Hill of Crosses, Verdigris

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Fleming Helfenstein, Hill of Crosses, Lithuania, Verdigris

Created by Fleming Helfenstein, Hill of Crosses is located in one of my favorite virtual places, Verdigris. The classic Verdigris windlight is used in the build; I’ve lightened the exposure on these photos.

At the landing point is an info board with welcoming notecard.

Hill of Crosses is inspired by a Real Life location in Lithuania. The notecard contains a link to the Wikipedia page.

“This is not a graveyard, but a quiet place of peace, introspection and tranquility.”

“A sense of melancholia lies over the small hill, and it can be a site of mourning and longing. The items and plants – even the layout of the ground – are often symbolic, but instead of telling too much I would like to invite visitors to create their own meaning and story here.”

“Please feel free to explore the parcel, there are many hidden (non-adult) corners inviting to rest and relax.”

I found Hill of Crosses to be a lovely, restful place; the music stream is appropriate for the sim. I enjoyed the pathways and the spirit of contemplation.

A Flickr group is listed, and contact info for those who want to rez their own cross.

Ecoscape ~ An Environmental Art Project

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Asmita Duranjaya, Betty Tureaud, Claude Belgar, Duna Gant, eco art, Elle Thorkveld, environmental art, Ericko Lecker, June Clavenham, Kala Kaiuwa Kuveni, Klaus Bereznyak, Lalie Sorbet, Melodie Heart, Pearl Grey, Second Life, secondlife

Armageddon in the Biosphere by Melodie Heart and Eriko Lecker

Ecoscape is an environmental art project at InterstellART. Opened in March 2019, it displays 3D installations by various artist contributors in a desert setting.

The Tree Hugger Trail by Asmita Duranjaya

New installations replace some previous ones at intervals. The Tree Hugger Trail is de-rezzed at the current time, A notecard with info and pictures can be obtained. All installations will be included in a book that can be purchased for 0L and worn as a HUD.

The book can be obtained at the info area. The large pages exhibited, display an introduction, The Early History of Environmental Art, The Emergence of Land Art Installations, Considering the Environmental Impact, Environmental Art as Eco Art, and Contemporary Environmental Artists.

The Disappearance by Lalie Sorbet

There are teleports at the installations, and a glider with instructions can be obtained at the info area. And of course, an avatar can stroll in the sand.

Overpopulaton by June Clavenham

The installation by June Clavenham also has a colorful area expressing a pristine earth.

The Day on the Beach by Kala Kaiuwa Kuveni

The photo above shows one of the scenes that can be rezzed via clicking on a multi-scene changer.

No Ark in Sight by Elle Thorkveld

There are spaces for new installations that are being created now, and return visits are suggested.

Energy is Precious by Claude Belgar

Energy is Precious is an animated piece that is one of the newer installations.

Toxic Threads Inc by Pearl Grey and Klaus Bereznyak

I welcomed the opportunity to collaborate on this project with Klaus. The subject of clothing fibers found in fish, plus other damage from the fast fashion industry had been a topic of discussion between us for some time. Clicking on the posters will give notecards with links to videos with more information about the impact of fast fashion.

How Now Brown Cow by Betty Tureaud

A colorful, methane producing cow.

You Decide by Duna Gant

“This work is a small personal homage to Lucio Munoz (1929 – 1998) Spanish informalist artist who used natural materials such as wood and paper in his works.”

A previous installation titled How to Survive the Time After by Silas Merlin and Asmita Duranjaya can be seen in the book.

InterstellART is owned by Asmita Duranjaya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deliberare Humanum Est at G. B. T. H. Project

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Deliberare Humanum Est, G. B. T. H. Project, Marina Münter

Deliberare Humanum Est (Because Pretending We’re Not seeing it is Diabolical) by Marina Münter, is open until December 12 at G. B. T. H. Project. It opened November 11th, prompted by a recent election in Brazil. The setting is a favela. Near the landing is a cart, with a folder including a notecard about the installation.

“Deliberare Humanum Est (Because Pretending We’re Not seeing it is Diabolical) actually brings more questions than answers. Inside, there are two rooms: one with a possible reproduction of a home in the favela and other with laptops open with a few real reports in English about Bolsonaro, the military and some of the real damage caused by them.”

The room with clickable laptops for news reports.

The G.B.T.H. Project, (Grab By The Horns), is a concept gallery curated by Marina Münter and Megan Prumier. The installations change monthly.

“We believe that Second Life is a powerful creative platform and try our best to make use and learn at our own path the tools available in it.”

Deliberare Humanum Est is Marina Münter’s fourth solo exhibition. An artist bio is included in the folder available from the cart near the  landing.

Rev. William J Barber 11 ~ Quotes on a Prim

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Rev William J Barber 11

Rev. William J Barber 11, has been awarded a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in recognition of his whole legacy of activism. About the time he was learning of this award, he was being arrested in Chicago, for protesting on behalf of higher minimum wages in front of McDonald’s corporate headquarters.

I have an old school, personal sky gallery on my (group owned) land, Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down Gallery. It is always a work in progress, with random objects I’ve made, plus some quotes that are important to me.

Two such quotes are by Rev. Barber 11. I’ve just made them copyable, if anyone would like them. Yes, there are typos in his name, but there’s enough accuracy that someone could look further into his work.

Sometimes I log on at the gallery, after a day of living my best in a world that desperately needs changing. I stand there and read the current quotes. I kick the balls around. Then, I move onto something uplifting as best I can.

 

Pockets of Light at Wanderlust Cafe Exhibiting Now Through October

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Klaus Bereznyak, Pearl Grey, Pockets of Light, poetry, Wanderlust Cafe, Writing

Pockets of Light, ten photographs and ten poems are on display at Wanderlust Cafe in Quentin now through October. Most are on the ground level with the outdoor cafe seating; several are on the rooftop of the cafe accessed by outside stairs.

The project began in the spring of this year, the photos done first, of images taken in Second Life during moments of reflection on peace and sustainability for a just future in the real world.

The beautiful, thoughtful poems, one for each photograph were written during the summer.

Real
====

This surface this lattice of molecules
Will not betray you
This matter cannot go back on its word
This is the truth that doesn’t need defending
A geometry not up for discussion
And the mundane manipulation
Of things in space
Taking cutlery from the drawer
Or hanging a picture in place
These cannot be faked
Against such, even the spoken breaks
Start here and stay until you know
Your skin is the same stuff
Caress for instruction
How you carry it and
Where it goes
Is beyond dispute
Not one day has the ground
To your feet proved false
Unless too long at sea
You forgot all else

(KB – June 2017)

In a Mist
****

In a living mist
Spilling up the valley
As far as the fence line
Comes the sweet bitter of
Pine needles, sycamore and
Poplar leaves turning

Infused by the lungful
This aromatic vapor bearing
Extracts of memories
Flung spray, blown spume, sea-gulls crying
Asks no permission but
Is gentle

Below the stone house
In the orange orchard
Through the ruined arch
Lays eiderdown on wildflower
Carpeted meadows in milklight
Red points and yellow splashes

Watercolors out the scratches
In three primary
Colors of green
Holds a shushing finger up
To time and
Stills it

(KB – June 2017)

 

 

Nusquam ~ I Know This Place

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Nusquam, Second Life

Recently I took my camera to Nusquam, choosing a time I thought would be less crowded.

I’ve been aware of it as a popular destination out on the periphery of a group of new places I haven’t had time to explore. It seemed familiar, reminding me of where I grew up and many places I’ve been, except for the lighthouse and boats. I’m an intrepid explorer for sure and much of the criteria for places I choose to share has to do with the feels. I come across many places, people, themes and ideas I don’t resonate with at all. Don’t we all read and hear too much naysaying, criticism, strong opinions and snarky attacks though?

When it comes time to blog, I consider my energy level at the time, my current needs and whether my virtual experience seems to have a pulse, whether there’s a good vibe coming back or not. Sometimes it’s about calling attention to something deserving to be documented or something fleeting that others might like to experience. Sometimes I just want to take a few snaps, tuning out the expectations of others.Nusquam has a nostalgic feel for me. The reality is that I fled these sort of places, the humidity, snakes, plant pollens, extreme weather conditions, and plethora of insects to be closer to book stores, museums and galleries, ethnic food and theaters. There was a time when things were cluttered in a more organic way; if something was moved, someone would notice. Objects were made use of, there was less mindless hoarding, fewer plastic disposable items. I wonder how our nervous systems would handle being thrust into an environment like this now. Many of us crave vacations and then don’t know what to do with ourselves when we get potentially unscheduled time.

Some of us keep tuning into the relentless, bombarding information from others and then notice we’re still feeling invisible and unheard.

As life continues to ramp up there are choices to be made, noticing whether or not there’s a response, a healthy vibrancy, an awareness, an interaction, something worthy of continued attention.  Nusquam fits my mood of late.

Of course this destination would have a different effect on others. Diversity is healthy and crucial to the survival of life on this planet. Not all of us want to be in this constantly broadcasting, rarely listening, hive mind circus.

See You in September

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SL12B

I surely don’t want to miss all of SL12B and am enjoying as much of it as I can. One of my favorite exhibits is 10 Truths by Livio Korobase. I seem to recall really liking his exhibit last year too. Like last year I’ve come across information that I want to look into further although I have no idea how I’ll find time to do so.

For the next twelve weeks or so I’ll be taking next steps to heal my health issues which I’m hopeful and cautiously excited about. The meal plans are labor intensive and how I’ll respond is an unknown. I’m having a bit of a histamine response this week.This last round of LEA is coming to a close. For the past five months I’ve been intensely involved with LEA’s Medici University, having a studio there and participating in drawing, virtual tai chi, photography, writing, machinima, some prim building, virtual road trips and collaborating/hanging out with others. I’ve met a lot of fascinating people, some of whom I hope to remain friends with. I created a separate blog for the experience which has 166 posts at this point!So I really need a break. I’m not sure I’ll be content to blog quite the same as I have been. When I began I wasn’t able to find many of the kind of blogs I wanted to read, but there are more of them out there now. I like reading them and then simply enjoying my time in world.I teleported in to Fuschia Nightfire’s SL12B exhibit and almost landed on her.The above photo includes Bryn Oh. We were both enjoying the rain at the Asphyxiation Point exhibit. I looked at the role play information and it sounds really good. But virtual role play has been heartbreaking for me so I think I’ll stick to more personal creativity.

See you in September.  

 

 

 

Pfieffer Mansion

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Arkansas State University, ASU Heritage Island

Here are the photos I snapped of the virtual Pfieffer Mansion at ASU Heritage Island. The house is in Piggott, Arkansas and was the family home of Ernest Hemingway’s second wife Pauline Pfieffer. The builder is Painter Merriman. The house is near the converted barn studio of Hemingways which I blogged about here. It’s also on the sim where you can find a build of Johnny Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess, Arkansas which I blogged about here.You can read more about Arkansas Heritage Sites here.I’ll have another post soon about other places I enjoyed on this sim.

Virtual Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash

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Arkansas State University, ASU Heritage Island, Johnny Cash

I saw one of Torley’s photos taken at Arkansas State University’s Heritage Island of the boyhood home of Johnny Cash in Dyess Arkansas. It is an amazing place and there’s so much more to the sim but today I’m showing the pictures I took of this home which is as it was in the 1940’s.  The builder for the sim is Painter Meriman. The landscaping and foliage is quite accurate for this part of the country. And the virtual buildings are remarkable as you can see from the photos on the Arkansas Heritage Site.The inside of the home is wonderful. It’s small, as homes were in the days before McMansions. There are so many details to look at. I have spent hours there and have been taking people with me who find it fascinating as well.This is the first build I’ve seen at ASU Heritage Island. I wonder what I’ve missed in my three and a half years of Second Life.I have three more posts with lots of pictures. But really, you should go and see it for yourself.Two of my favorite things are the floor coverings and the painting over the couch.

From the destination guide: “Joanne Cash provided detailed drawings of the interior layout of the home which enabled a faithful recreations of the residence as it was in 1940’s”  Wouldn’t it be great if the press would take note of this sort of thing in Second Life.

A Jane’s Cyberspace Walk to Forgotten City

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Forgotten City, Jane's Cyberspace Walk 2015, LEA 23, Medici University, Vanessa Blaylock

Bibbe Oh and Feels Empty in Forgotten City

How great is it that Forgotten City is still with us in SL? Usually when I take photos for this blog I go alone. I’m far from being a good multi-tasker and while I enjoy this photography and blogging thing, it has it’s challenges.

Recently I took a a few fellow learners with me from MU at LEA 23 for a walk around the city in conjunction with Jane’s Cyberspace Walk 2015.   From the land description:  “A once great city where the prosperous residents were served by the miraculous mechanical automatons. The people have long since disappeared, but the automatons remained and still take care of the crumbling stone walls, abandoned halls and rusty fences.”

Bibbe Oh, Paypabak Writer and me

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs has inspired Jane’s Walks all over the globe. And it inspired Vanessa Blaylock to organize Jane’s Walk SL. While there were Walks in cities all over the world this past weekend, there were scheduled walks on the Medici University campus at LEA 23 in Second Life. They were photographed and also live streamed. You can read about that here.It was a busy weekend for me and I was unable to participate during the scheduled walks. I’ve been showing some of my favorite virtual places to Feels Plenty, an artist, writer and fellow learner at MU who is new to SL and he encouraged me to conduct a Walk of my own. He invited others and did the website posting so I was able to follow through. I chose an off-campus site, Forgotten City.

Bibbe Oh, Paypabak Writer and Feels Empty

At the landing, you’re given a note card with things to do in Forgotten City. You can rent a home, teleport to Forgotten City Winter Park, visit the toy factory with shooting games, poker and horse racing tabletop games. You can use the rowboat or ride the zeppelin. We mostly explored and walked around because Jane’s Walk.The public is very much welcome to visit Medici University at LEA 23.  The artist studios are open, you can talk to other avatars and pick up some gifts. There’s a wide variety of creativity and collaboration happening. There are events scheduled on the calendar and the campus is ever changing, running until the end of June.

There’s a lot of information on the website or you’re invited to walk around the campus at LEA 23.

gathering for the Forgotten City Jane’s Walk