Bria's Travels

Joe Halderman reading at Thothica SL

2012-02-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

SF author Joe Haldeman, winner of multiple Hugo and Nebula awards (Forever War, Accidental Time Machine, etc.), will be reading live from his latest book in Second Life at the main Library building in Thothica SL on Sunday, 5 February at 3PM SLT.

Earthbound, the third in the Starbound series, was released in late 2011. Everyone is welcome!
For more information, contact Elaine Lorefield or Simulat Almendros.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Clemson%20University%20Dev/141/130/29

Gracie Kendall's Project! Be sure to check it out!!

2011-11-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Are You Your Avatar?
2000 avatar portraits explore identity in online environments

The largest ever documentation of Second Life® avatars has reached another milestone.

Gracie Kendal, Los Angeles artist, Kristine Schomaker, in real life, has photographed her 2000th avatar and she has declared the project finished, at least for now.

Begun in October 2010, the 1000 Avatars Project is part of Gracie's ongoing examination of online identity and anonymity. Her inworld exhibition space on Coyote is stunning and humbling with its complexity of portraits of avatars from all corners of Second Life.

“In the portraits, I explore the representation of the avatar as a construct, distinct from any traditional notion of the self,” says Gracie. “I examine the sitter’s identity and probe below the avatar surface to reveal and comment upon their character, personality and their diversity.”

In June of this year, Gracie released a fine art book of the first thousand avatar portraits. 1000 Avatars Volume 1 was well received by the Second Life community and now Gracie is preparing to release the second and final volume of the series.

In volume 1, avatars are shown from the back, the way we view our own avatar in most situations, but also expressing the desire for anonymity in our virtual environment. In volume 2, however, Gracie has shown avatars in the traditional front view.

It was after the publication of 1000 Avatars Volume 1, that the Google corporation inadvertently set off a battle for online anonymity, the so-called “nym wars”, with the release of Google+. Both Facebook and Google+ were cancelling “fake” accounts of persons choosing to use avatar representations of themselves online.

“I realized I needed to show these people as strong, brave souls who are proud of their online identity,” Gracie says. “I felt showing each avatar in full front portraits was a way to stand up to these big online companies who are trying to take away our privacy."

1000 Avatars Volume 2 includes essays by virtual reality researcher, Garrett Cobarr, and Point Park University photography professor, Patrick Millard, who place the project in social and art history context.

For more information on the project or to purchase your copy of 1000 Avatars, visit Gracie's blog at http://1000avatars.wordpress.com/

Art and Art! Full Immersion

2011-11-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to be showing at Maryva Mayo Art Gallery along with Lookatmy Back and Loup Erin.
The show opened yesterday with Ultraviolet Alter performing. It was a wonderful opening and a huge success! I am very pleased for Maryva.

Her gallery is built under water and provides a unique experience, one truly not to be missed! I have quite a few new pieces there that have not been displayed elsewhere so please check it out. The show is open until December 13th :)

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hugo/200/182/23

Opening At Omega Pirats!

2011-11-08T13:17:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all that came to the opening at Omega Pirats this November 7th! I have quite a few new works there so please do stop by and take a look. There are many other fine artists showing there as well including the following:
Luciella Lutrova
Maryva Mayo
Harter Fall
Pol Jarvinen
Monroe Snook
Cherry Manga
Chuckmatrix Clip
Van Caerndow
Winter Nightfire
Littleone Aries
Josina Burgess
Daco Monday
Nessuno Myoo
All the artists are showing creative and wonderful pieces, well worth a visit. Please be sure to stop by Omega and browse...during this next month!

BURN 2- Freedom to fly

2011-10-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Please come by for the final two days of Burning Man! There are many wonderful builds here reflecting the incredible artistic talents of artists from throughout the grid. In addition to the builds, there are several venues that feature music throughout the day.

I was very honored to have been interviewed by Metaverse Arts regarding my build and that interview can be seen here. http://metaversearts.wordpress.com/.

You can also find LM's to the "invited artists" builds at this website.

My build can be viewed here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Hualapai/178/237/24.

Be sure to stop by and experience the virtual "Burn". It is an experience not to be missed!

Inworldz Dreamz & Visionz Festival Announcement

2011-10-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

"INWORLDZ: DREAMS OF MY HEART, VISIONS OF MY MIND"

October 2, 2011

The founder of Alexanderia's Kingdom, Jeri Rajha, is pleased to announce the organization of an arts festival in the virtual world of InWorldz. The "Inworldz Dreamz & Visionz" festival will be a juried event with prizes to be awarded to the selected first and second place winners on each of the four SIM's. Applications are being received now for up to 64 plots for either individuals or for teams of up to four artists. The festival will commence on November 1st with the plot assignments and plots open for build. Then on the 12th of November an opening event will be held and the artists works will be open to view and the judges will begin their selections.

Information for the Artists:

- If you haven't already done so, you will need to create an account and log into InWorldz. Applications are available through festival organizers and in key locations through out the grid. Additionally festival information can be obtained through the Inworldz event forum.

- 64 plots available - each 32 x32 m ground foot print, with 900 prims each plot

- Low lag scripts (scripting guidelines will be supplied)

- Individual or teams of up to 4 creators

- Builds must not be commercial - no selling or advertising other than a NC or LM to gallery or store of the creator/s

- Gifts are ok - please use the giver script supplied

- Plots will be allocated by lot (i.e. randomly)

- Creators will be supplied with a foot print prim with path and orientation indicators to begin building offsite if required

- Sky platforms over the plot are allowed but must be above 500m, not be larger than the ground footprint and have a TP to the platform on the ground

Prizes:

- 1st and 2nd prizes will be given for each SIM (4 first & 4 second)

- Prize money will be raised via tip jars on the SIM's

- All contributing creators will get a small participatory monetary gift

Application Process:

IW resident can send their completed Application Notecard to Jeri Rahja. Also IM her so she can chase any NC that get lost. Once all plots are filled the plots on the SIM's will be allocated by random ballot. The lucky 64 individuals/teams will be notified via NC and IM and supplied with a creator's package which will include further info on how to proceed.

Key Dates:

October 1st - 25th applications for plots open

October 27th - Plot allocations go out

November 1st - SIM's open to creators

November 12th - building completed - events start - judging starts

November 21st and 22nd - Judging concludes

November 22nd - prizes announced and presented

Festival Organizers:

Jeri Rahja

quadrapop Tree

Festival Sponsors

IW Founders represented by Elenia Llewellyn

Festival Team:

Building - Alizarin Goldflake

Graphics - Miso Susanowa

PR/Media - Nazz Lane / Briawinde Magic

Scripting - Zauber Paracelsus

Events/stage manager - TBD

Festival Judges:

- McCabe Maxsted

- TBD

Burn2 - "Freedom to Fly"

2011-10-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Burning Man is now open! Please stop by and see the wonderful creations and listen to the music!

I am pleased to say my build is going to be covered in an episode of Metaverse Arts! I was honored to have been selected for an interview which took place at my installation on Thursday, September 29th. The episode should be showing early next week.

My build is called "Freedom to Fly" and is an abstract characterization of a boy, maturing and entering into adulthood. His "wings" signify this maturation process, leaving his childhood behind.

I hope you have time to visit it and let me know what you think!

Bid4aCure Event at Solwinde Gallery

2011-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

***Please note change of Date!! It is now being held September 29th at 400pm SLT to 500pm SLT!******

Please come join me September 29th (this Thursday) at Solwinde Gallery for a special music event to support Bid4aCure!. This organization was formed to support diabetes research focusing on finding a permanent cure. All proceeds are given to the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK.

Please come join me for this worthy event!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tobias/153/179/916

Burn...SL 2011

2011-09-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

It has been so much fun to create for Burning Man :) ...the ideas....thoughts..and consolidation..to a final creation has been months in the making.

The builds are wonderful this year. I hope you can come and see...when burning man is open to the public :)

"Back to Home" By Nessuno Myoo

2011-09-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today I made it a point to make the opening for Nessuno Myoo's newest work "Back to Home" at the Sakharov Sim. Nessuno is an extremely talented 3D builder whose works have been made entirely by prim twisting. He is a true "prim master" in Second Life and I am happy I was there for the opening to see his new creation:)

"Back to Home" is the story of a trip, using a great galleon that Nessuno created and suspended in the sky. A must see! Be sure to read his notecard at the site

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sakharov/103/119/62

Opening at Two SHores Gallery Guest Artist Annex

2011-09-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Please come join me for my opening at Two Shores Gallery! I am pleased to have been invited to show at Two Shores Gallery by the owner Mathilde Vhargon. She is also a wonderful artist in her own right and her gallery can be found across the walkway from the guest gallery.

I am showing many of my latest works at this show, not shown elsewhere in SL. My works tend to be peaceful and colorful. Creating this types of works bring a sense of peace and calmness to me as I hope they do for you.

Please stop by! I would love to see you there!

Date and Time : September 17th, Noon SLT time
Location: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Holland/177/77/22

2011-09-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening Tonight 9/4, 6:00pm at SLT Hotel Chelsea! Fun dancing and music. Hope to see you there!
Includes 9 artists works!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lanestris/58/153/99

Bid4Cure@Solwinde Gallery

2011-08-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am helping Bid4Cure raise money for the American Diabetes Association. You can find a syringe next to my gallery sign where donations for this worthy organization can be placed. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Let's help fund the research necessary for finding a cure, once and for all for diabetes.

I will also contribute proceeds from the sale of art to this organization so please drop on by and help out this worthy cause!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tobias/159/162/915.

New Openings and Exhibitions

2011-08-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that I will be showing at Hotel Chealsea, Gallery 23 from 9/1 to 10/30 and at Two Shores Gallery from 9/17 to 10/15. These Galleries are run by two delightful individuals who are also wonderful artists in their own right.
Hotel Chelsea, Gallery 23 is run by enola Vaher and can be found at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lanestris/34/129/99.

Please also be sure to check out enola Vaher's personal gallery called the Finely Torn 'id". This gallery can be found at the following URL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lanestris/26/111/99.

Two Shores gallery is owned by Mathilde Vhargon where you can also find her wonderful creations. Her URL is http://slurl.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Holland/204/150/2.

I am honored to also be currently showing at Aneli's Gallery with several other excellent artists. (From 8/22 to 9/21). The URL for this gallery is http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lanestris/69/132/99. This gallery is owned by Aneli Abeyante, a kind and generous artist.

To all, thank you for the opportunity to show my work!

Art in SL - continued

2011-08-22T21:13:00.001-07:00

This blog is a bit of a "revisit" to an issue I addressed on 7/30. I still stand where I did then as to what is "art" and what is just deplorable and inexcusable behavior. I have revisited some of the writings by other artists, and have found that the writings have been substantially modified since the original postings. However the general message has remained the same.

While I was reading these writings and comments I found myself somewhat amused as well as feeling the need to raise my eyebrows at the comments made. These writings and comments were written in the defense of a bully (and "self proclaimed" artist) in SL. The comments made in defense of the bullying often were .."well they are nice to me". The fact that bullies are capable of being nice to some is no excuse for their bullying behavior. However, these adults clearly seemed to think so (hence the raised eyebrows^^). This is the line of rationale preteens and teenagers use when they fear bullies or, when they tend to be a bit of a bully themselves and don't understand how ludicrous, immature and ugly this behavior is. It also amuses me, because bullies are generally nice to those they are not currently bullying and are usually the nicest to their "next victim." All I will say is "good luck with that" to those that excuse this behavior due to the fact that "they are nice to me". No one is exempt from a bully and their attacks. (I recall one artist in SL who actively supported this behavior in a public format not that long ago. She was harassed so badly by the person she was defending she quickly changed her tune. :D)

Other comments included "she is alive!"...That amused me as well. I know so many people in SL and RL that are alive, fun, exciting, thrilling to be with and that have interesting, educated and diverse opinions. Not a single one is a bully. I would recommend those that feel her behavior is justifiable because she is "alive" take a look at their definition of "alive" and take a look at themselves. It sounds like it is time to reassess...

I also find it rather interesting when I see "support" of the bullying as "art" by "definitions" being quoted as to what "constitutes art". The attempt is then made to connect these broad definitions with the happenings in SL and the conclusion "well this proves, that it is art!". It is difficult to totally "buy" into these arguments as presented when considering the facts and circumstances as the definitions and arguments can only be loosely associated with actual events in SL. In addition, one can find many different definitions as to what constitutes "art" and depending on their outlook, one can find a definition that will support their arguments. As we all know, any writer, artist, sociologist, art historian, anyone for that matter, can define art as they please, that doesn't make their definitions correct or indisputable or even humanly decent.

To discuss this further, can we argue that it is "art" in RL for someone to desecrate the art of another? For example, can I take piss, spray paint or dog scat and cover Michelangelo's works with it and call it "art"? Insist that it is "art" then insult and berate in a public format (i.e. blog) anyone who says it is not art? Then claim my attacking of individuals that disagree with me is also "art"? Can I take dead animal remains and spread them over someones art and call that "art?" Can I harass any one individual, disclosing distorted, misleading and bias information about them in a public format (i.e. blog), insult them, abuse them and spew ugliness at them in public format and insist that this is "art"? (Actually that last one is practiced by a fair number of far right-wing political columnists and far right-winged politicians every day in the USA. They do this to detract from the fact that they have nothing of value or intelligence to share with the community. Perhaps this is the case in SL as well...however I digress... ) ........ In a virtual sense this is what goes on in SL and this is what is being called "art".

I really have to shake my head that individuals would be compelled to support this behavior in a public format regardless of their rationale for doing so. There are behaviors that are just not excusable for any reason. To support such behavior does put the supporter on the "same level" as the bullier. While I know the young, and the emotionally immature would do so I truly don't know any mature, reasonable or rationale adult that would (assuming they truly thought through their words and the message they are sending). In addition I do not personally know any artist in SL that would really want people to have that impression of them. I will personally give the "benefit of the doubt" to the artists that wrote in support of the bully's behavior and assume they wrote in haste, without thinking through what they have said.

In summary, if the behavior is not "OK" for an 8 year old..its not "OK" for an adult..and certainly can never be considered art. As they teach children on the playground, play nicely with others, don't support bullies and report bullies to the those in charge. This fosters a much healthier and a much more creative environment for everyone. Maybe we artists in SL need to put our "big boy or big girl pants" back on so we can revisit this lesson and relearn what we should never have forgotten in the first place :D.

Smiles as a matter of background, I have worked as a business professional with world reknown photographers, actors, actresses and some of the wealthiest individuals in the USA with businesses that extend worldwide. Every single one of them acts with appropriate decorum, kindness and respect. There is no bullying nor do they support bullying nor does a single one have the "attitude" I am better then "you". I have also had the pleasure to chat with artists that are well-known in the USA as well as Europe. None of them would condone this behavoir or consider it "art". When I do come to SL and see this behavior, it makes me shake my head once more. Its what I call, "The big fish in a little pond" syndrome. To be frank, I am not impressed.

New exhibits and showings :)

2011-08-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

My exhibit at EAST Galleries of the Arts is now open for viewing. be sure to stop by!

The exhibition was an exercise in using the same fractal to create various images of flowers, seeds, leaves and petals (some say even birds..). Each piece is unique and different yet similar at the same time. Come by and tell me what you think!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Georgiana/212/152/105.

I am pleased to say I have been invited to show at Aneli's Gallery! Other artists showing are: Solkide Auer, Daco Monday, Asperix Asp and Talullah Winterwolf. I am showing different types of art forms here, as a reflection of the mediums I have been using in SL.

The exhibit opens on 8/22/2011 at 1200PM SL time. I would love to see you there!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Boom/157/229/133.

Art Auction to benefit A.R.T.C.

2011-08-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at 1:00pm SLT there will be an art auction to benefit the nonprofit - A.R.T.C - Achieving Recovery through Creativity. The works of Filthy Fluno and Winter Nightfire will be auctioned off and proceeds will be donated to the charity. Music and a brief introduction to both artists will preceed the auction.

This charity helps individuals express themselves through art. It began as a program to provide substance abusing adolescents the resources they needed to convey their talents and emotions in a safe environment. It has since expanded its scope significantly. Information regarding the nonprofit can be found at http://pfh.rog/artc

The auction and music will be at Filthy's sim- Artopolis
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artropolis/16/92/21.

New Location

2011-08-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I am honored to have been asked to exhibit my works at East Galleries of Art owned by Ernie Farstrider. I was given one floor and told to fill it with "themed based art". Being rather new at art, (I should say art that can be imported) I initially thought it would be problematic and I was more then a bit concerned.

It took me 4 12 hour days but I managed to get it done! I created 7 new pieces, themed around my fractal florals that I had already created for another location. Please come by and see these works and let me know what you think!

There have been many fine artists asked to exhibit here including but not limited to: Tani Thor, Monrie Snook, Fioan Leitner, Winter Nightfire, Riala sandalwood. Please come by to the first floor for a complete listing.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Georgiana/212/153/105 (my floor)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Georgiana/214/157/26 (artist listing by floor)

new posting

2011-08-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

After encouragement from someone very close to me, I have decided to keep the blog for awhile longer. I am not sure how this will progress or what I will discuss on these pages. I am basically giving it a "clean slate", getting rid of the old and starting anew.

ART in SL

2011-07-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

What constitutes art? At what point in time is the term "art" used to excuse inappropriate behavior? I have to ask myself this question when I see "discussions" about art in SL.

Art has been used as a form of expression since the beginning of mankind. Is there a definition? Not that I have found. It is rather "open ended" sometimes described as anything that reflects "emotion". So I find myself looking at it from another angle.

We, (well most of the world) have standards for appropriate social behavior. How should we behave toward one another? For example, it is considered appropriate to discuss societal ills in an open forum. While some of these discussions can be very heated and often out of control, they are an expression that is generally accepted. Many artists have a style of discussing societal ills in their works, plays etc. that speak loudly and sometimes graphically. The discussion of societal ills is accepted although incensing one to violence is generally not tolerated. If art is used to raise awareness of the world around us, whether we appreciate the art or not, it is hard to argue that it is not art.

So, is there a point where "expression" no longer qualifies as art? I believe there is a point. The point is reached when any one of the following occurs: 1. When the behavoir could get a facebook account deleted, 2. when the behavoir could result in formal charges of harrassment. (and yes in the USA, criminal charges of harrassment can be filed against those who cyper bully. Information on this can be found on the FBI website) 3. When under "normal" circumstances it could get their virtual world identity deleted. 4. when the behavior is directed at any one individual or a small group of individuals with total disrespect. 5. when the individual thrives on attention to the exclusion of decency in their discourse about other individuals. 6. Where the individual is so consumed with the "me first mentality" that they disrupt art showings, performances and galleries of others trying to direct attention away from those that deserve it.

What I have described above is how a bully behaves. I have read arguments that say this sort behavior is "art". The argument is that it is an expression of "emotion'. This argument truly does not hold up. A bully generally bullies those he/she could care less about. The bully isn't reacting with emotion..just coldness. They bully because they lack feelings of empathy towards others. Therefore, bullying is done without emotion, not with.

I do find it a sad reflection on our society that some feel bullying can be described as an art form. I do believe we have a responsibility as artists and citizens of this world (both virtual and real) to understand there is a clear difference. Bottom line is that a bully is a bully, nothing more and nothing less. Granted, there are artists that are bullies. However, few would claim that their bullying is their "art form". It also should be noted that a bully is generally nice to others with the exception of those they are bullying. However, no one is exempt from their behavior and being "nice" to some is no excuse. This type of behavior is the behavior of an immature and 'unbalanced" individual, not an emotionally healthy or mature individual. We all have a responsibility, as a world society, to say harrassment of individuals is just not ok and harrassment of individuals is not art by any means.

Ignoring works well with bullies. Don't allow a bully a platform. They do get bored and will eventually give up.

Lastly, if an 8 year old can't use "art" as an excuse for bullying how can an adult?