Some Exhibits And An Event At The SL22B

 

The Second Life Birthday has begun, and there's plenty of exhibits, and music events, going on.  Bixyl Shuftan was there, and took a some pictures of a few exhibits, and made it to one music event. 

 

Read and see more in Events. 

 

 

The Heterocera Embassy Opening, And A Glance At The SLEA

 

Gemma's been getting back into business from her recent leave by diving into a few events. After a stop at the Cuban Cafe, she headed over to the Second Life Endowment for the Arts, her first visit in a while, and was pleasantly surprised by what she saw. Then she attended another Bellisserian Embassy opening, this one in Heterocera.

Read Gemma's story in Events.
 

Second Life Spotlight

 

Linden Lab is putting the "spotlight" on residents that have stood out for making a well-designed builds, constructing a fantastic-looking sim, being a driving force behind a dynamic community, a tireless fundraiser whom has raised plenty of money over time for a good cause, an educator whom has given many classes and/or lectures, or some other noteworthy accomplishment.

In honor of the boundless creativity exhibited by Residents over the years, we would like to announce Second Life Spotlight. This weekly post will feature a different Resident to showcase the spectrum of experiences and personalities found in our virtual world.

Whether you have built a cyberpunk metropolis or a serene English garden, we’d love to know your story. Our Flickr is bursting with the work of virtual photography pros, and the live music scene hasn’t missed a beat over the years. Machinima, salsa dancing, the possibilities are truly endless.

If you have created something inworld that you’re proud of and want to share, this is your moment. This isn’t limited to creators. Second Life is home to educators, activists, and community leaders for the underrepresented. If you have had a deeply meaningful experience that could brighten someone else’s day, please sign up!


To sign up for the spotlight, go to the Google doc page (here), and type your name and email adress, and describe a little about yourself and what you do in Second Life, as well as providing a link to a website or social media page where more can be learned about you.

The Lab has already started their Spotlight, several days ago putting it on Second Life artist Bryn Oh.

Today we are shining a spotlight on Bryn Oh. Many Residents are familiar with her work, as she is one of the most talented virtual artists of our time and has spent more than a decade creating art in the virtual world of Second Life.

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One small problem, the page to nominate someone for the Spotlight is made to nominate yourself and no one else. And there are plenty of people whom deserve the spotlight such as Kiana Banana (originally Kiana Writer) of Madpea for her games over the years, content creator Sugar Paw aka Casio Microline (Casio2000), Homes For Our Troops Fundraiser Frets Nirvana, Newser reporter Gemma Cleanslate who's been reporting the news across Second Life for well over a decade, and numerous Relayers such as Stingray Raymaker, Trader Whiplash,  and Matt Carlton.

Perhaps there will be a change as time goes on. For now, Linden Lab says there will be a new person in the spotlight every week.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

News In Brief

 
There's a lot going on, and only a little time to write about it. So here's some news in brief that we will try to describe in more detail later.

The Veterans Tribute is back in Second Life. To check it out, head to Rainbow Dream (128/128/21).

The Film Threat Theater has a new movie, made by a small independent studio, being reviewed: "Corona Zombies," and they plan to review a new one every month.

In the official blog, Linden Lab has the "Spotlight" on noted artist Bryn Oh.

There's a couple new places for gaming in Second Life. One is in Bellisseria at Zwischen (79/228/33). The other is at Montecito Bay, their new Arcade at Montecito Bay (118/223/22).

In the Web User Group on November 3, Inara Pey wrote that the Lab says they haven't given up on making a mobile app, and is aware that many residents were disappointed at the news of development being halted. But the pause will likely last for "a number of weeks." There was also some talk about the Zenescope NFT Sweepstakes, there should be a new batch of last names around Christmas, and some Marketplace store owners are reporting drops in income of 30 to 50 percent.

There's more going on about Facebook changing its name to Meta, such as a computer company already having the name, and the owner asking for $20 million for it (IGN article). Neal Stephenson, the author of the the novel Snow Crash that coined the term "Metaverse," had a few things to say about Facebook's move (Axios article), as did Grumpy Linden in an interview with a French magazine (Modem World article).

More on these subjects, and more, when we have time. 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

EOTB: Linden Lab Announces Oz Linden's Retirement Gift

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In February, Oz Linden retired from Linden Lab after 11 years of work. There's no record if he got a gold watch. But he did just receive a retirement gift from the Lab: a small bronze statue courtesy of Second Life artist Bryn Oh. The announcement was last Friday, September 24.

To celebrate Oz and his many contributions to the community, Linden Lab commissioned talented artist Bryn Oh to create a special bronze sculpture of his avatar as a retirement gift. Using an image of his avatar as a reference, Bryn created Oz in a very unique way -- the infamous Second Life “away” pose.

So why did Bryn Oh have Oz in that position? He would answer with this:

I felt it was nice to make Oz in "away" because maybe retirement its more of an adieu than a goodbye.  Or maybe I am just too sentimental.

The Newser first reported the news about the bronze statuette last month. It's not the first time Bryn worked with bronze. In 2017, she was making some based on her works in Second Life.

For the Linden blog post, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Artist Bryn Oh Makes Real-Life Statue of Oz Linden For Linden Lab

 

Second Life artis Bryn Oh has been known for various artistic displays in Second Life, such as her Rabbicorn. But she has also been doing some real life art, such as the bronze sculptures she made in 2017.  Recently in Facebook, Bryn announced she had been doing more bronze statue art. But this time, it was Linden Lab itself that requested the sculpture, in honor of Oz Linden, whom had retired in February this year after 11 years.

Several months ago I was approached by Linden Lab, the makers of the virtual world I use for my art,  to create a retirement gift for Oz Linden a long time and very well known Linden Lab employee.  They asked me to create a bronze sculpture of his avatar.

Bryn used a couple of images of Oz from the 2019 interview of him an April Linden (though mistook April as the one doing the interviewing). The resulting sculpture was 12 inches high, and was slumped forward in the style of an AFK avatar.

I created a 12 inch sculpture of Oz and it is being shipped to Linden Lab right now so yay.  When creating the pose for the sculpture I decided to make Oz in an "away" pose.   An away pose is unique to the virtual world in that when a person doesn't touch their keyboard for a while because they have gone to make tea or went to walk the dog.. their avatar will time out and be put in the "away" pose which is slumped over and asleep looking.

So why put Oz in this particular pose? Bryn would explain with the following:

I felt it was nice to make Oz in "away" because maybe retirement its more of an adieu than a goodbye.  Or maybe I am just too sentimental.

So the scuplture was made in a way that expressed a wish that Oz wasn't really gone, just having stepped away for a while to return later.

Images from Bryn Oh's Facebook page

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Interview With Bryn Oh

  

Among the artists in Second Life, Bryn Oh is one known to many longtime residents. She not only does art, but some of her exhibitions such as "The Rabbicorn" used art to tell a story. Anita Kimono (Kayly Iali), recently interviewed Bryn. The artist discussed how she came to be an artist, her influences and inspirations, and more.
 
Read the story in Design.
 

Survivors of Suicide's 10th Anniversary Christmas Fair.

As the holiday season comes to a close, there was one Christmas event that escaped the Newser's attention, until now. Survivors of Suicide is having it's "Tenth Anniversary Christmas Fair," which ends On January 1. It's Grand Closing Gala is scheduled to happen sometime today, Sunday December 30th. The event takes place slightly more than 4000 meters over the Wayward sim.

This Christmas Fair is happening for many reasons.  It’s our 10th Anniversary and we want to celebrate that accomplishment with everyone in Second Life.  Also, it’s giving us a chance to raise funds to make sure we are on the grid for everyone in need for the foreseeable future.  Last, but definitely not least, we are having this event to raise awareness of our group for anyone who may be in need or would like to come on as a mentor.  We know that the holidays are a hard time for many, and we want you to know that S.O.S. is here for you.

I found a number of shops in the area with a number of items from avatars to furniture to accessories, and more. The stalls have at least one item in which 100% of the sales go to SoS. There were also a few items there donated by Second Life artist Bryn Oh. At a frozen lake was a dance area. There was also a gacha machine where one could get surprise items. All the Lindens used to buy gacha items go to the SoS. There was a photo contest people could vote on. In another corner were games people could play.

If you or a friend or family member are feeling the holiday blues, or you are worried for yourself or someone else, we are here for you.  Grab any information that would be helpful at our information booth and if you need to talk to someone, check our Holiday Cuddle Corner, where mentors and members will be standing by to help with those Holiday Blues. If no one is available on site, join our group, there is always someone in chat to talk to.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wayward/196/214/4003

Bixyl Shuftan

Second Life Artist Bryn Oh Making Real-Life Cash From Bronze Statuettes Made From Inworld Build

One question some people in real life often ask me about Second Life is how one can make money. It seems Second Life Bryn Oh has found one way. She has sold almost thirty statues for over six thousand dollars.

In April, Bryn Oh announced in her blog that she would be making bronze statuettes based on "The Dancer," the name given to a figure in her work "The Hand." She stated that while she had crossed over her work from Second Life to real life before, "In the past it has been things like Museum exhibits at the Menage museum in Moscow, the Jewish museum in Berlin, with oil paintings of my avatar or characters ... I have, in the past, created studies for my characters in wire, wood and something called Hyrdrocal but after speaking to my friend Toy, I decided to make the jump into Bronze.  It is a big jump because it is quite expensive to do and you kind of just have to hope someone will want to buy them after you have invested in having them made."

The first model of The Dancer were made through 3D printing. From that, a wax model was created, then used to make the cast for the bronze statues, "We used the lost wax process to create a mold to hold the molten bronze.  Essentially you create a cast around the model then melt it so that the wax runs out leaving a cavity to pour the bronze into." A total of thirty statuettes, each about four inches tall were created. They were then priced in the order they were made. The first five were priced from $400 to $300 USD, the second set of five $275, the third set of five $250, and so on with four of the last five priced at $150. Bryn Oh announced in early June that the statues were complete.

Bronze casting requires some expense, so Bryn Oh was taking a chance. But people were making orders starting in the few days after the announcement. When I met up with Bryn Oh at the Second Life Birthday, she told me a told of 21 of the thirty statues had been sold. Since then, the number has gone up to 27, for a total of $6650 USD. It seems the thirtieth statuette will not be sold after all.

Bryn Oh thought she might make more bronze statuettes in the future, "I am thinking of making a new one in six months ... not sure what to make, though. I was looking at characters I have made over the years, "Rabbicorn" to "Anna's Many Murders" to "Mr. Zippers." She also had one in Sansar she might use.

Considering most of her first release of her work on sale sold, further statues should sell well. Another example of someone in Second Life going on to make real-life money for her work.

Source: Bryn Oh's Blog

Bixyl Shuftan

Press Release: Kultivate Spring 17 Art Show

Kultivate Magazine is pleased to announce its second annual Spring Art Show! This show will feature a week long celebration of 2D and 3D art. Over 50 artists are participating in this week long show. The event will feature both a juried and non juried component. Juried participants are competing to win a shared prize pot, gift cards, and more. The week long show will feature a variety of live performers, tribute bands, DJ parties, a photo contest, and two special hunts. This year’s event will also feature a new series, “Art Talks,” which will feature informational sessions on a variety of topics such as photography in Second Life, copyright and Creative Commons, Photoshop and GIMP tips, and more.

Participating artists are (in alphabetical order): Alexavion, Alpha Auer, Amona Savira, Anouk Lefavre, Aradia Aridian, Artandsoul Constantine, Belua Broadfoot, Bevie Oh, Bryn Oh, Calystiamoonshadow, Catalina Staheli, Daisydaze, Byrnedarkly Cazalet, Elle Thorkveld, Emberdearheart, Dakota Lavarock, Grazietta Cazenove, Hana Hoobinoo, Ilyra Chardin, Eucalyptus Carroll, Isis Desmoulins, Iskye Silverweb, Jaime Poutine, Jamee Sandalwood, Honey Bender, Justmetrying Resident, Inquisitor Titanium, Kayly Iali, Kodymeyers Resident, Layachi Ihnen, Lucia Tophat, Jayapplebutt, Kacey Macbeth, Myra Wildmist, Ninaporras, Paradox Messmer, Retroye Resident, Roxaane Fyanucci, Sabine Mortenwold, Sandi Benelli, Saulgoodie Resident, Lulyboop, Sheba Blitz, Silas Merlin, Slatan Dryke, Michael Lysios, Sparkie Cyberstar, Syphera Inaka, Talligurl Resident, Tisephone, Tiszo Cioc, Pam Astonia, Vivienne Darcy, Warm Clarity, Wintergeist Resident, Sch511 Resident, Solde Rothmanay, and Veruca Tammas.

The Kultivate Spring 17 Art Show would not be possible without the following sponsors: MadPea Productions, The Keys Live Music Venues and Management Group, Chiffon, Sonatta Morales, and Mahlberg Tailors. Media partners for the week long event are: The SL Enquirer, Seraphim, The SL Parade, Port Elysium News, and The Miss SL Organization.

About Kultivate Magazine:
Kultivate Magazine is a publication about the cultural aspects of Second Life. The goal of Kultivate Magazine is to support art, culture, photography, music, and fashion. Kultivate Magazine consists of the magazine, The Edge and The Edge Gallery, The Windlight Art Gallery,  The Red Gallery,  The Kultivate Bailywick Gallery, The Kultivate Select Gallery, Ristorante Ivanna, and The Tribute and Crown Pub. Kultivate Magazine is proud to be the media partner and primary sponsor of Team Diabetes of Second Life, an official and authorized team for The American Diabetes Association

For More Information:
https://kultivatemagazine.com/kultivate-magazine-spring-2017-art-show/

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/146/139/22

Bryn Oh's "Hand"

Bryn Oh, a noted Second Life artist, recently opened a new exhibition to the public, "Hand." Like her best known works, she uses three-dimensional art to tell a story. Here she describes Flit, a robed figure carrying a mannequin's going about a ruined area. Gemma Cleanslate went to take a look for the Newser. Dark but very detailed, this is an exhibit art lovers, especially those whom are fans of Bryn's work, will find interesting.

Read Gemma's story in Design.

Avi Choice Awards Results

Yesterday, the Avi Choice Awards, hosted by Trader Whiplash and Nuala Maracus, were held for the final time. There were many dozens of categories from the practical to the artistic that were given three categories: Fashion, the Arts, and SLife. Among the winners were ...

Favorite Sim to Explore - Madpea by Kiana Writer

Favorite Hunt Organizer - Madpea

Favorite Place to Take a Date - Calas Galadhon Park by Tymus Tenk and Truck Merideth

Favorite Second Life Group - Builders Brewery

Favorite Recorded Show - Drax Files by Draxtor Despress

Favorite Machinima Artist/Videographer - Bryn Oh

Favorite Artist - Bryn Oh

Favorite Art Gallery - Rose Theater by Kaya Angel

Favorite Dance Troupe - Guerilla Burlesque  by Chrybind Scribe

Favorite Pop Singer - Macamillion Kleene

Favorite Radio DJ - Trader Whiplash

There were some surprises. The "Favorite Annual Event" was the Hair Fair by Sasy Scarborough, which beat the RFL Fantasy Faire, and the better known Relay for Life season and the Second Life Birthday celebration. Another surprise was "Favorite Magazone, Newspaper, or Periodical," which was won by "Love to Decorate" which beat out the better known Second Life Enquirer, Prim Perfect, the Best of Second Life, and the Second Life Newser.

Congratulations to the winners.

SL Video: "Bryn Oh's Immersiva Sim - Singularity of Kumiko"

(Click here if the video fails to load)

By Krysta Ember on April 9, a look at noted Second Life artist Bryn Oh's "Singularity of Kumiko" exhibit.

Bryn Oh's "Music And Art Event For ALS"

Many of us remember the "Ice Bucket Challenge" for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) a year and a half ago. Achieving pop-culture status, it raised a lot of money, including here in Second Life. Today, the quest for funds for research continues. Recently Bryn Oh teamed up with an Italian ALS fundraising group, contributing an artistic exhibit for an art auction, with the proceeds going to charity.

Read more in Events.

A Busy Weekend

It was quite a weekend in Second Life. The Roman community held it's Lupercalia festival, several events over two days. The Science Circle had a couple discussions. Second Life artist Bryn Oh put up a work of hers for auction at an ALS benefit (pictured above). A new theater opened to show a classic play. These and more happened this weekend. We'll get to some of them in detail when we have a moment to write about them.

Bryn Oh's "Music And Art Event For ALS" Today

Bryn Oh is offering one of her artwork creations up for auction to raise money for a charity for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's Disease). She explained the details in her blog, giving a personal account of her father's mobility gradually taken by the disease, "like this bird.  Flying, making song and forever on the move until suddenly a string catches its foot.  It gets more and more trapped until eventually all is taken from it."

"The work is simply called "To Dad, Love Bryn" and all proceeds from its auction go to  AISLA Onlus.  If you wish to donate, listen to music or bid on this work then here is the slurl.  The event begins tomorrow at 2pm SLT with Lisa Brune performing and will have various musicians and DJs until February 28th when the auction and event closes.  There are three other wonderful artists involved with original artwork you can bid on as well, Mistero Hifeng, Solkide Auer and Kicca Igaly."

The event, at 2PM, takes place at: Sandstorm (133/141/3906) .

The Windlight Winter Art Show

The Relay for Life's Christmas Expo is not the only charity event going on in Second Life. Team Diabetes in Second Life is having it's Windlight Winter Art Show in cooperation with Windlight magazine. The show features a number of artists, such as Bryn Oh, and photographers. Plus there are a number of places to ship. Gemma Cleanslate dropped by on Press Day to get a look at things, and was not disappointed.

Read Gemma's article in Events.

SL Video: "Scissors"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

From Bryn Oh on August 2015, "A girl drops her scissors onto the grass when startled during a lightning storm. The scissors land in the soil, one blade piercing it, creating an almost religious symbol or icon which draws forth an Emperor Moth to perch upon it. From there other insects are slowly drawn to the mysterious artifact and soon begin to worship the symbol and its moth. Soon they begin to fight amongst themselves. The girl looks down upon the tiny world at her feet and is dismayed to see what her scissors have caused. A seemingly innocent tool taken and then distorted into something quite different. After seeing how they have changed, she ponders for a while, then eradicates them. A girl transformed into a Goddess for a little world of insects."

Scenes of Bryn Oh's "Strange Bedfellows" Party at Immersiva

Bryn Oh is noted for her artistic builds at her Immersiva sim. But when a musician reminded her no events have been held there, she decided to have one. So last weekend, a number of people dropped by to listen to her favorite songs being played.

See the pictures in Events.

The Weekend in Brief

This weekend saw several events take place. One was the discussion about the new Bright Canopy tablet and PC viewer on Saturday (picture above). Also that day, noted SL artist Bryn Oh held a a music event on her Immersiva sim. That evening, Marianne McCann held the last of her firework shows for the year. Sunday saw the opening of the Sound Mind exhibit at LEA 26. Taking place before and after the weekend were the 10th Anniversary Story Hunt at Bare Rose, and the Fifth Annual Renaissance Fair.