SLT):

  • 12:00 noon – 13:30: DJ North Crannock.
  • 13:30 – 15:00: DJ Scottish Sarah.
  • 15:00 – 16:00: Live music with Ry Anne.
  • 16:00 – 17:00: Live music with Wolfie Starfire.
  • 17:00-18:00: DJ NoisyApp.
JulyFest offers Bellisseria residents and those hoping to move to the community the opportunity to discover the many active groups within Bellisseria, which cover a wide range of activities, including horse riding, sailing, boating, and more

The Fairgrounds aren’t the only place where events talk place in Bellisseria. There are several locations across the continent that feature music, horse riding and more. Keep up-to-date with activities via the Bellisseria Happenings events page.

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Miro’s postcards from Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Lost Unicorn Gallery: Miro Collas

Opening on Friday, July 5th, 2019 at the Lost Unicorn Gallery, curated by Natalie Montagne, is an exhibition entitled A Kaleidoscope of Colour: Postcards from Second Life, featuring the photography of friend and fellow Second Life traveller, Miro Collas (who also regularly points us towards regions we can explore).

Located in the main hall of the gallery’s magnificent castle, the exhibition features an extensive selection of Miro’s photography taken – as the sub-title for the exhibition indicates – during his travels around Second Life. In all, over thirty photographs are presented, both within the main hall and within some of the rooms leading off of it.

Lost Unicorn Gallery: Miro Collas

However, the thing that draws one to the pictures is Miro’s use of tone, colour and soft focus.

The colour and tone are clearly evident in these pieces, which has been set within the rooms in reflection of this. In the main hall, for example, blue is the predominant hue seen in his images. This gives the pieces a particular tonal quality evocative of fantasy moods and setting. In this, the choice of colour often reflects the locations where with the photos were taken, as with those for The Sanctuary and Tagus Enchanted Forest. Elsewhere, the blue presents a sense of enchantment or mystery to a place one might not necessarily associate with a fantasy setting – such as with Florence Bay.

Lost Unicorn Gallery: Miro Collas

Brighter tones are evident in the selections found in the adjoining rooms as well, notably yellow and orange. Warm colours, these add a sense of homeliness, warmth and familiarity to the locations which, again, is fully in keeping with their nature when visited, or which  presents the subject location in a new perspective, such as with his picture of sunrise / sunset over the shoulder of Ukivok.

Miro’s use of depth of field and soft focus adds a further nuance to many of the images, giving them a painting-like aspect. This really brings each piece to life, as well as adding a great sense of narrative to each piece.

Lost Unicorn Gallery: Miro Collas

All told, an extraordinary exhibition by a Second Life explorer whose work should be displayed far more in Second Life. The formal opening for the exhibition will be marked by a live performance by Phemie Alcott from 15:00 SLT, dress code: “classy casual”.

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