Virtually PJ

Designing Worlds Returns to Insilico

2011-10-25T08:15:00.002-04:00

Designing Worlds hosts Saffia & Elrik take a grand tour of the dark and beautiful city of Insilico.

Linden Endowment for the Arts Announces Land Rush Residency

2011-10-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

The Linden Endowment of the Arts is an official Linden Community Partnership program whose purpose is to help new artists, cultivate art in SL, and foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration within the art community.

The Linden Endowment for the Arts (LEA) has just announced its Land Rush Residency. This initiative gives artists an opportunity to “claim” 1/8th of a region for a period of 2 months to mount a virtual art installation. Limited spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first round will be held in two phases on October 30, 2011 at 10:00 am and 4 pm SLT. A total of 16 parcels in two regions will be given away.

For complete information on the Land Rush Residency, please visit the official LEA blog at http://lindenarts.blogspot.com/2011/10/linden-endowment-for-arts-announces-its.html.

Earlier this month, LEA announced that it had negotiated with Linden Labs for the creation of 20 new regions for the arts in Second Life. Of these:

four regions will be reserved for exhibitions curated from LEA sandbox art,
two regions will be allocated through the above noted land rush, and
fourteen will be allocated by application (deadline for submission of applications, which must be completed online, is November 1st)

Exciting things are already afoot on the LEA sims with the first monthly installation of the LEA Full Sim Art Series; Rebeca Bashly’s Inferno, inspired by Dante Aligieri’s Divine Comedy Inferno (slurl). For this series, each artist/group of artists will have a full 15,000 prim SIM for 1 month from the 1st day of the month, till the last day of the month. As such, Rebeca’s installation will be available until October 31st so be sure not to miss it.

This is certainly very exciting times for the arts community in Second Life!

Designing Worlds at Burn2

2011-10-11T18:26:00.005-04:00

Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlin take a tour around this year's edition of Burn 2 and meet with artists and organizers of this popular annual festival.

Check out my set of Burn 2 images on Flickr.

Metaverse Arts at Burn2

2011-10-07T18:03:00.002-04:00

Host Tricia Aferdita returns to a new season of Metaverse Arts with a big visit to this year's Burn2 exhibit in Second Life. Guests include Karima Hoison, MenuBar Memorial, Briawinde Magic and Trill Zapatero.

Photographs featured in this episode of Metaverse Arts can be found in my Burn 2 Set on Flickr.

2nd Annual Boobie-Thon Art Auction Opens Tonight!

2011-10-01T18:33:00.009-04:00

October 1, 2011 marks the launch of the 4th Annual Boobie-Thon in Second Life. This annual Second Life event runs in conjunction with the Bloggers Boobie-Thon which is now in it's 11th year.

Second Life's Boobie-Thon is the result of the dedicated work of Eva Bellambi and Serra Anansi who have organized a wide-range of events since introducing this fundraising initiative in Second Life.

Funds raised during the Boobiethon in SL go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure as well as an annually selected charity.

While a serious subject, one of the hallmarks of the Boobie-Thon is to raise money and raise awareness in a fun, educational and irreverant way. Some of the events are downright saucy!

Opening Party, October 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm SLT
Tonight's opening party is at the Cliffs of Skye (6:30 pm SLT), the Second Life home of Eva Bellambi. Please be sure to join us at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Magna%20Carta/81/212/37 with music by DJ Frequency Picnic.

Art Auction Opens, October 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM SLT
Tonight marks the opening of the 2nd Annual Boobie-Thon Art Auction. is being held at Rowan Derryth's RoHaus Gallery right next door to Eva's at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Magna%20Carta/156/177/29. The auction runs until Thursday, October 6th with final bids at 8:00 pm SLT.

We are very excited about this year's auction which features 40 works by 37 artists! The auction has been organized and curated by Rowan Derryth and myself. I am so very proud of the massive support shown to us by all of the great artists who have donated a mixture of regular, limited edition and unique works for your bidding pleasure.

This auction includes some incredibly unique works, in particular a one-of-a-kind mesh sculpture of the Venus de Medici by Pumpkin Tripsa; whimsical Nipple Trees by Maya Paris; an amazing Bee Queen by claudia222 Jewel; a beautifully crafted image by Callipygian Christensen; and a really fun sculpture by Glyph Graves.

With 37 artists, it is impossible to mention every one of their submissions in this blog post so I encourage you to come and see all of their amazing works for yourself!

The full list of artists includes:

Alexx Fenstalker
AutopilotPatty Poppy
Bobbi Laval
Callipygian Christensen
Cat Boccaccio
Cee Edman
Chrome Underwood
Claudia222 Jewel
Douglas Story
Elin Egoyan
Eliza Wierwight
Floraclayflower Beeswing
Fuschia Nightfire
Glyph Graves
GM Nikolaidis
Gracie Kendal
LadyDawn Starbrook
Maya Paris
Miso Susanowa
Misprint Thursday
Monty Streusel
Nino Vichan
PJ Trenton
Pumpkin Tripsa
Ragamuffin Kips
Rowan Derryth
Sledge Roffo
soror Nishi
Starlash Sweetwater
Stephen Venkman
T.S. Carson (RL)
Texanna Schumann
Tricia Aferdita
Trill Zapatero
Wildstar Beaumont
Winter Nightfire
Ziki Questi

Starting bids have been set at $1,000L for unique works, $500L for limited edition items and $100L for regular items. First bids are set at $100L less than opening bid prices so that the initial bid will be at the starting bid prices. Auction winners will be advised once bidding is closed and will receive their work(s) upon receipt of funds.

There will be an auction closing event on Thursday, October 6th from 6 - 8 pm SLT with last bids due at 8 pm.

Read even more about the auction at Rowan Derryth's blog I Derryth.

For a complete list of all of the events planned during the 4th Annual Boobie-Thon in Second Life, please visit Eva's blog at http://redroseofcaledon.blogspot.com/2011/09/once-again-we-work-to-save-second-base.html.

Designing Worlds Visits Isle of Wyrms

2011-10-01T18:23:00.003-04:00

Hosts Saffia & Elrik get a tour of the legendary place in Second Life where dragons live. Welcome guides Orlith Nightfire, Skylarian Isachenko and Talarus Luan to the show and learn about the rich history and tradition.

For more photos of this fantastical set of sims, please visit my Isle of Wyrms set on Flickr.

You can visit Isle of Wyrms by visiting http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cathedral/125/142/102.

Designing Worlds Visits the 2011 Home and Garden Expo

2011-05-18T21:31:00.002-04:00

A tour of the 2011 Home & Garden Expo can only show you a tiny part of the amazing things to see and visit. A major Second Life event all to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life campaign. Your hosts Saffia & Elrik take us on a whirlwind tour and run into a few friends along the way.

More photos of the Expo can be found in my Flickr stream.

Designing Worlds at Fantasy Faire 2011

2011-04-13T20:53:00.001-04:00

Elrik and Saffia visit the 2011 edition of Fantasy Faire in support of Relay for Life.

Metaverse Arts Episode 10

2011-04-07T17:59:00.002-04:00

Episode 10 of Metaverse Arts on Treet TV sees Tricia interviewing Alexx Fenstalker about her installation Apartment 5B and Trill Zaptero and her Afghanistan Museum. Featured gallery this episode is Artropolis.

Cao Fei Second Life Segment from Art: 21 on PBS

2011-03-22T12:21:00.002-04:00

Watch the full episode. See more ART:21.

Prim Perfect Issue 32 On Newstands

2011-03-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

The latest issue of Prim Perfect featuring Greater Ireland is now available. Read about this gorgeous region created by Jules Artful and Derric Foggarty with a collection of articles featuring this region.

Learn more about creating an Irish garden, dealing with inventory loss and meet some of Second Life's most interesting designers and content creators in this jam packed issue.

Congratulations to Saffia Widdershins, magazine designer Winona Wiefel and all of the great writers and photographers I am fortunate to have as colleagues.

The fabulous cover photo is by Raven Haalen and one of my favourites!

Get your copy of Prim Perfect in world to take advantage of the links to advertisers and the great gifts. You can also read it online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/0000042343fc7f65ffc8e.

Homage: An Exhibit of Works by PJ Trenton

2011-03-12T12:38:00.008-05:00

My latest exhibition of works is now up at the Pirats Bourbon Market Gallery and is certainly a departure from my most recent exhibit work. In terms of the types of works I usually create for exhibition in world, this show is definitely a bit of a departure for me. While still abstractions, these works are more creative documents of the the work of artists that inspire me.

Fortunately, over the past number of months, I have spent an increasing amount of time exploring the works of some of Second Life’s most creative and talented artists and builders. While I have always been keenly interested in the Second Life arts community as a participant, supporter and promoter, I have really found joy in exploring and documenting some of the grid’s more immersive installations and builds.

I have always considered myself a digital documentarian and historian, using my virtual lens to capture and record people, places and events from around Second Life and other virtual worlds. My work for Prim Perfect and Primgraph Magazines as well as Designing Worlds and Metaverse Arts on Treet TV certainly allows me the opportunity to do just that. This aspect of my work has become incredibly important to me because, as you’ll note below, several of these works have already disappeared from the grid. This particular show is comprised of images taken of installations and creations by various artists and builders. The works in this show are not for sale, but created to celebrate, promote and encourage the ongoing creativity of digital (and postdigital) art...a community I am proud to be part of.

The artists that I pay homage to in this show include Scottius Polke, Eliza Wierwight, Bryn Oh, Blue Tsuki, Alizarin Goldflake, DB Bailey, Noke Yuitza and the artists from Mysterious Wave (Cherry Manga, Anley Piers and Elfe Imako).

The Pirats Bourbon Market is located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bourbon%20Pirats/186/64/22.

While the works are not for sale, if anyone would like a copy of any the works, I would be pleased to give you one in consideration of a donation to the Pirats Art Network.

To view more of my photographs of some of these artists, I invite you to view the following sets on Flickr:

Vessel by Blue Tsuki
The Docks by Scottius Polke
Aria by Eliza Wierwight
The Rabbicorn Story by Bryn Oh

Designing Worlds Visits Winterfell!

2011-03-02T21:19:00.001-05:00

Take a tour of the dark and mysterious lands of Winterfell with owner Serra Anansi and captain Wildstar Beaumont. Your hosts Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlin discover the beauty and dangers of this Second Life region.

Originalia Artists on Metaverse Arts

2011-03-01T18:11:00.002-05:00

Tricia interviews Rag Randt, Em Larsson, Scottius Polke and Eliza Wierwight as their installations at Amase Levasseur's newly relaunching sim Originalia.

Prim Perfect Garden Special

2011-02-27T11:33:00.003-05:00

Prim Perfect is please to announce the launch of a special publication on gardens and gardening in Second Life. Featuring reprints of garden-related articles from the magazine and additional photographs from various master creators, this special issue is a must read for enthusiasts of plants, flowers and trees!

For more information and to access this publication online, visit the Prim Perfect blog.

A great design by Winona Wiefel...nice work!

Calas Galadhon on Designing Worlds

2011-02-18T09:56:00.003-05:00

In the latest episode of Designing Worlds, Saffia and Elrik visit the beautiful region of Calas Galadhon. This area is comprised of 9 gorgeous sims with incredible natural beauty and Victorian goodness. Created by Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith...get thee to Calas Galadhon (slurl.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/14 2/230/23)

To see more, be sure to visit my Calas Galadhon set on Flickr.

Primgraph #15 on Newstands

2011-02-17T22:06:00.004-05:00

The latest issue of Primgraph is now out. Check out this great Valentine's and romance-inspired issue brought to you by some of the most talented writers and photographers.

Find out about some of the most romantic places in the Steamlands and plan future excursions to some really great locations.

Congratulations to Saffia Widdershins and the team...in particular Terry Lightfoot for yet another gorgeous magazine design.

Be sure to check out our special Quest for the Golden Prim lost journal pages written by our very talented actors. I am extremely pleased with their layout and hope you enjoy them as something a bit different between volumes one and two.

You can read the issue online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/00000423405a72ca73652. Better still...get a copy in world for special gifts and links to a myriad of advertisers and their products.

Prim Perfect Issue 31 (February 2011) On Newstands

2011-02-12T13:30:00.003-05:00

The latest issue of Prim Perfect Magazine is now available. In conjunction with a great article this month from Annechen Lowey on tidying up your inventory, Prim Perfect is giving away – with the inworld Intellibook version – a special texture organizer (don’t worry, it has a ‘help’ button) as well as our own branded (and copiable) box to fill with storage items. And make sure you look out for other gifts and landmarks to our advertisers’ stores!

The Region of the Month is the very lovely Skybeam Estates which I was very fortunate to get to photograph for Jed Dagger's great article. Skybeam Estates is owned Charlene Trudeau who is also the Design Team for Relay for Life.

Congratulations to Saffia, and the team for another great issue. Excellent design and layout by the fabulous Winona Wiefel.

I was privileged to supply the cover photo for this issue.

Be sure to get the inworld copy of the magazine which has the great gifts in it. You can also read it online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234f04985adf0ea.

Ekphrasis: PJ Trenton by Rowan Derryth

2011-02-05T21:05:00.003-05:00

A short documentary produced by Rowan Derryth based on the Ekphrasis piece she wrote about my work on the Prim Perfect blog.

Ekphrasis: PJ Trenton, by Rowan Derryth from Rowan Derryth on Vimeo.

'Ekphrasis' is a regular column written by Rowan Derryth which appears on the Prim Perfect blog, and profiles art and artists in virtual worlds. This film is an adaptation of 'Ekphrasis:PJ Trenton' which appeared on 4 March 2010.

Thanks to Rowan for all of her hard work in creating this really great documentary about my work in Second Life. While I was so impressed with the original Ekphrasis post working on this documentary and seeing the final results really amazed me...even more so as this is her first SL-based video.

I hope everyone enjoys watching this as much as I did getting to work on it.

Avalon Town Arts Initiative Launch

2011-02-05T17:04:00.006-05:00

Floraclayflower Beeswing and Hypatia Pickens to Open the New AVALON ARTS INITIATIVE on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 4 - 6 pm SLT.

Avalon Arts Community is pleased to announce a new program for budding virtual artists: the Avalon Arts Initiative. The town is sponsoring prime gallery space for new artists to exhibit - free of charge, with the goal of fostering new talent in virtual art. “This exciting project was really Tricia Aferdita’s idea,” said Rowan Derryth, Curator of the Initiative, “but being incredibly busy with managing Avalon Town, producing and hosting Metaverse Arts for Treet TV, and directing two galleries, she brought me on board. I’ve been keen to work on a project with her, and it’s been great fun.”

A call to artists went out last month which laid out the guidelines for participation: “Featured artists need not be new to SL, but should have only started exhibiting in the last 6 months, and must have had no major gallery exhibitions in world. We looked for artists working with virtual media, as opposed to those importing and showing images of physical works.”

The first two artists to be featured are Floraclayflower Beeswing and Hypatia Pickens. Beeswing is an SL photographer who has only just begun showing her work, which involves some wonderfully conceived post-production in Photoshop. Pickens is a seasoned SL educator, and has been involved in numerous arts and education projects. However this is her first time showing her own work in a large gallery, which combines elements of virtual building and machinima.

The Arts Initiative also hopes to promote education across the arts in SL, and will host in world classes as well as sponsored events across the arts spectrum, such as literary readings and performances.

The opening of the first exhibit will be held on Saturday, February 5th from 4 – 6 pm SLT. The event will also include a poetry reading by Pickens at 4.30, as well as the screening of Derryth’s first documentary Ekphrasis: PJ Trenton, an experiment in taking her Ekphrasis articles written for the Prim Perfect blog and turning them into a short film format. “I suppose I can include myself in the ‘budding artist’ category since this is my first machinima,” commented Derryth. “I figured I should be brave and put my work out there for critique!”

Sunday will also see the launch of the education portion of the programme, when the Avalon “Art History with a Twist” lecture series takes residence with a talk by artist Gracie Kendal titled The Art of Transformation in Contemporary Self-Portraits. Through their use of costumes, masks, wigs and make-up, artists such as Cindy Sherman, Lynn Hershmann and Yasumasa Morimura explore the relationship between identity and appearance, illusion and reality. Kendal will explore the way in which contemporary artists present their fictional, or "other selves."

All events will be held in the new Avalon Arts Initiative Building in Tabula Rasa (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/87/104/28.)

This is only the start for the Initiative, and applications will be accepted from artists on an ongoing basis. For further information, please contact Rowan Derryth in world.

Thoth Jantzen and Gulliver's Travels on Metaverse Arts

2011-02-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

In the latest episode of Metaverse Arts, Tricia interviews Thoth Jantzen about his immersive build on the Veesim grid (http://veesome.com/) and takes us on a tour of the Gulliver's Travel build in Inworldz (http://inworldz.com/) by Ub Yifu and Copan Falta.

Have an Upcoming SL (or related) Art Event?

2011-01-25T20:38:00.003-05:00

I am looking for details on upcoming Second Life (or related) art events for mention on the upcoming episode of Metaverse Arts on Treet TV. Please email me at pj.trentonsl@gmail.com for details on your event including date, time, location, participants and a brief description of the event.

For more information about the show, please visit the show site at Treet TV, or the show's blog.

Toast to the Lassies

2011-01-23T20:02:00.004-05:00

I was tremendously honoured to be invited by Lady Eva Bellambi to give the Toast to the Lassies at this year's Burns Supper and Ceilidh in Winterfell Anodyne. Lady Bellambi holds this virtual event in honour of Scotland's "National Poet".

Burns Suppers are held all over the world. A chance to gather and share in the life and writing of Robert Burns. For more on Robert Burns, visit www.robertburns.org/.

I am pleased to share with you my toast from last night...

Ladies and Gentlemen it is with great honour that I stand before you today to offer a toast to the lassies on the auspicious occasion of Robert Burns Night. To be asked by our charming hostess, the Lady of Skye, to not only attend this dinner, but to have the opportunity to toast those of the fairer sex is a very special privilege.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lady Eva Bellambi for organizing and hosting this wonderful evening in honour of Robert Burns. Thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful home. Thanks also to Miss Rowan Derryth for her work helping to organize this event and for what I am sure will be a charming and delightful response to my toast.

It is wonderful to see everyone here, and in particular, all of you divine lassies...although around this intriguing virtual world, one always has to wonder if in fact the lassies you see are in fact lassies at all.

Robert Burns. Rabbie Burns. The Ploughman Poet. Robden of Solway Firth. The Bard of Ayrshire. Scotland's favourite son. The Bard. Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and perhaps Scotland’s Minister of Population Development.

He of course had a legendary eye and obviously a little more (or perhaps a lot more) for the ladies. With a total of twelve children by four women, one can surmise that if he were in our virtual world today, he would hold a customer rewards card for the local prim baby store. Imagine the talking tummies following in his wake...and whether you would be able to understand a word they uttered in open chat. Certainly not the traditional stuffed stomach...

In our virtual world, I am certainly privileged to know so many talented, professional, educated, intelligent, creative and caring women. Women who make both the virtual AND the physical worlds a much better place.

In honour of these most important women to myself and to all of us, I thought it appropriate to share with you the lyrics of a song written by Robert Burns in honour of a woman particularly dear to him...Agnes McLehose. I give to you, 'Ae Fond Kiss'.

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, and then for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.

I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy,
Naething could resist my Nancy:
But to see her was to love her;
Love but her, and love for ever.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met-or never parted,
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.

Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae fareweel alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

Please join me in raising your glasses to the women who play such an important role in our lives…to the lassies!

Miss Rowan Derryth came back with a fabulous toast to the lads!

For more about this event in Second Life, visit Eva's blog at http://redroseofcaledon.blogspot.com/2011/01/celebrating-burns-night-on-isle-of-skye.html.

Monet Exhibit Web Site

2011-01-22T14:55:00.006-05:00

One of my friends pointed me to this extremely well conceived and interesting web site created in conjunction with an exhibit of works by French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Claude Monet 1840 - 1926 was on view at the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Paris from September 22, 2010 to January 24, 2011.

This web site is completely interactive and features some of Monet's most famous and beautiful works.

Visit it at http://www.monet2010.com/.

Claude Monet was one of the founders of the Impressionism movement along with his friends Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and Fréderic Bazille. The name of the movement is derived from the title of a his work, Impression, Sunrise (1872) for which the critic Louis Leroy coined the term "Impressionism" in a satiric review published in Le Charivari.

Gracie Kendal and Eliza Wierwight on Metaverse Arts

2010-12-23T15:55:00.002-05:00

The latest episode of Treet TV's Metaverse Arts with Tricia Aferdita features interviews with Gracie Kendal and Eliza Wierwight. Find out about the latest from both of these immensely talented and creative individuals.

Gracie talks about her latest project which she is calling 1000 Avatars. Read more at the blog for her project found at http://1000avatars.wordpress.com/.

Eliza tells us about her latest creations in time for the holiday season. Visit Eliza's Patron Art Decor and Gallery at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Patron/83/217/26.

For more photographs of Eliza's stunning work, see my Flickr photostream.

Primgraph Issue 14 on Newstands

2010-12-19T15:29:00.004-05:00

The Holiday issue of the Primgraph is out now and - as you will see - it is a rather different one!

This issue we have largely put aside our regular articles to bring you a Christmas special, filled with stories and pictures from some of your favourite Primgraph writers - and some who are new to the magazine too!

Another great issue including the latest installment of The Quest for the Golden Prim (http://goldenprim.blogspot.com).

Congratulations to Saffia Widdershins and designer Terry Lightfoot for another stellar issue of the magazine. Great work as always by the fabulous writers and my photographic colleagues.

You can read the latest issue online by visiting Calameo at http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234927e56b95735. However, pick up a copy in-world for some great gifts available with the magazine!

Celebrate the Season with the Holiday Issue of Prim Perfect

2010-12-18T13:27:00.005-05:00

The Christmas issue of Prim Perfect is now out! – a time to celebrate homes and family and all the joy of winter … and you’ll find our magazine is packed with articles to celebrate families and holidays, as well as advice for decorating homes and gardens … and a very special Christmas photo story to enjoy too.

Congratulations to Saffia, Winona and all the writers and photographers on another stellar issue of the magazine!

You can read the latest issue online by visiting Calameo at http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234f728d4ed968a.

Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum Closure on Designing Worlds

2010-12-11T09:33:00.003-05:00

The team from the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum in Second Life talk to Elrik and Saffia about how the museum has been refused a renewal license from the FLW Foundation and received a cease and desist letter to halt the project. Guests include Rosalie Oldrich, Co-Director, Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum; Rowan Derryth, Board Member, Virtual Museums, Inc.; and Ethan Westland, Chair, Virtual Museums, Inc. Also joining the panel is Michael Schumann
(SL:Roy Philbin), Founder/CEO, Second Interest Virtual Business Solutions; and Dirk Talamasca, Virtual Worlds Developer.

Metaverse Arts Episode 6 Available from Treet TV

2010-12-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

The lastest episode of Metaverse Arts is now available to view online! We ended up dedicating the entire show to attorney Monday Beam and the topic of intellectual property and copyright. Definitely interesting an informative!

Designing Worlds Visits Seraph City

2010-11-21T09:59:00.002-05:00

In this episode of Designing Worlds, Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlin explore the beautiful Art Deco environment of Seraph City … and also the phenomenon of Dieselpunk.

This relatively new form is known as dieselpunk – where the setting, rather than a dystopian future or cyberpunk, or the steam-driven alternative world of the 19th and 20th century, is actually driven by the diesel engine, and draws on the aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s.

For more photographs of Seraph City, please visit my Flickr photostream.

Lunatorium on Designing Worlds

2010-11-06T15:07:00.004-04:00

The November 1st episode of Designing Worlds saw Saffia & Elrik meet with artist Lunata Lupino and scripter Bavid Dailey at their very large Lunatorium shop and discover some secrets they use for helping people explore the wonderful things they make for above and below the sea.

See more photographs from Lunatorium on my Flickr photostream.

Radio Riel Players : Halloween

2010-11-01T21:27:00.002-04:00

"The Radio Riel Players Present" is Radio Riel's independent radio production of classic stories, poems and plays, all performed by The Radio Riel Players from around the world.

This episode features Tricia Aferdita reading Mark Twain's "A Ghost Story", and two works by Edgar Allan Poe: "The Tell Tale Heart" read by Rowan Derryth and "The Raven" read by PJ Trenton.

You can listen to "The Radio Riel Players Present" through the following direct link to the show on Archive.org, where you can listen to it as a stream or download the audio file directly.

For more information about Radio Riel or to subscribe to their RSS feed, visit their site at http://www.radioriel.org.

Radio Riel Players Tonight @ 6 pm SLT

2010-10-31T12:39:00.005-04:00

Tonight at 6 pm SLT I invite you to tune in to Radio Riel to enjoy the re-launch of Radio Riel Players, with some spooky tales read by Rowan Derryth, Tricia Aferdita and myself. We might even have a tale from Miss Riel herself, who is handling all the creepy production!

Miss Derryth will be reading Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart”, while Miss Aferdita offers up "A Ghost Story" by Mark Twain and I share Poe's "The Raven”

Better than just tuning into Radio Riel, come and join us for a listening party at Harmony Cafe in Avalon – costumes welcome!

Hope to see you there!

Primgraph Issue 13 on Newstands!

2010-10-31T12:23:00.005-04:00

Well, The Primgraph has sailed the seas with pirates, soared above both land and sea in airships, and now, in Issue 13, with a very exciting addition to their roster of writers, The Primgraph plunges beneath the waves to encounter mermaids and sundry strange craft that lurk in the deep blue.

The exciting news: Jess Nevins, the author of the seminal Encyclopedia of Fantastic Victoriana, and well known for his Concordances to the works of Alan Moore (especially The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and other comic books, joins The Primgraph team to share with us his love of pulp fiction. This issue he explores tales of underwater craft in America, Europe, India and Japan in a fascinating article on The Super-Submarine in Fiction after Verne.

Miss Ceejay Writer explores our chosen stretch of water - The Vernian Sea (and its Deeps) in New Babbage, while Mr Linus Lacombe ventures farther afield in search of some spectacular underwater architecture. Miss Beq Janus discovers what the wonderful troupe of Belly Up Mermaids Dancers have been up to since we last encountered them performing over a year ago.

Another fabulous issue beautifully laid out by the very talented Terry Lightfoot.

This issue also includes the latest episode in the epic adventure, The Quest for the Golden Prim. Find out what is happening with our group of academics, adventurers and villains as they continue their quest in Steelhead.

My thanks to all of our intrepid actors and extras for their great work in helping to bring the Quest for the Golden Prim to life. It is such a fun and creative journey under the direction of our intrepid publisher Saffia Widdershins.

I am so tremendously fortunate to be involved in this epic adventure as photographer and designer and love the challenge of bringing this story to life. Catch up with the characters and story on the Quest blog and read the latest episode in this issue of The Primgraph.

Issue 13 of The Primgraph is available online at http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234442faa4832ff.

Enjoy!

Animals in the Scribbled Wild by Scott Rolfe

2010-10-27T10:12:00.005-04:00

Here is a totally awesome calendar created by everyone's favourite otter Scottius Polke!

One of the most creative and interesting people I have met in my almost 4 years in Second Life, Mr. Polke's talent seems to know no bounds.

I have been honoured to have him exhibit some of his work at Exposure Art Gallery and of course, some of the neatest places you can find in Second Life, like MUSHroom and Lunamaruna are the results of his boundless creativity.

This gorgeous looking calendar features "scribbles" created by Mister Polke, Scott Rolfe in RL. These were created in Scribbler 2...an interactive drawing tool on the web at http://www.zefrank.com/scribbler/scribblertoo/.

For more fabulous art by Scott, visit his blog at http://srolfe.com/.

More information about ordering this calendar and/or greeting cards, visit http://srolfe.com/?p=415.

Prim Perfect 29 on Newstands

2010-10-26T18:19:00.003-04:00

The Halloween issue of Prim Perfect is now on newstands! This spooktacular issue comes jam packed with great articles and stunning photographs from around the grid! Featuring the Epic Toy Factory and a plethora of scary places to visit just in time for Halloween, be sure to check out the latest issue!

Even more fun is had by Miss Rowan Derryth and myself as we head out on assigment for the magazine...it gets a little intense but I did my best not to lose my head! Check out our adventure in the Village of Nyght.

Congratulations to the entire Prim Perfect team for putting together another spectacular issue. I am so very fortunate to work with some of the most creative and talented people in the metaverse!

The latest issue can be read online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/0000042345c6d7fe1cf42.

Subscribe in-world to get the new Intellibook version which gives you the exciting new choice of being able to link to the stores you see featured in Prim Perfect advertisements. There are landmarks embedded – and there is the possibility of embedding postcards too. And if you look carefully, you’ll find free gifts embedded on some pages – this is a treasure hunt of a magazine!

Enjoy!

Nemo by Sextan Shepherd is Closing!

2010-10-23T12:21:00.009-04:00

For those of you who may not have heard, the stunning Nemo trilogy build at France3d Futuna will be closing on October 29th. This is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited in Second Life and the result of many hours of work by the immensely talented Sextan Shepherd.

Mr Shepherd has decided it is time to move on to other endeavours and while I am sad to see these amazing builds disappear, I am rather excited to see what he will come up with next!

Time is running out...and this is certainly a must see destination before it disappears. Get thee to Nemo... http://slurl.com/secondlife/FRANCE3D%20Futuna/91/148/21.

For more photographs of Nemo, have a look at my Flickr photostream.

Heroines! Aether Salon w. Miss Bookworm Hienrichs

2010-10-17T20:43:00.004-04:00

Do you know one? ARE you one? From self-rescuing princess to those daring gals who save the world and look fabulous doing so (hey, soot is IN), all the while cooking, cleaning, and raising brilliant children. Who isn't a little bit curious how they do it all? I mean, trouncing and squashing and humiliating Evil-doers is a huge job, right? For the Aether Salon's two-year anniversary, Miss Bookworm Hienrichs enlightened us all, and shared a few tips and tricks she picked up along the way.

What a memorable and eventful Salon with a special, and unwelcome guest!

Check out more photos from Miss Book's salon on my Flickr photostream.

For more information about the Aether Salon, please visit their official blog.

Metaverse Arts (Episode 5)

2010-10-17T14:43:00.002-04:00

Episode 5 of Metaverse Arts saw host Tricia Aferdita interview Raven Haalan and Emcee Widget on the opening day of Burn2.

Photographs from Burn2 featured on the show can be found on my Flickr photostream.

For more information on Metaverse Arts, visit their blog at http://metaversearts.wordpress.com/.

BURN2 Opens Today!

2010-10-16T14:26:00.004-04:00

Metaverse Arts celebrates the opening of Burn 2 with a special show tomorrow at 2 pm SLT.

BURN2 is the Second Life counterpart to the Burning Man Festival held in the Nevada High Desert every year. From the Burning Man website: (www.burningman.com) “Burning Man is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance”

This annual counterpart to Burning Man was originally called Burning Life. This year it’s organization was taken over by the Burning Man team, and changes have been made in its scale and in its adherence to the message and the community ideal of Burning Man.

Renamed BURN2 – this new, streamlined festival launches today at noon SLT. Metaverse Arts staff attended a press preview and came back with a cornucopia of photos from the festival site. Today at 2pm, we’ll meet up with two BURN2 staff members, Communications Manager Raven Haalan and DMV Department Lead Emcee Widget.

Learn a little more about the changes to the Burn and how it compares to previous years from Raven, then investigate with us the DMV, Department of Mutant Vehicles – a RL and SL Burn phenomenon – and learn about the fun, whimsical and creative Art Cars from Emcee.

All of this, plus we’ll highlight a few upcoming events and unveil this episodes featured gallery!

Metaverse Arts is filmed in Avalon Town at the Labyrinth Theatre (http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Labyrinth/127/104/34).

See more photographs of Burn2 on my Flickr photostream.

Burn 2 by ColeMarie Soliel

2010-10-14T21:50:00.004-04:00

Here is a great video by ColeMarie Soliel in preparation for the opening of Burn 2 on October 16th. I had the opportunity to visit yesterday during press day with host of Metaverse Arts, Tricia Aferdita. Lots of really interesting and cool builds to explore on the playa!

Burn 2 runs from October 16 - 24.

Designing Worlds Returns to New Babbage

2010-10-06T14:39:00.001-04:00

A return visit to New Babbage docklands uncover a new dangerous mystery for Saffia and Elrik to solve and keep the peace with Babbage factions - even if they ignore the Prime Directive.

Fallingwater by Camryn Darkstone

2010-10-06T10:44:00.005-04:00

One of the greatest builds I have recently visited has to be Fallingwater by Camryn Darkstone. Set in a gorgeous location, the build includes informative and interesting facts about the home which are accessible by clicking the various cubes scattered throughout the sim.

This is a highly skilled and detailed build which I strongly encourage everyone to go visit and support. You can find Fallingwater at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Music%20Atoll/23/55/30.

Camryn was also recognized at the 2010 Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum Prairie Style Build-Off as a joint winner in the the pro building class.
For more images of Camryn's Fallingwater, please visit my Flickr photostream.

BoobieThon Art Auction Opens 6pm SLT Tonight!

2010-10-01T13:02:00.013-04:00

The excitement builds as we approach the start of the Boobiethon Art Auction at Isle of Skye in Winterfell!

As part of this year's fundraising activities in Second Life for the 2010 Boobiethon, a number of fabulous artists have contributed unique works of art for auction.

It will run from October 1st through October 6th on Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne in the family home of Eva Bellambi, Caisteal Teanacadh... http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Anodyne/193/216/39 [slurl]

Bidding starts at 6 pm SLT with the opening party at the auction site starting around 7 pm with DJ Frequency Picnic.

These Second Life fundraising initiatives for the Blogger Boobiethon have been organized over the last few years through dedicated and tireless work of Eva Bellambi, Serra Anansi and countless others. All funds raised are donated to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

Please stop in at the auction and be sure to come back throughout its seven day run. Bidding will close on October 6, 2010 at 9:15 pm SLT. Please let all of your friends know and come bid on a great works of art! Donations will also be gratefully accepted at the auction site.

Participating artists include:

Gracie Kendal
Tricia Aferdita
Miso Susanowa
Ragamuffin Kips
Eliza Wierwight
Chrome Underwood
Fuschia Nightfire
Scottius Polke
PJ Trenton
AutoPilotPatty Poppy
Sledge Roffo
Monty Streusel
GM Nikolaidis
Callipygian Christensen
Ghosty Kips
Gleman Jun
Cee Edman
Winter Nightfire
Weston Graves

Come celebrate, art, friendship, and support a very worthwhile cause!

Countdown to the Start of the 2010 Boobiethon...

2010-09-30T12:52:00.004-04:00

The 2010 Boobiethon is almost upon us with the Opening Day Party on Friday, October 1, 2010 from 7pm-9pm SLT at the Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne.

The bidding on the fabulous contributions to the art auction begins at 6 pm.

For a full schedule of events for the 2010 Boobiethon, please visit Lady Bellambi's blog at http://redroseofcaledon.blogspot.com/2010/09/boobiethon-2010-starts-in-6-days.html.

I have been very fortunate to have been asked to participate in this fabulous fundraising initiative again this year. Please be sure to stop in at the various events and meet some fabulous people while helping raise money for a very good cause!

2010 Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style Build-Off Winners

2010-09-30T12:31:00.007-04:00

After an amazing two days of building, the winners of the 2010 Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style Build-Off winners were announced...drum roll...please!

In the professional category, the top prize went to Camryn Darkstone and Kendra Ling for their builds...

Camryn Darkstone's Build (exterior)

Camryn Darkstone's Build (interior)

Kendra Ling's Build (exterior)

The winner in the novice category was Jolie Serendipity with this build...
People can visit the winning builds at the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum in Usonia. Visit at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Usonia/75/78/21/ [slurl].

Congratulations to all the builders and the organizers of this fabulous event. For more photos from the weekend's build-off, visit my set on Flickr.

Eliza Wierwight at the New Exposure Art Gallery

2010-09-29T12:27:00.006-04:00

I am extremely excited to welcome award-winning artist and designer Eliza Wierwight to the newly renovated Exposure Art Gallery in Avalon Town. This is Eliza's first solo exhibit in Second Life and features some of her award winning work and stunning design.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm SLT for great art, great music and great conversation!

Exposure Art Gallery is on Tabula Rasa in the thriving arts community of Avalon Town (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/134/33/27/)

Ambassador Suite by Eliza Wierwight

See you there!

Metaverse Arts Episode 4

2010-09-28T10:39:00.004-04:00

Tricia Aferdita welcomes M2Danger Ranger from Burn 2 and Jayjay Zifanwe of the University of Western Australia to the show to provide updates and insights on their current initiatives.

Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum Build-Off

2010-09-27T01:18:00.004-04:00

Another amazing build-off organized by the great people over at the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum. This year's theme was prairie style residential and both novice and pro builders came from around the grid to challenge for top prize.

Winners will be announced on Monday, September 28th at the gala closing ball.

A more comprehensive collection of images from the 2010 Build-Off can be found on my Flickr photostream.

Explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum of Second Life (http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Usonia/58/58/22) to see replicas of Wright's classic architecture, including historic Fallingwater. Officially licensed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Congratulations to everyone involved in putting on this impressive competition.

UWA Imagine Grand Finalists & Machinima Competition

2010-09-26T13:32:00.010-04:00

As featured on episode 4 of Metaverse Arts with host Tricia Aferdita...the University of Western Australia's Imagine competition grand finalists (scripted and non-scripted). Tricia had a fascinating interview with Jayjay Zifanwe from UWA on the show.

For a slide show of the finalists which I was honoured to photograph, please visit the Metaverse Arts blog.

Prim Perfect's Rowan Derryth also had a fascinating interview with Jayjay in the most recent issue of Prim Perfect magazine (Issue 28, pp. 134-141).

For more information about the University of Western Australia and their presence in Second Life, please visit their blog at http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/.

UWA is currently running a machinima-based competition and asking everyone to participate in their Audience Participation Event (deadline Midnight SLT on October 7th). L$5,000 has been set aside for SL residents and viewers who take part in this special participation event. We are asking all the residents of SL to give them your TOP 8 machinima, in order of your preference.

The 3 residents whose order comes closest to the final order decided by the judging panel (see end of NC for names of panel members), will win for themselves L$2,500, L$1,500 & L$1,000 respectively. The winner will be invited to be on the panel for MachinimUWA III.

For more information, visit the machinima competition page on the UWA blog.

2010 Boobiethon Art Auction

2010-09-25T14:30:00.006-04:00

I am extremely excited to have been involved in the organization of an art auction in support of the 2010 Boobiethon along with AutopilotPatty Poppy.

For the past few years, the Lady of Skye Eva Bellambi and the Seneschelf Serra Anansi have been raising funds for the Blogger Boobiethon with various fun and exciting events. All funds raised are donated to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

The auction is a new event this year. I am really pleased at the positive feedback we have received and the number of very talented artists who are donating unique works of art for auction.

The auction will run from October 1st through October 6th on Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne in the family home of Eva Bellambi, Caisteal Teanacadh... http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Anodyne/193/216/39 [slurl]

The list of participating artists includes some of Second Life's most talented and creative, individuals including:

Gracie Kendal
Tricia Aferdita
Miso Susanowa
Ragamuffin Kips
Ichiko Miles
Chrome Underwood
Fuschia Nightfire
Eliza Wierwight
Scottius Polke
PJ Trenton
AutoPilotPatty Poppy
Sledge Roffo
Monty Streusel
GM Nikolaidis
Callipygian Christensen
Ghosty Kips
Gleman Jun
Cee Edman
Winter Nightfire
Weston Graves

There will be an opening party to kick off the art auction, more details to follow. Please show your support for this very worthy cause by bidding in the auction. Separate donations gratefully accepted.

Other SL-based Boobiethon events will also be happening. For more details, see Eva's blog.

Thank you for your support to this very worthy cause!

Prim Perfect 28 On Newstands

2010-09-24T17:41:00.002-04:00

Saffia Widdershins and the Prim Perfect team take you to some rather exciting – and unusual places … in Prim Perfect's special fantasy issue.

Firstly, they explored the stunning Isle of Wyrms. There are some fascinating articles about the lands, and about some of the people behind the Isles.

The Designer of the Month is Julia Hathor, the owner and designer behind Creative Fantasy.

The Landscape of the Month is the beautiful sim of Verdigris, the creation of two radically different designers – Oriolus Oliva and n0th1ng Ackroyd.

All this and so much more in a jam packed issue!

Congratulations to everyone on another fabulous issue designed by the incomparable Winona Wiefel.

Get your copy by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/00000423461218e1466a0.

Designing Worlds Visits Mythopoeia

2010-09-16T08:06:00.002-04:00

Elrik Merlin and Saffia Widdershins travel to the mystical land of Mythopoeia by Grey Kurka. Join them for the Case of the Curious Prim!

Looking Glass on Designing Worlds

2010-09-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

Saffia Widdershins, Elrik Merlin and the Designing Worlds production team head to the amazing build by Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee for this episode of Designing Worlds.

Metaverse Arts (Episode 3)

2010-08-30T10:54:00.002-04:00

Tricia Aferdita welcomed guests Filthy Fluno and Gwen Carillon to the latest episode of Metaverse Arts on Treet TV.

A fascinating discussion, upcoming event announcements and the Criss Museum of Contemporary Art in Costa Rica as the featured gallery!

Prim Perfect Issue 27 on Newstands

2010-08-06T21:09:00.005-04:00

The latest issue of Prim Perfect is now available on newstands! Get your copy and see how we have rolled out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer… with a visit to the stunningly beautiful region of Costa Rica in the Second Life world.

Prim Perfect is available online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/0000042344ff1212ca136.

I am proud to have been a part of yet another beautiful and professional publication brought to you by publisher Saffia Widdershins, assistant editrix Ceejay Writer, designer Winona Wiefel and the incredible team of writers, photographers, designers and contributors.

Way to go team!

2010-08-06T20:58:00.007-04:00

Exposure Art Gallery sparkles with a collection of works by the artist Kyra. Join us as we celebrate the opening of this incredible exhibit of three dimensional art and sculptures with unique textures and motion. We kick off the exhibit with a concert by guitarist Simon Voix! See you there!

Exposure Art Gallery is located in Avalon Town (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/135/20/27)

Ekphrasis: AM Radio Part II by Rowan Derryth

2010-08-03T10:01:00.002-04:00

Art historian and Prim Perfect writer Rowan Derryth completes her interview with one of Second Life's most intriguing and talented artists, AM Radio. Part II of the interview is available on the Prim Perfect blog at http://primperfectblog.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/ekphrasis-am-radio-part-ii/.

Part I of the interview is also available on the Prim Perfect blog at http://primperfectblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/ekphrasis-am-radio-part-i/.

Ekphrasis is a regular column by Rowan Derryth profiling various Second Life artists. For a background on the aim of this regular feature, read Rowan's introduction.

AM Radio and his work has been a favourite subject of mine throughout my time in Second Life. For more of my images of his incredible creations, please visit my AM Radio set on Flickr.

Metaverse Arts (Episode 2)

2010-08-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

Metaverse arts host Tricia Aferdita visits with M2Danger Ranger to find out about this year's BURN2 event in Second Life, talks with artist Raven Haalan about Virtualism, and we see Glyph Graves Entropy project - including the Entropy video by Chantal Harvey. Plus, keep up to date with events and this month's featured gallery.

Find out more on the Metaverse Arts blog at http://metaversearts.wordpress.com/.

Glyph Graves' Entropy: Machinima by Chantal Harvey

2010-07-31T19:22:00.006-04:00

This fabulous machinima by Chantal Harvey, featuring music of Kolor Fall was featured on the latest episode of Metaverse Arts on Treet TV. Entropy is a creation of incredible Second Life artist Glyph Graves.

ENTROPY - World Expo 2010 Shanghai - machinima. from Chantal Harvey on Vimeo.

Designing Worlds at Relay for Life 2010

2010-07-23T10:05:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to everyone involved in the creation and presentation of a stunning and highly successful Relay For Life. The time and commitment of so many Second Life residents, builders and designers is a testament to all that is good in the world.

Join hosts Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlin as they meet with the creators of some of the most incredible builds at this year's RFL.

To view more images from RFL 2010, I invite you to view a set of my images on Flickr; and another set by Raven Haalan.

Java Jive Presents Andy Riverstone on July 25th

2010-07-22T09:50:00.006-04:00

The Jave Jive Café in Seraph City is proud to present an hour of jazz with Andy Riverstone at 5 pm SLT on July 25, 2010.

Andy Riverstone's singing talent combines with her love of jazz music to create an unforgettable live music event. Andy graduated from the Shenandoah Conservatory with a Bachelor of Music degree. She has performed in Second Life at the Empress of the Aethers at Thistle Hill in Caledon. Please come welcome her at her first live performance in Seraph City!

Get a sneak preview of this amazing talent here!

Seraph City is a classically designed diesel punk city in Second Life set in the era between wars. The city has a wide range of businesses and entertainments. View more of Seraph City as photographed by Mister PJ Trenton on Flickr.

The Java Jive Café is located at 160 Moss Avenue in Seraph City (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Seraph%20City/228/238/106).

Enjoy yesterday's future in an era of Art Deco and prohibition!

Premier Episode of Metaverse Arts

2010-07-11T22:26:00.003-04:00

Prim Perfect is very proud to announce the launch of Metaverse Arts, a brand new show covering the art and artists of the virtual worlds, brought to you by treet.tv, Second Life’s leading cable network, and Prim Perfect Productions, the people behind Designing Worlds, Prim Perfect magazine and the Prim Perfect blog. Metaverse Arts is hosted by Tricia Aferdita.

For more information, visit http://metaversearts.wordpress.com.

Riel Day for Life (July 11, 2010)

2010-07-07T18:51:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, July 11, 2010, Radio Riel will be broadcasting a very special program from 12:00am SLT to 12:00am SLT on Monday, July 12 to raise funds for Team New Babbage Relay for Life, which also includes the communities of New Toulouse and Seraph City. These 24 hours of programming on Radio Riel's Main stream are going to be determined by you, our listeners!

For more information, visit http://gabrielleriel.blogspot.com/2010/07/riel-day-for-life.html.

I have my hour...get yours!!

The Kiss by Rose Borchovski

2010-06-27T01:31:00.002-04:00

Many of you are likely aware of the controversy sparked over the removal of Rose Borchovski's work "The Kiss" from the Second Life 7th Birthday (SL7B) celebration.

Quite alot has been written on the subject on such as Wagner James Au's New World Notes nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2010/06/the-director-t he-avatar-his-ros... and the Second Life blog blogs.secondlife.com/message/271979#2719 79.

Prim Perfect's Art's reporter Rowan Derryth has written a wonderful post discussing the actual work in question primperfectblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/27 /ekphrasis-extra-....

Visit the work at the UWA slurl.com/secondlife/UWA%20Winthrop/95/1 01/21

There is a very well machinima created by Ionoallen that you can watch on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJdVCqG3bZs.

View my complete set of images of this fascinating work on Flickr.

Photography! Transcript Now Available

2010-06-23T17:05:00.003-04:00

The transcript of my Photography! Aether Salon presentation is now available on the Aether Salon blog at http://aethersalon.blogspot.com.

Thanks once again to Viv, Jed, Sera and Jasper for inviting me to present at the Salon and for all of the people who took time from their day to come and "listen" to my presentation.

A few additional photographs can be seen on my Flickr photostream.

Photography! with Mr PJ Trenton

2010-06-20T09:54:00.003-04:00

Sunday, June 20 at 2 pm slt
Babbage Palisade & Academy of Industry
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/254/60/106
and
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Academy%20of%20Industry/2/56/106

They are worth 1,000 words, markers of history, and everyday documents that reveal great artistry - photographs, which became both a pastime and passion for the Victorian era. How better to document fairies in the garden, or explorations and new discoveries? What worlds are opened up within the viewfinder, and passed on to those at home in sepia tones and black and white? Capturing photographs is not an easy task, nor is transferring them to permanence on paper - it is a matter of craftsmanship and artistry.

For the final Salon of the Spring Season, we are pleased to welcome master photographer PJ Trenton to the stage. Mr Trenton will lead us to an understanding of the art of the photograph and how it has changed through the years. Join us on Sunday, June 20 at 2 pm slt at the AetherSalon as we pose, light, and click our way in the last salon before summer break.

Visit the Aether Salon blog for more information and links to past Salons.

Sera, Viv, and Jed
Aether Salon of New Babbage

Prim Perfect Issue 26 on Newstands

2010-06-19T01:41:00.000-04:00

Prim Perfect has looked off grid before as has Designing Worlds. The Primgraph, has talked to Desmond Shang about his Caledonia project in Blue Mars and visited Rezzable’s Steamfish project.

But now, for the first time, the bulk of this month’s magazine looks outside Second Life at a variety of fascinating new possibilities.

Read this issue of Prim Perfect online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/00000423493a01935471c.

Fabulous articles covering Blue Mars, the Reaction Grid, Heritage Key and Rezzable by Prim Perfect's plethora of fabulous writers.

Prim Perfect's stunning cover this month is by the very talented Twisted Lemon who has lots of photographs featured throughout the magazine.

Have a look at the world beyond Second Life in this jam-packed issue.

Existential Fractals by Piaget Hax at Exposure

2010-05-29T10:15:00.010-04:00

Exposure Art Gallery is pleased to welcome artist Piaget Hax to the main floor of the gallery with Existential Fractals.

Join us at Exposure at 2 pm slt on Saturday, May 29, 2010 for the opening of this exhibit. Come meet the artist and other arts patrons while DJ Lynda Ultsch provides her eclectic blend of music.

Many of Piaget's works are inspired by an individual person and represent an eclectic collection works with soul and personality. Stop by and experience this exhibit.

"Often asked to describe my work, I've come to use the term of Existentialist to describe my pieces. How other way would you even go about describing a work that is inspired by the image of a person's personality and the essence of their soul?"

For the past six years, Piaget has been creating these unique and eclectic works of art, most of them created under the "flimsy excuse of being a birthday gift, but really, it's just an excuse to rationalize unbridled creativity."

Stop by and have a look, and maybe you'll just see something in yourself within the infinite depths of Piaget's fractals.

Exposure Art Gallery is located on Tabula Rasa in the heart of Avalon Town. Avalon offers a rich community of artists, builders, retailers and residents. Come to Exposure and than wander the town!

Exposure Art Gallery [slurl]

Exhibit Opening at Pirats' SAS Gallery

2010-05-06T13:03:00.005-04:00

Tuesday, May 4th marked the opening of my exhibit at the Pirats' SAS Gallery. Formerly known as the Bunker, the gallery has been redesigned and rebuilt by Newbab Zsigmond. Drop by the gallery which also features works by Josina Burgess, kirle Adamski and Loup Erin.

My thanks to Newbab Zsigmond, Merlina Rokocoko and MathieuL Bravin for inviting me to exhibit at Pirats and for their assistance in setting up.

Come check out the exhibit at secondlife://SAS+Plage/53/97/22.

Visit the Pirats Network web site for more information about their activities and support of the arts.

Mystery on Designing Worlds

2010-04-20T09:29:00.002-04:00

A visit to the New Babbage burlesque show takes a surprising turn into a mystery which leads Saffia & Elrik on a search for clues.

The Luminous Lens: Photo Abstractions by PJ Trenton on Calameo

2010-04-17T19:40:00.005-04:00

I am pleased to announce the availability of the exhibit catalogue for my most recent show entitled the Luminous Lens: Photo Abstractions by PJ Trenton. The exhibit has completed its run at the Tricia Aferdita Gallery but is now on view at the Treet TV sim in front of the Designing Worlds Studio.

The catalogue, written by Miss Rowan Derryth with a foreword by Tricia Aferdita can now be viewed online at Calameo.

Simply go to http://en.calameo.com/books/000045496d4d9a0069359 in order to read the catalogue.

My sincere thanks once again to both Tricia and Rowan for making both the exhibition and this wonderful catalogue available. Thanks also to Miss Ceejay Writer for work on the catalogue and Miss Saffia Widdershins for her support and assistance in this endeavor.

The Luminous Lens by Rowan Derryth and PJ Trenton

Publish at Calaméo or browse others.

Points of Interest ~ Nemo

2010-04-12T14:28:00.007-04:00

Another highly recommended destination on your Second Life travels has to be the gorgeously textured underwater steampunk "city" at Nemo. Built by Sextan Shepherd, the attention to detail is amazing!

NEMO is a world inspired by the works of Jules Verne, including "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island." Inside the submarine city, you will discover Captain Nemo's workshop, complete with mechanical sea animals, Nikola Tesla's electricity-filled room, and the Jules Verne salon.

I have a set of images from Nemo that you can view in Flickr.

I strongly encourage you to visit Nemo in world at secondlife://FRANCE3D%20Futuna/91/148/21.

Ekphrasis by Rowan Derryth

2010-04-09T16:41:00.006-04:00

One of the great new additions to the Prim Perfect blog is a regular column by Miss Rowan Derryth entitled Ekphrasis. According to Rowan, this column is intended to "be a series of profiles of various SL artists..."

What is good art in SL? In the words of Miss Derryth, "...it isn't just rezzed, but resonates..." and "...it doesn't just resonate, but it is rezzed." For more details, read her introductory posting at http://primperfectblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/19/ekphrasis-an-introduction/.

These are impressive interviews with some of the most well-known and creative artists in the metaverse. To date, Rowan has featured Ragamuffin Kipps, Chrome Underwood, Glyph Graves, Gracie Kendal, and yours truly.

Each of these columns are incredibly well written and a fascinating look into the lives of some extremely talented and creative individuals.

Primgraph Issue 11 Now on Newstands

2010-04-09T16:34:00.002-04:00

Primgraph Issue No. 11 featuring pirates is now on newstands. Yet another fabulous issue of Second Life's premier magazine featuring historical and steampunk sims.

Avast there, me hearties and join us on a fearsome voyage as we take to the seas in quest of the secret treasure that’s this issue of the Primgraph — where we’ll hoist the main sail and set our course for regions where we’ll be encountering… pirates!

Each issue also features a new episode of the epic web comic, The Quest for the Golden Prim (http://goldenprim.blogspot.com/). Don't miss this fascinating tale of adventure featuring a number of different people on our international cast!

Primgraph is available online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234d57b0f960b40

I was fortunate enough to contribute a number of photographs for this issue, in addition to the Quest for the Golden Prim which I photograph and design.

Check out this fabulous issue!

Points of Interest ~ Cetus

2010-04-09T16:03:00.005-04:00

While I have a long history in Second Life with the Cetus sim, it had been quite a long time since I had last visited. Of course, Cetus was a far different place when I rented gallery space there. At that time, it was based on the gallery district in (I believe) Portland, Oregon. Filled with renovated warehouses converted to gallery and residential spaces, modern builds and great outdoor spaces, there was a great sense of community among the inhabitants, artists and gallery owners. It was also the place where I met most of my closest friends in SL.

That iteration of Cetus eventually closed and disbanded before being completely reborn by DB Bailey, RL architect David Denton (http://www.daviddenton.com/). While DB Bailey was a name I was familiar with, I had not had the pleasure of meeting him until we appeared together on Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe.

DB gave me a sim tour after the show when I shot this set of images accessible on Flickr.

Luminous Lens Exhibition Catalogue

2010-04-03T21:49:00.004-04:00

The works you see in this exhibit are the culmination of my passion for photography and desire to create and share my artistic vision with those around me. More importantly, my work would mean little without the support, encouragement and validation of the great people I am proud to call my friends. A very heartfelt thanks to one in particular, Tricia Aferdita, who not only encouraged me to finish this exhibit but provided an incredible venue in which to feature it. Tricia’s enthusiasm for and support of my work means so much. She is a tireless supporter and promoter of the arts and is an inspiration to those who are fortunate enough to know and work with her. She is also a fabulous artist in her own right.

This catalogue would certainly not have been possible without the enthusiasm, creativity, and eloquence of Rowan Derryth. Her appreciation of this collection of works and the excitement with which she talked of the need for an exhibition catalogue are why you read these words today. Through an extremely interesting experiment (see Ekphrasis: PJ Trenton on the Prim Perfect blog ~ http://primperfectblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/ekphrasis-pj-trenton/), these works now have a much deeper meaning and their own stories as a result of Rowan’s eloquent keystrokes.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank intrepid publisher extra-ordinaire, Saffia Widdershins for her support of this exhibit and catalogue and for exposing me to the artistic and photographic potential of the wide world of Second Life.

A complimentary copy of the exhibit catalogue is available from a kiosk at Exposure Art Gallery (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/134/35/27). Purchase the Thinc book for $0L and either wear it or rezz it to read (I recommend rezzing it).

Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe

2010-03-29T20:02:00.003-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be invited as a guest on Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe on March 29th. Other guests on the show included architect David Denton (DB Bailey in Second Life) and singer/songwriter Shannon McMahon (Shannon Oherlihy in Second Life.

More information about David can be found in his web site at http://www.daviddenton.com, while more about Shannon and her music can be found on MySpace at http://blogs.myspace.com/shannonmcmahonbruchal.

Prim Perfect Issue 24 on Newstands

2010-03-16T11:05:00.003-04:00

Are you ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Prim Perfect has been enjoying the craic in the West of Ireland — and the surfing too — and bring you some of that very special West of Ireland style in this issue!

Check out the informative and interesting articles from a plethora of great writers supplemented with some fabulous images from across the grid.

The latest issue can be found online at http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234d4c7feb7b96f.

For more information about Prim Perfect or to read the blog, visit http://primperfectblog.wordpress.com/.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to yet another outstanding Prim Perfect issue!

The Luminous Lens: Photo Abstractions by PJ Trenton

2010-03-03T08:05:00.003-05:00

I cordially invite you to join us at the Tricia Aferdita Gallery in Avalon Town on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 pm slt for the opening of a my new exhibit...my first in quite some time.

The Luminous Lens is a collection of abstract images that push the limits of photography to create some uniquely "painted" images from across the metaverse. Shot at various locations, the collection takes advantage of light, colour and texture to create bright, vibrant and abstract works with a somewhat impressionistic feel.

We welcome DJ Sredni Eel to provide the music for this exhibit opening.

The Tricia Aferdita Gallery is located in the vibrant Second Life arts community of Avalon Town. Avalon is a vibrant & innovative virtual community that prides itself on being a fun and creative atmosphere of art and literature.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/92/26/28.

Primgraph Issue 10 Now on Newstands

2010-02-12T12:02:00.003-05:00

Primgraph Issue No. 10 featuring the region of New Toulouse is now on newstands. Yet another fabulous issue of Second Life's premier magazine featuring historical and steampunk sims.

This month Primgraph travels into the early twentieth century ... to visit New Toulouse - that jazzy region owned by the Duchess of Carnteigh herself, Gabrielle Riel, the Nightingale of Radio Riel and Prim Minister of Edison ... who has built up a phenomenal diverse portfolio in the Second Life World.

Each issue also features a new episode of the epic web comic, The Quest for the Golden Prim (http://goldenprim.blogspot.com/). Don't miss this fascinating tale of adventure featuring a number of different people on our international cast!

Primgraph is available online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/read/000004234ea0d22db246c.

I was fortunate enough to contribute a number of photographs for this issue, in addition to the Quest for the Golden Prim which I photograph and design.

Check out this fabulous issue!

Usonian Ideals Build-Off

2010-02-07T10:23:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend of February 5-7, the Frank Lloyd Wright Virtual Museum of Second Life is organizing the Usonian Ideals Build-Off. 24 builders, from novice to pro, will compete to see "who can create the most functional and appealing building within the parameters of the USONIAN ideals” promoted by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Voting will commence at 12 pm slt on Sunday, February 7th and an awards gala will be held on Monday, February 8 from 7 to 9 pm slt.

The site can be visited by clicking the teleport outside the Breeze on the Usonian sim (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Usonia/58/134/21).

For more information, and an interesting read, I recommend this post on the Prim Perfect blog by Rowan Derryth.

Prim Perfect 23 On the Newstand

2010-02-07T09:33:00.003-05:00

The latest issue of Prim Perfect magazine is now available. This month's issue features the beautiful historic region of Giverny, one time home of one of the most famous artists in history... Claude Monet.

The magazine features two sims that make up this region; Ville de Giverny, owned by Miss Kaye Robbiani and Giverny owned by Miss Soliel Snook. Two of the most creative people I have met on the grid. They both have a myriad of creations to beautify your home and garden in Second Life. Kaye creates a whole myriad of period furniture, clothing and accessories while Soliel is the owner of Snooks Garden Centre featuring the most beautiful flowers, trees and other garden landcaping items.

The region also features a replica of Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny. The village also features a replica of the Hotel Baudy where Monet and his contemporaries often met and socialized.

The Prim Perfect team, led by the intrepid Saffia Widdershins, have once again come together and produced an outstanding issue. I am proud to be on the staff and am inspired by those who toil away beside me, writing, designing and photographing for Second Life's premier home and garden magazine.

This issue also includes a fascinating article on Claude Monet by Miss Scotti Lyle which I highly recommend.

My thanks to Ceejay Writer and Viv Trafalgar for inspiring me throughout this issue. To accompany their writing with my photographs is truly an honour.

Prim Perfect is available online by visiting http://en.calameo.com/books/00000423405b6a1435e28.

For more information, visit the Prim Perfect site at http://www.primperfect.net/.

Konrad Jansma at Exposure Art Gallery

2010-01-30T21:45:00.005-05:00

Konrad Jansma lives and works in the North East of England. His primary inspiration is landscape - both the natural landscapes of the Northumbrial national park, and the industrial scenery of the Tyne estuary. Recently he has become interested in interpreting the landscapes of SL and is showing here some studies made of the Wastelands and the old (now defunct) districts of Satoo and Cetus.

Konrad's overall aim at present is to explore the boundaries between representation and abstraction through his idiosyncratic development of Abstract Expressionism.

He generally works, in RL, from sketches and photographs making an underpainting in acrylic on paper or canvas and then finishing in oil.

Most of the images in SL are available for sale in RL (contact Konrad for RL prices and shipping information).

The current exhibition features some of Konrad's more recent work. Older work can be seen in a number of other locations - please IM Konrad for LM's if interested. New experimental work can currently be seen at Konrad's gallery in Wedge.

The exhibit opens at 2 pm SLT on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Exposure Art Gallery in Tabula Rasa (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/141/40/27) with music by DJ Frequency Picnic!

The Sweater

2010-01-30T19:01:00.004-05:00

What better day to share this particular piece of Canadiana...on Hockey Day in Canada. The Sweater is wonderful story by author and former National Librarian of Canada, Roch Carrier.

"In this animated short, Roch Carrier recounts the most mortifying moment of his childhood. At a time when all his friends worshipped Maurice "Rocket" Richard and wore his number 9 Canadiens hockey jersey, he was mistakenly sent a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey from Eaton's. Unable to convince his mother to send it back, he must face his friends wearing the colours of the opposing team. This short film, based on the book The Hockey Sweater, is an NFB classic that appeals to hockey lovers of all ages"

This classic animated Canadian short by Sheldon Cohen and the National Film Board of Canada. One of my all time favourite children's stories.

For more information visit http://www.nfb.ca/film/sweater/.

Enjoy...and keep your stick on the ice!

Designing Worlds Visits Al Andalus

2010-01-27T22:36:00.004-05:00

Saffia and Elrik visit the remarkable Second Life re-creations of palaces, gardens and mosques of historic Al Andalus and get a tour from community leaders Rose Springvale and Jamie Palisades.

Al Andalus creates some of the most famous palaces, gardens, plazas and great buildings – such as the Great Mosque of Córdoba – of the mediæval kingdom of Granada, where Christians, Jews and Muslims met in an amazing cross-cultural environment. They were joined by Rose Springvale who showed some of the sites … and also explained the philosophy that underlies the creation of Al-Andalus and has guided its development.

Al Andalus part of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS). Other regions include Colonia Nova, Neufreisadt, Alpine Meadow and Locus Amoenus.

I provided photographs of Al Andalus for the show, which can be viewed in a Flickr album.

Children! January's Aether Salon

2010-01-24T13:30:00.003-05:00

Sunday, January 17 saw the Aether Salon welcome Miss Saffia Widdershins, Master Jimmy Branagh and Miss Myrtil Igaly discuss the topic of children.

"Those little darlings. The heirs to your throne. Washed and in their jammies, your children are true blessings. You pause. Is that smoke you smell? You hear giggling and footsteps racing up to the nursery. Getting up from your easy chair you discover the little darlings have been playing with incendiaries again. Oh, the joys of parenthood!

What was it like to be a Victorian child? What is it like to play a child in Babbage? The speakers imparted their wisdom to a full Salon!

Photographs from the event can be found in a Flickr album.

For more information about the Aether Salon and a full transcript of this and previous events, please visit the Aether Salon site.

Shirtless Against Breast Cancer Fundraising

2010-01-24T13:08:00.007-05:00

I am extremely pleased to be associated with this ongoing fundraising initiative of the Consulate of Europa Wulfenbach. I was pleased to be asked once again to design the coffee table book to raise money in-world for http://www.breastcancer.org.

This year's Shirtless Against Breast Cancer campaign includes four calendars, yet there were many more submissions than could fit in these offerings, and some that might be a bit too much for a calendar displayed on a wall... so the collection includes a lovely book!

Two different cover options, but the same interiors, available from the vendors at all Consulate offices, in addition to Piermont Landing, Ruby's Pub, Ruby's II, Lotus of the Sea Gallery and CocoaJava Cafe in New Babbage, Steampunk Adventures in Winterfell, Tricia Aferdita Gallery and Exposure Art Gallery in Tabula rasa, Designing Worlds studio in Northpoint, Oliveto, the Primgraph offices in Caledon Glengarry, Velvel's Emporium in Steelhead Shanghai, Regent Theatre, Pneumatic Revolution Lounge, StratoGear Station and Steelbucks in Steeltopia, and the Victoriana Harbour train station.

Exposure Art Gallery can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/152/45/27.

The book is L$750, with all proceeds going to breastcancer.org, and will be available until August.

A special thank you to my fabulous friends in Avalon who participated in the project and who appear in both the book and a few of the calendars.

Please support this worthy cause by purchasing your calendars and books today!

Amazing Amadeus...

2010-01-15T12:02:00.003-05:00

...was what they called the program last night at the National Arts Centre; and it certainly was that! The Clarinet Concerto is one of my favourite Mozart works and last night's performance of the adagio with Kimball Sykes and two members of the Lars Lubovitch Dance Company certainly put a different look on the traditional view of the orchestra.

Pinkas Zukerman performing as the soloist "in Mozart’s last violin concerto, where backs of cello and double bass bows striking the strings suggest a "Turkish" sound – all the rage in 18th century Austria" was a wonderful end of a program of fabulous music.

You can listen to MOZART Violin Concerto No. 5 "Turkish" on the NAC web site at NACmusicbox.ca.

Below is a brief video of conductor Pinkas Zukerman discussing Mozart.

TED: Ideas Worth Sharing

2010-01-13T10:36:00.005-05:00

Want to be inspired? Want to hear some of the most influential "thinkers and doers" in the world? If so, I highly recommend a visit to TED! TED (http://www.ted.com) originally started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from the technology, entertainment and design communities, has grown in both depth and scope. What hasn't changed is that they bring you some of the most interesting, inspirational and entertaining presentations anywhere.

"TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with the annual TED Conference in Long Beach, California, and the TEDGlobal conference in Oxford UK, TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Program, the new TEDx community program, this year's TEDIndia Conference and the annual TED Prize."

I recently found a free app for the iPhone and iPod Touch which provides access to feeds from TED.

Be inspired...

Designing Worlds Needs Your Help!

2010-01-12T08:21:00.006-05:00

Designing Worlds is entering the Streamy Awards, the first and most prestigious awards devoted to honouring excellence in web television.

The Streamy Awards identify and celebrate the pioneers laying the groundwork for a new and dynamic entertainment medium. The Streamy Awards ceremony brings together the top talent, decision-makers and influencers shaping online entertainment, and awards are presented for the past years’ best achievements in 35 categories spanning multiple disciplines. Currently in its second year, the Streamy Awards began as a grass-roots effort piloted by the leading minds in online entertainment and continues to share the spirt of rugged independence that drives creative expression online. The show is co-hosted by Tubefilter and NewTeeVee.

Reflecting the inherent openness of entertainment online, the Streamy Awards submissions process is free and and open to the public. We would like you to nominate Designing Worlds for one of these prestigious awards in the Best Reality or Documentary Web Series – and help us to raise the profile of virtual worlds – and the role of television within worlds such as Second Life.

Winners are selected by the International Academy of Web Television, an independent, member run not-for-profit organization representing a wide cross-section of online entertainment including actors, agents, composers, content developers, directors, journalists, producers, technology innovators and writers.

Please use the public voting system to vote for us – and other Treet shows. You can vote once a day – so you could give us repeat votes if you’re feeling REALLY enthusiastic! Go to:

http://www.streamys.org/submit/public-submissions/
and vote:
Best Documentary or Reality Web Series
Designing Worlds
URL: http://designingworlds.tv

Other Treet shows are up for awards too! Please vote for:

Best Hosted Series
Tonight Live! with Paisley Beebe
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/tonight-live

Best Hosted Series
Fabulous Fashion with Angie Mornington
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/fabulous-fashion

Best Live Production
The First Question with Pooky Amsterdam and Hydra Shaftoe
http://archive.treet.tv/programs/1st-question

Lauren Live in the following categories:
Best Comedy – LaurenLive
Best Actress in a Comedy – Lauren Weyland
Best Director of a Comedy – Lauren Weyland
Best Writer of a Comedy – Lauren Weyland
URL http://archives.treet.tv/programs/lauren-live

Best Hosted Series – Meet an Author
Best Experimental Web Series – Meet an Author
http://archive.treet.tv/meet-author

Points of Interest: Emvee Cuba

2009-12-24T13:04:00.004-05:00

Perhaps one of my favourite places to visit on the grid; particularly in the dead of winter. This build by Metaversatility is really quite fabulous. The textures are second to none and truly make you feel the tropical heat of an afternoon in Cuba.

There are places where you can tango with your sweetheart as well as other scenic pose locations in which to have some fun.

I shot this set while listening to some great Cuban music which totally put me into the mood!

I highly recommend Emvee Cuba as a destination; the beauty and authenticity are quite incredible.

Emvee Cuba can be found by visiting http://slurl.com/secondlife/Metaversatility/116/119/25.

Quest for the Golden Prim Podcast: Number 3

2009-12-22T21:40:00.003-05:00

Welcome to a behind the scenes look at The Quest for the Golden Prim! Gabrielle Riel invites listeners to join her and discover the mysteries of the making of the web comic, as she interviews the creators, writers, producers and cast of The Quest for the Golden Prim. The time for secrets...is at an end!

The third Quest for the Golden Prim Podcast, hosted by Gabrielle Riel features Otenth Paderborn and Martini Discovolante, as well as myself.

You can listen to The Quest for the Golden Prim Podcast by this Direct link to the show on Archive.org. You can listen to it as a stream or download the audio file directly. It is also available through iTunes.

Thanks to Gabrielle Riel and Radio Riel for conducting and recording this continuing podcast on the Quest for the Golden Prim.

Shanghaied!

2009-12-21T10:46:00.002-05:00

Sunday saw the Aether Salon hit the road and head to Steelhead Shanghai and the Dragonlands Hotel for a presentation by TotalLunar Eclipse, Elegia Underwood and Riven Homewood. A good crowd was on hand for a very interesting presentation. The Dragonlands Hotel provided a beautiful and exotic locale for this month's salon.

From the Aether Salon site:

You awaken in the dark. The smell of the sea fills your nose. Where are you? Wait - there was the night out with friends... and then the - oh dear, and after that the... hmm. You can't remember much more. But you are absolutely not where you had been. You're on a ship - headed - where, exactly? You've been shanghaied!

This month, the Aether Salon will take a field trip to the exotic and beautiful Steelhead Shanghai. Once there, hosts TotalLunar Eclipse, Riven Homewood, and Elegia Underwood will regale us with tales of the region.

I was on hand to photograph the event; they can be viewed by visiting Flickr.

For more information on the Aether Salon, visit their blog at http://aethersalon.blogspot.com/.

Miss Viv Trafalgar, Miss Serafina Puchkina and Miss Jed Dagger put together interesting salons featuring informative, educational and interesting speakers each month.

Primgraph Issue 9 Now on Newstands

2009-12-19T15:06:00.005-05:00

It is with great excitement that issue 9 of The Primgraph is now available - and this Christmas issue is probably the most exciting yet! I am pleased to have provided the cover image for this issue along with a number of additional photographs to accompany some of the fabulous articles throughout.

Perhaps more importantly, at least to me, is the publication of episode 4 of the Quest for the Golden Prim! We continue our epic story in comic book form as we are introduced to new characters and learn more about those we have already met.

Thanks to everyone on the Primgraph team, in particular Miss Terry Lightfoot for her incredible and masterful job laying out this great issue. Thanks also to Miss Saffia Widdershins, Miss Ceejay Writer, and Miss Elegia Underwood for their hard work on this issue.

This issue of the Primgraph is available by visiting http://en.calameo.com/books/0000042345d7b215db355.

Shanghaied! December Aether Salon in Steelhead Shanghai

2009-12-16T09:17:00.004-05:00

This month, the Aether Salon will take a field trip to the exotic and beautiful Steelhead Shanghai. Once there, hosts TotalLunar Eclipse, Riven Homewood, and Elegia Underwood will regale us with tales of the region.

Sunday, December 20 at 2 pm slt
Steelhead Shanghai
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead%20Shanghai/124/39/48

For more information about the Aether Salon, visit their official aetheric weblog at http://aethersalon.blogspot.com/.

Quest for the Golden Prim Podcast

2009-12-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a behind the scenes look at The Quest for the Golden Prim! Radio Riel's Gabrielle Riel, discovers the mysteries of the making of the web comic, as she interview the creators, writers, producers and cast of The Quest for the Golden Prim. The time for secrets...is at an end!

Radio Riel's second Quest podcast featured Miss Aisling Sinclair, Mr. Blackhawk60 Sikorsky and PJ Trenton in discussion about the Quest. Miss Sinclair plays the role of Miss Annabelle Scott and Mister Sikorsky plays the role of Mordecai Watson. I, of course am the photographer and designer of the Quest.

The second podcast can be found by visiting http://www.archive.org/details/TheQuestForTheGoldenPrimPodcast-Episode2PjTrentonAislingSinclair.

Find out more about the Quest by visiting the official blog at http://goldenprim.blogspot.com/.

The Quest for the Golden Prim is presented by Primgraph Magazine.

Concert of Sacred Christmas Music (December 20, 2009)

2009-12-15T09:22:00.007-05:00

Lady Eva Bellambi is pleased to invite you to the ballroom of her home, Caisteal Teanacadh, on December 20, 2009 (7 - 9 pm slt) to listen to a concert* of sacred choral Christmas music by Miss Ariesse Heart - or rather, her human.

Miss Heart's guiding spirit began piano and theory lessons at the age of five, and wrote her first song at the age of twelve. Her first octavo was published twenty years later. In 1992, she became a full-time composer and arranger and now has over 1,500 published works. Over twelve million copies of her songs have been purchased in their various venues, and she has been a recipient of the ASCAP Special Award for the last 19 years.

In addition to her choral music for church and school choirs, her songs appear on thirty albums (four of which have been Dove Award Finalists) and numerous children's videos, including sixteen songs on four gold videos, and four songs on one multi-platinum video.

Her songs have also appeared on such diverse television shows as "The 700 Club" and HBO's acclaimed series "The Sopranos."

Lady Bellambi feels so fortunate that Miss Heart has agreed to spend time with us in the Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne [slurl], Second Life, sharing her music. Attendees will all have a chance to chat with Miss Heart during the concert as well as after the music has ended. Unlike RL composer/conductor educational moments, which must take place either before or after the music, the platform of a virtual world gives us all the opportunity to use text to ask and answer questions while the music plays all around us.

Please join Lady Bellambi for this special holiday time together. She looks forward to the opportunity to introduce you to Miss Heart, and for you to learn more about the brilliant and lovely woman behind the avatar.

*pre-recorded

Art in SL: mushROOM by Scottius Polke

2009-12-14T19:20:00.007-05:00

One of the most interesting and creative art installations that I have been to in Second Life is Scottius Polke's mushROOM. Scottius, affectionately known by many simply as The Otter is one of my greatest friends in SL and one of the most talented artists to boot!

mushROOM is a graphic, 3-dimensional art installation, by Scottius Polke who created special artwork for the exhibit, and hand-illustrated all the textures. Althought the setting is a simple bedroom with typical furnishings, the room is inhabited by the artist's subconscious - which manifests itself in life forms such as mushrooms, molds, amoebas, and other unclassifiable organisms.

Dance with amoebas, jump on the bed, kick the crumpled paper around, and discover the surprises this room holds. Lots of interaction so I recommend you go and see it as soon as you can!

mushROOM is currently installed at Project Z in Cetus (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cetus/128/128/11).

Book Review: The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

2009-12-14T09:21:00.004-05:00

And now for something completely different...a book review! I finished reading Andrew Davidson's first novel, The Gargoyle in the past couple of days and I thought that I would share my thoughts.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and the coworker who lent it to me was a little unsure about whether I would be interested in it or not. She enjoyed it, so I decided...why not?

I have to say that I enjoyed this novel immensely. That being said, be forewarned that it is a very intense read; certainly not light by any stretch of the imagination. The trials and tribulations of the main characters was certainly very extreme and laid out in some case in rather graphic detail. Ultimately, though, it was one of those novels that did a masterful job of weaving a number of historical narratives in with the present day.

A mixture of religious symbolism brought together in a very readable story spanning the ages. Some may find the details of certain aspects rather unpleasant and distasteful but in the end they pull the story together rather well imho.

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
Check out more about this title at Amazon.com.