Virtual Artists Alliance

Well.......why didn't I think of that?!

2009-06-02T16:00:00.002-07:00

Pavl Duke Creates Insane Multi-Particle Video Player
"It's just video texture on the particles," ".... it's the default texture they pick up whatever [video] stream you've set." - Pavl Duke (quoted from Hamlet Au's New World Notes article, 6/2/2009)

Of course all the particles have the same video image, and you need to have control over the parcel media settings. However.....if you created several minimum-size plots (16sq meters) close together, you could place a particle rezzer in each with the video stream set differently for each plot. I expect one could create some stunning effects that way.

- Rezago

RL Kinetic Sculpture

2009-05-19T15:39:00.007-07:00

Kinetic sculpture at the BMW Museum in Munich.

Triptych. A kinetic sculpture composed of metal, string, electric motors, and 300 wooden balls.

This type of sculpture looks like it would be well suited to SL. I'd love to jump in and experiment but, alas, I'm still in exile. If you're inspired and come up with something, tell us about it here.

I found these on the Dark Roasted Blend website today where they have an article on kinetic art.

- Rezago

World Builder

2009-03-08T10:58:00.008-07:00

Reflections from a Revenant

2009-02-10T18:28:00.004-08:00

I've been inactive in Second Life for about eight months, and in SL, that is almost an eternity! However, there are good reasons for the absence, albeit perhaps not for quite such a prolonged period. After having spent about a year learning the ins-and-outs of the virtual world, and then having developed an event that bridged the RL and SL (a museum exhibit in the real world that used a SL counterpart), my time and energy were caught up into an extraordinary RL initiative that has come to dominate my personal and professional landscape.

It may sound odd, but I think after learning to function in a "reactive landscape", I got busy building super-reactive environments in RL... specifically for disabled children, for whom real life is even less reactive than for most of us. I am now engaged in several projects that are building artistically-inspired reactive and interactive installations that, in many ways, emulate the kinetic sculptures the VAA group has developed and promoted in SL. For example, working with engineers who are specialists, on the one hand, in robotics, on another in physiological sensing devices, and in a third area, in so-called "smart textiles" (fabric that changes shape, color and texture on command), and with installation and media artists, we are constructing a large wall mural that will react to disabled children who roll up to it on their wheelchairs (or walk up to it, depends on the child) - changing shape, color, and thematic configuration. We will be able to measure their heartbeat, level of excitement (e.g. via skin perspiration and blood pressure), and modify the mural also in relation to these characteristics. In another initiative, we are creating a miniature "telegame" that allows children with disability to interact with each other through robotic devices that act as RL avatars. These projects are extraordinarily stimulating but also rather challenging to build (and fund!), and have taken most of my time over the past eight months to develop.

Interestingly, I used my experiences, especially those with the VAA, to "sell" these projects to the two hospitals who are now partners in their development. Using the video clips on VAA artists and the Reactive Sculptures clip, I was able to highlight the power that changes in the environment may have on changing our understanding of the self. One could say that SL got so far under my skin that it has ended up revolutionizing my relationship with RL!

Actually, this hasn't stopped with the creation of reactive environments, either. After developing a line of clothing in SL, and then being involved in the creation of SL versions of real life traditional ethnic garments in support of the museum exhibit we did last year, I decided that, perhaps, I could do the same with RL garments. So I taught myself to sew and am in the process of developing a line of RL garments. I discovered that sewing is an extraordinarily grounding activity for me and it has become an integral and daily presence in my life. I learned the power of fashion within SL, and have not stopped trying to use this power back in RL to do equally interesting things.

I share these observations and reflections, because I believe all involved with SL art are aware of the links between SL and RL and are interested in how the activities in the one sphere may affect or inform activities in the other.

I shall be around SL again on an off-and-on basis, but my engagements with the RL projects that flowed from my SL activities are likely to keep my presence low key. See you around!

Press Release: "The Collector"

2009-02-10T15:24:00.004-08:00

Galerie de la Vie, Artemisia
February 12th through March 26
Opening Night Reception: February 12 from 4:30-6:00 pm SL time
DJ Eth Tedeschi spinning tunes
Exhibition: The Collector
Submitted by: RobertSteven Smythe, Curator

The Collector: The World of Second Life Sculpture

Starax, Pitney, Fairymeadow, Saarinen, elros, and Tripsa are just a few of the artists whose sculptures will be on display at Galerie de la Vie in Artemisia February 12th through March 26th. This exhibition named “The Collector” is focused around the art collection of Sichel Seifert an art enthusiast who has been collecting and commissioning some of the finest artists in Second Life since early 2005. You will see as never before from the eyes of a collector and connoisseur of Second Life art. Selections from his vast collection will be shown in two consecutive three-week exhibitions. The artists’ works have never before been shown together as one exhibition. This amazing collection represents a historical time line of sculptural work in Second Life. You will not want to miss this once in a lifetime exhibition.

When asked by RobertSteven Smythe, curator at Galerie de la Vie, why he has been such a prolific collector Sichel responded, "Ask yourself: What surrounds you in SL? Just the two: personal relationships, personal creations, and really nothing else (even if someone says SL has is own 'spirit' as well). Since I was rezzed there, I searched for the best of both. Got good friends, got beautiful creations. And I keep searching."

Collecting is a very personal endeavor and collectors must educate themselves on the subject of their passion. The best collectors contend that collecting should not begin as an investment, but that a collector should enjoy and purchase only items that appeal to them. Sculptures in Second Life have an appeal to Sichel that has continued from his first day in SL.

Don’t miss this rare exhibition to be shown in two parts. The show opens February 12, the second on March 6. Please join the residents of Artemisia and the Galerie de la Vie as we present this spectacular gathering of sculptures from Second Life’s greatest artists. Artemisia – Living with Art.

Complete List of artists:
Alizarin Goldflake, Meleni Fairymeadow, Kicca Igaly, Rezago Kokorin, Feathers Boa, Wolf Hartnell, Queen Edman, Steve Kilby, Stella Costello, Sabine Stonebender, Zulqadi Saarinen, elros Tuominen, Cheen Pitney, Colt Parx, Charlot Dickins, Pumpkin Tripsa, Starax Statosky, Light Waves, Eme10 Wind, Masterful Escape, PleaseWakeMeUp Idler and Glyph Graves.

Fresh Musical Art

2009-01-25T12:01:00.004-08:00

HD Artists New Music Concerts
HD Artists Concert Hall
Sundays @ 11:00 AM SLT

"Music shouldn't always glide off the ears like soft warm water."
—Flivelwitz Alsop, HD Artists Composer

If you are searching for a completely different type of music experience, then consider the HD Artists New Music Sundays Concert. Featuring artists and composers from Second Life and beyond, these concerts provide a fresh and unexpected musical adventure. These concerts fit well with one of the HD Artists goals to "disseminate new and unusual music throughout the land with a clarion call."

This week's event showcased music for guitars and was a rewarding treat for the ears.
—Sunn Thunders

Artpounce Gallery Opening

2009-01-15T15:31:00.010-08:00

four Yip's Installation "Yiplings"

Come join us this weekend for the opening of Artpounce gallery and art center. On display now are works by Oberon Onmura, Selvay Oh, Misprint Thursday, Cinco Pizzicato and four Yip~!

TELEPORT HERE

Teleport to Misprint's Aeroport and parachute down... Click Oberons clicky sculptures, and be fascinated by Selavy Oh's installation. You can check out an interesting architecutal build by Cinco Pizzicato too! The Yiplings will warmly greet you in the sky.

Artpounce is sponsored by the sim Ethereality which will have a coordinated sim wide party over the weekend including 8 live music performances

ARTIST RECEPTION SATURDAY JAN 17 3-4 SLT

Cube of Cubes Maker By Oberon Onmura

Gossamer Float Boxes by Misprint Thursday

Billboard House by Cinco Pizzicato

Live Music Venue for the Weekend:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17th - 11:30-4pm slt

12pm - Digby Smalls

1pm - Phemie Alcott

2pm - CQ Bravin

3pm - Damian Carbenell

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18th - 2:30-7pm slt

3pm - Sylar Morrissey

4pm - Vladamir Lamont

5pm - Stella Silvansky

6pm - Raspbury Rearwin

Thorns in the Velvet

2008-12-28T17:47:00.002-08:00

Mesmerizing movement, color, and sound will capture your imagination at NMC's Ars Simulacra, which is hosting Glyph Graves's "Thorns in the Velvet" art exhibit now through the end of January 2009. Innumerable kinetic sculptures fill the island with vibrance from the water to the sky. In Glyph's words, the exhibit reflects his "fascination with transformation in colour, space, and sound."

Bring a picnic basket, a blanket, and a close friend, then sit on a hillside and soak in the beautiful hues and motions of these wonderful sculptures. —Sunn Thunders

Pictured below: a digital blend of Glyph Graves's "Odd Spiral Glass" and "Cube3 Soundscape3"

Nightbloom

2008-12-27T15:21:00.003-08:00

"The nightbloom rewards patience with it's hidden beauty..."
—Solo Mornington, artist and creator of Nightbloom

As described by Solo, the nightbloom is a rare species of sculptural flora discovered on the desert playa of Burning Life 2008. It currently has a safe home at the Man-A-Hatta Gallery through December 31.

"The nightbloom blooms at night, and dies in the morning. It then begins growing again in the evening, with another bloom soon to come after dark. This cycle continues indefinitely into the future and past, perhaps longer than you've been around, and perhaps long after you're gone."

Observers who patiently experience the full life cycle are rewarded with a bit of the nightbloom's energy... —Sunn Thunders

Cirque!

2008-10-25T20:47:00.002-07:00

Cirque!, A World of Fun and Motion

This month’s exhibition at Galerie de la Vie is something that you will not want to miss. Misprint Thursday and Jeanni Nishi have designed an entire environment around a playful, colorful and interactive world of Cirque! The collaborative work combines fantasy and emotion that will have you remembering what it was like to be a child all over again. Come play with us, ride atoms on a string, hang and dance on ribbons suspended above the floor, be mesmerized by intricate sculptures and let your imagination be captivated by color and motion. Brought to you by the residents of Artemisia the opening gala begins at 1 pm on Sunday October 26th. This day will hold many surprises including a mystery treasure hunt.

Misprint Thursday is an artist in RL and SL. Her work in SL focuses on creating a unique experience through creative content that includes, photography, sculpture, sound and web based media. In SL her direction is shifting to content which is created primarily in world. She "frames" the content of her work with the photographs and machinima of the sculptural installations. Fond of physics and spontaneity, Misprint brings minor hazards to the art world and openly suggests that she brings a sense of humor to her exhibits.

Jeanni Nishi came to SL in February of 2007, and one of the first places she visited was Blekinge Sculpture Park, which is managed by Rezago Kokorin. There she came across sculptures by elros Tuominen, Cheen Pitney, Rezago, Sunn Thunders, and Sasun Steinbeck. The pieces astounded her with their beauty. “I loved how the artists utilized the special capabilities of SL”, she said. She discovered the famous Oyster Bay and spent many hours there considering the works of Dale Innis, Juria Yoshikawa, Madcow Cosmos and others. Jeanni spent many years in RL involved in commercial art as an art director and illustrator. Since that time she moved on to other vocations. According to her, “Second Life now provides an impetus to get back to creative work.”

When asked about their work together, Misprint said, “The collaboration has enhanced my Second Life art making experiences because I got to learn some new skills through Jeanni. She introduced me to Qavimator-the free pose and animation program. Through this new information I was able to create some custom poses for the interactive sculpture and this has been exciting.” Jeanni responded, “She (Misprint) and I both enjoy the play of patterns and light, and neither of us tend towards literal interpretations or realistic builds. We both enjoy incorporating scripts and movement, including avatar movement. Working together in a collaborative project was an exciting premise. Who knew what we could do together? Misprint comes from more of a fine arts background than I do, and even talking to her about what we were doing expanded my sense of what it could mean to be an artist in SL. Her addition of sound to art has provided food for thought and I am considering exploring this in the future.”

Cirque! brings together the talents of two great SL artists. Their collective talents create an exhibition that will delight everyone, art critics, art lovers, art collectors and anyone who wants to remember what it was like to be a child all over again---the innocence of exploration, wonder and fantasy. Don’t miss Cirque! at Galerie de la Vie in Artemisia. The residents of Artemisia proudly sponsor this and all events that come to the gallery. Opening also this night is the new Artemisia Living with Art Annex. You will see works of art from past exhibitions and from Artemisia residents. This evening will prove to be an unforgettable adventure. Please join me, RobertSteven Smythe, curator of the gallery and the Residents of Artemisia in presenting Misprint Thursday and Jeanni Nishi in Cirque.

Haiku Speedbuild, October 16, 2008

2008-10-17T12:40:00.008-07:00

Solo Mornington - 1st place

Jeanni Nishi - 2nd place

Sunn Thunders - 3rd place

Runners up:

Apollo Reinard

Misprint Thursday

Oberon Onmura

Steff Ling

Haiku Speedbuild, October 9, 2008

2008-10-17T12:33:00.008-07:00

Peli Dieterle - 1st place

Misprint Thursday - 2nd place

Gwen Carillon - 3rd place

Runners up:

Apollo Reinard

Jeanni Nishi

Sunn Thunders

SUNRISE SUNSET Premiere and Open Studio

2008-10-06T18:29:00.003-07:00

Location: Huntsman (160, 18, 301)

An open studio and SL premiere for “Sunrise Sunset,” Alizarin Goldflake's latest Immersive art creation, will take place on Sunday, October 12, 1- 3 pm PDT . As the viewer dances through the meadow of wildflowers or quietly contemplates the rising and setting sun from a cushion, his or her avatar becomes the centerpiece that completes the sculpture. Singing crickets, a hooting owl, and a calling osprey augment the warmth and peace of the build with evocative natural sounds. Thistledown blows on the SL wind, and on the dark side, there are spiders hidden in the grass. Alizarin will be present during the event.

The textures in this build are adapted from an RL digital drawing done with Corel Painter and a Wacom digitizing tablet and stylus. Installed as 3-D, the effect is like sitting inside the mind of the artist. The build also incorporates particles (drawn by the artist) and sounds, scripts, and an animation (made by others and modified by the artist).

Viewers are invited to enjoy the rest of the work in the Sky Studio. A Midnight environment settings is recommended, and the work is intended to be explored from many different angles by camera or avatar. Many of the pieces have a sit or float animation activated by a right click.. The TPs (brightly-colored cubes on the walls) connect to the first floor (2-D digital art and selected sculptures), the second floor (RL digital drawings), and The Particularium on the third floor. Atelier Alizarin is always open to the public, and visitors are welcome anytime.

Alizarin has been a RL professional visual artist for a long time. She shows in several prominent RL galleries, and her work is included in many RL museum, corporate, and private collections.

Haiku Speedbuild, September 25, 2008

2008-10-02T15:02:00.004-07:00

1st Place: Apollo Reinard

2nd Place: Peli Dieterle

Tie for 3rd Place: Oberon Onmura

Tie For 3rd Place: Corcosman Voom

Congratulations and happy building!

Visit the VAA Haiku Speedbuilds each Thursday at 6pm SLT

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blekinge/194/167/98

The VAA Burning Life Plot

2008-09-28T13:37:00.006-07:00

The Burning Man on YouTube
video by Chantal Harvey

Chantal's Burning Life plot is here.

My thanks to all of you who took part in creating our space here!

Burning Life (Babel) (202, 75, 24)

Haiku Speedbuild, September 11, 2008

2008-09-17T13:57:00.011-07:00

Sunn Thunders - 1st place

Oberon Onmura - 2nd place

Peli Dieterie - 3rd place

Alizarin Goldflake

Corcosman Voom

Goose Wycliffe

Heathers Miles

Ransom Silverspar

Rikard Bashly

Rik Zwiers

Claimed!

2008-09-09T09:33:00.003-07:00

Location: Burning Life (Babel) (204, 63, 24)

Burning Life 2008, land up for grabs!

2008-09-08T12:31:00.004-07:00

Burning Life is September 27 through October 5, 2008

Plots can be claimed during several periods this week. Check the Burning Life wiki page for details and schedule (and to find out what in the world Burning Life is).

We'll be claiming a plot for the VAA group again this year and I'll make an announcement as soon as we've laid our eager paws on it. Contact me if you're interested in taking part in the building. What will we create there? No idea yet but we will have until the 27th to complete the build.

- Rezago Kokorin

Haiku Speedbuild - September 4, 2008

2008-09-05T17:35:00.018-07:00

The voting was close this week, with a tie for 2nd place. The builds will be on display here until shortly before the next contest at 6pm SL time on Thursday the 11th.

1st place - Peli Dieterle

2nd place - Heathers Miles

2nd place - Lorimae Undercroft

3rd place - Sunn Thunders

Runners up:

Corcosman Voom

Jeanni Nishi

Madcow Cosmos

Oberon Onmura

Rikard Bashly

Contest Winners - 24/24 Haiku Build

2008-08-19T10:18:00.019-07:00

1st place - Misprint Thursday

2nd place - Audrey Fotherington

3rd place - Goose Wycliffe

And here are all of the other entries:

Corcosman Voom

Welcome Doobie

Cyanide Seelowe

Dale Innis

Heathers Miles

Jeanni Nishi

Juanita Deharo

Madscientist Balbozar

Peli Dieterle

Peri Afarensis

Rik Zwiers

Rose Farina

Senka Beck

Solo Mornington

Sunn Thunders

In progress: The 24/24 Haiku Building Challenge

2008-08-17T07:26:00.003-07:00

The haiku/theme.

With 20 participants so far, the contest is well under way!

The building phase of the contest ends at 6pm SL time today (August 17th). Voting will begin at that time and remain open until 6pm the next day when I'll announce the winners and award prizes.

Location: Blekinge Sculpture Park

The 24/24 Building Challenge

2008-08-15T17:51:00.004-07:00

At the last Haiku speedbuild the idea of having a 24 hour long contest came up and took root. The basic idea is that you will have 24 hours to build and a 24 prim limit to work with. Now the contest area is ready to go! There is a notecard giver at the arrival point where the voting board is. I'll post its contents below.

The contest begins on August 16th at 6pm SL time. Come and claim a pad now! (buy for L$0)

Location: Blekinge Sculpture Park

_______________________________________________________________

In this contest a haiku will be used as the theme. You will have a 24 prim limit and 24 hours in which to build an object or scene which represents the imagery or feel of the haiku. This contest is similar to our weekly event.

There are two building areas, each containing 12 pads, just to the east and west of the arrival point.

DATES:
August 16 - the 24 hour period of building begins at 6pm SL time.
The the theme will be announced and posted at the contest area, and you will be able to begin building.
August 17 - building ends at 6pm SL time. Voting begins (a voting board will be in place).
August 18 - Voting ends at 6pm SL time. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded shortly thereafter. Everyone's builds will be kept on display until the evening of the 21st.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

To enter, go to the contest area and claim one of the 5 x 5 meter building pads by buying it for L$0.

You may claim a building pad at anytime before and during the contest.

Your build must stay within the bounds of your pad, but with no height limit.

The prim limit is 24.

All prims must be new and not taked from inventory.

No giant prims.

You may use any textures and scripts that you have.

You may use particles and sculpties. When using particles please keep them confined to the neighborhood of your pad so as not to intrude on anyone else's area.

You may work together as a team on a single build if you wish. If you do so, please IM me (Rezago Kokorin) with the names of the team members. Prize money will be split among the team.

It isn't necessary for you to be at the contest area at the 6pm start time if you're unable to make it or have heard about the contest after it has begun. You may enter at anytime before the building period ends.

The winners will be chosen by popular vote.

PRIZES:
1st place: L$1000
2nd place: L$500
3rd place: L$250

Please IM Rezago Kokorin if you have any questions.

VAA Haiku Speedbuild Results 8/14/08

2008-08-15T09:04:00.006-07:00

1st Place-Misprint Thursday

2nd Place-Jeanni Nishi

3rd Place-Sunn Thunders

Visit the sculpture park to see the glow of Sunn's documents, the flex of Jeanni's pages and the layered transparencies in Misprint's...

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blekinge/213/174/99

VAA Speedbuild Results 8/7/08

2008-08-14T16:52:00.004-07:00

1st Place- Solo Mornington

2nd Place-Ransom Silverpar

3rd Place TIE- Peli Dieterle

3rd Place TIE- Misprint Thursday

Visit the sculpture park and join us here each Thursday at 6pm SLT

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blekinge/213/174/99

VAA Haiku Speedbuild Results 7/31/08

2008-08-07T15:14:00.006-07:00

Sunn Thunders 1st Place

Jeanni Nishi 2nd Place

Alizarin Goldflake 3rd Place

Visit the contest area to view the sculptures and

feel free to participate each Thursday night 6pm SLT!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Blekinge/211/177/99