The Artisan July 2008

CONTENTS iSSUE oNE

P
E
T
R

V
A
N
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C
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S I L V E R D R A K E s p a r r o w

1 The Artisan / July 2008

 The Artisan July 2008
CONTENTS iSSUE oNE
FEATURES

2 Darkadia 2 In10SE Iwish 7 Into

the
Journey into the
depths of this Artists’ night
mind and imagination.
An inside look at the
Its dark. Its Edgy. Join
creative mind of a
us as we sit down and
gentlemen that loves living
chat to silverdrake
in the “night” with his
sparrow.
latest works, but shines
brighter then the most
brilliant star. This is Petr
vanbeeck.

i s a n
A RT
The

2 The Artisan / July 2008

 The Artisan July 2008
CONTENTS iSSUE oNE

3 The Artisan / July 2008

 Editor In - Chief
Wyatt Benoir

Creative Director Emerald Ebe

Eberhart
Managing Editor Isabella Johin

Features
Resident Interviewers Jeza May
Mylena Aquitane

Resident Fashionistas Sabastian westland

Strawberry Singh
Lyra Nitely
Caleb Rickena

On - Location Reviewers Skye Donardson

Kade Klata
Lem Skall

Resident Photographers Cienega Soon

Isabella Johin
Colemarie Soleil
Kade Klata

4 The Artisan / July 2008

 The Artisan July 2008
Letter from the editor iSSUE oNE

5 The Artisan / July 2008

6 The Artisan / July 2008
ARTisan Photography

7 The Artisan / July 2008

 BY MYLENA AQUITAINE

Petr
Vanbeeck
Flickr stream :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11950954@N07/

As luck would have it, I had the good

fortune of interviewing Petr Vanbeeck,
featured artist at The Artist’s Park
with his fine “Into the Night” exhibit.

Knowing Petr only from his Flickr

stream, I was curious to discover the
man behind such moving images. Being
in vastly different time zones, Petr and
I played IM tag for a week until I final-
ly caught him mid-evening two weeks
before the opening. It was early morn-
ing for me and I was loafing around in
one of my favourite places, the mush-
room field at Sanctum Sanctorum,
when we hooked up.

8 The Artisan / July 2008

 A rt i s a n
Mylena Aquitaine: Hey Petr!!!
Shall we do this in IM or would
you prefer I TP you over here?
MA is thinking that sounds like a
naughty proposition LOL
Petr Vanbeeck: hahaha.... TP me
9 The Artisan
Photography
MA: Hiya Petr... nice to meet you
in the pixel finally.... *G*
PVB: Nice to see you
MA: Go ahead and grab a mush-
room.... the purple one on your left
is ok.
MA: Comfy?
PVB: Yes
MA: I don’t want to make this too formal,
nor take up too much of your time.... so
let’s get started with a few stock questions
that will evolve as we go. Sounds ok to
you?
PVB: Sure
MA: The basics.... I see you’ve been
around for a little while, how did you dis-
cover SL and what were your first impres-
sions of it?
PVB: I discovered SL through a NYT ar-
ticle about Anche Chung
MA: A legend in SL of course :-)
PVB grins
MA: And what got you curious enough to
decide to log on for the first time?
PVB: It was free and I was bored. it was
Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and I had
nothing better to do
MA: LOL Sounds familiar :-) and what
made you stay once you’d made your first
steps as a noob?
PVB: Met some nice ppl and it was a dis-
traction from RL
MA: I think that’s the case for a lot of us, at
least for the first few months
PVB: Yeah - it still is a distraction - but I
have learned a lot and find my self wanting
to learn more
MA: There is indeed so much to learn in SL
if you’re the curious type! :-) How do you
see your av vs the person you are RL?
/ July 2008
MA: Not necessarily its physical PVB: Yeah I think it has. I have close PVB: Image creation is like a new
attributes, but also your general SL friends from all over the globe. I see toy with me. I am just learning how
personality. Are they similar or them at different times during my day; to use PS, I had it for years but only
completely different people? my aussie friends are usually early in used it for cropping and simple
my morning or late in my day, my euro color enhancement
PVB: Hmm, there are some simi- friends are early afternoon, my ameri-
larities but I find the AV me to be a can friends about my time... so it keeps MA: PhotoShop can be such a chal-
different person. you are gonna ask things busy lenge to learn and use, but thank-
me to elaborate, I know fully one can learn it one thing at a
MA: Sounds like a busy SL social life time
MA: LOL yes please :-) :-)
PVB: True on PS - I have a small
PVB: I think the AV me and the MA: Going a little back to your art... “bag of tricks” I put to use, I experi-
RL me are kind generous caring I see you’re a professional landscape ment and make some nice images
ppl but the SL me is more outgo- photographer in RL, what was your in-
ing and adventurous. the RL me spiration to become involved in the SL MA: As an explorer in SL, do you
- WONT fly and I hate to drive art community? go about your pictures the same
more than a few hours from home. way? Explore until you find some-
PVB: I wouldn’t say I am profession RL
I like the ability to explore places I thing that catches your eye, or do
would probably never see in RL... landscape photographer, I shoot land- you go out with a specific idea in
I have been to Paris, Cuba, Kow- scapes in RL but don’t necessarily sell mind and look for a setting to make
loon, Moscow, the American SW them. Once I got settled in SL, I real- it happen?
all from my desk chair ized I wanted a gallery of my own so I
started to upload my RL images. Then PVB: No, I go and look around,
MA: That sounds familiar... A I got distracted and I started shooting find things that interest me and try
lot of us are more outgoing and images in SL and a natural progression to capture them in pictures. I rarely
adventurous in SL than we are was to move to shooting SL landscapes. have a set idea in mind when I head
RL. Perhaps is has to do with the I met a couple of ppl through flicker, out, apart perhaps for the location I
“safety” of anonymity? Or the and then met tons more through SL and want to explore
fact that one can plummet to the going to
ground from high up and just brush some art shows MA: I noticed your use of colour on
ourselves off once we land. your Flickr stream.. very impressive
MA: And I must say, your SL land- at evocating moods... What is your
PVB: LOL yeah scapes are breathtaking! view on art in SL? Yours and other
people... what purpose, if any, does
MA: So you are a big explorer in PVB blushes... TY it serve for you?
SL? Always looking for new sims
to see, new things to do? PVB: I try to cross the border into RL PVB: Art is in the eye of the be-
with them - give them a feel of is it RL holder (grins)
PVB: Yeah - it goes in spurts or is it SL. its kinda hard to hide the fact
its SL when I use Torley’s magnificent MA: As is beauty, true :)
MA: All that travelling sounds windlight presets though
like it holds a lot of fascination for PVB: But I am drawn to color; the
you.... MA: I’ve had the impression several use of it or not. I love rich hues
times on your Flickr stream.... “RL or and imaginative use of colors but I
PVB: Yea it does, I’m always look- SL, not sure... but beautiful” and Torley adore B/W. I am personally drawn
ing for new places to visit. has certainly made a mark on SL pho- to several artists whose imagination
tography with those presets.... I love and creative use of color astounds
MA: Do you find that meeting peo- them myself me and they all have different
ple from all over the RL world also styles.... and no, I am not telling you
interesting? Has it broadened your who (grins)
view of humanity, perhaps?

10 The Artisan / July 2008

MA: There is so much one can do
with B&W, do you find it different,
or perhaps more challenging, than
colour?
PVB: More challenging at times. In
B/W for me, mood is set by the light,
the shadows and how they highlight
the image
MA: Light and shadows are tricky in
SL... I know, I struggle with those a
lot myself.
PVB: I find with WL it has become
somewhat easier though
MA: Yes, there seems to be more
interaction, and more, how shall I put
it, possibility of playing with light
sources in WL
PVB: I often find myself shooting in
sl like I shoot in Rl... waiting for just
the perfect moment. I usually don’t
shoot more than I need
MA: You must be a patient man ;-)
PVB: If I shoot 3 shots on a location,
its usually the ones I am gonna use
MA: So you really set yourself up,
and then just wait for it to be right...
I admire that... since I’m often the
reverse, just shooting like mad and
hope some will come out right
MA: Your Flickr stream contains a
lot of stunning landscapes and urban
scenes, but you also have a number of
intense studio portraits. Are those dif-
ferent for you? Do you approach them
in the same way or do they require a
different Petr hat, so to speak?
11
PVB: The portraits are a learning tool
for me. I don’t do ppl shots in RL, so
this is a chance to practice. I sorta shoot
the same way with ppl, wait for the
right moment... they always ask “what
do you want”, I say “dunno, just move
around, I will tell you”... or I just start
shooting.
MA: You know what shot you want
when you see it, so to speak :-)
PVB: Yes, that’s right. I am often times
intrigued by the anims that folks put
in their AO’s those often will make for
better poses, they tell alot about a per-
son’s soul and psyche
MA: People’s choice of anims and pose
can tell a lot about them, I’ve noticed
that too. A lot of portrait photographers
just sit their victims on a posestand
they control and go on from there. It’s
interesting that you use their own ao
and anims to your advantage to bring
out the person behind the av.
MA: What about your exhibit at The
Artist’s Park... any particular favourite
of yours up there? Any piece that you
are especially proud of, that really fills
your heart with joy as an artist?
PVB: Oh - these will all be new, I am
not done with them yet
MA: So you’re still in the middle of the
birthing process, in a way :-)
PVB: Hmm, lets say, still getting past
conception lol
MA: LOL Ahhhh... the best part of it :-)
PVB: The theme for this show be-
ing “Into the Night”. I am looking at
some interesting lighting, sunsets, night
shots... playing with light and shadows
in unexpected ways
MA: Knowing your work, with that
theme, I’m sure it’ll be spectacular :-)
PVB: ty
PVB: I must say, you photograph very
well, I just did a quick portrait of you
MA blushes.... ty I’m honoured :-)
PVB: Its on my stream already (grinz)
MA: I’ll have to go check it out, for
sure *G* And you multitask much bet-
ter than I do LOL!
PVB: I know where I want to shoot for
“Into The Night”, it’s just finding the
time to get there
MA: Oh yes, time is always a problem
isn’t it.... One should have 40 hours in
the day to take pics and post-process to
our heart’s content!
PVB: Yes... hehe
MA: I know by now that you take pics
that please you specifically... that speak
to you, but do you think your images
have a target audience... or are you
aiming at bringing your message to
people as a whole?
PVB: I shoot what pleases me - it is
a good feeling if others are drawn to
it - but its more really just a form of
expression for me
MA: So your pictures are a little win-
dow into Petr’s mind and heart?
PVB: Yeah, you might say that
MA: Well, I for one find the view
through that window quite beautiful
indeed :-)
PVB: ty for the kind words
The Artisan / July 2008
MA: Can you share with me a little
bit of what you’d like Petr’s art to
evolve to in the near future... are there
goals you’re setting yourself as an
artist or are you happy to explore,
discover and let SL lead you to new
pics as sims evolve
PVB: I have some side business
ventures in SL that I am developing;
I am learning how to make clothes.
photography is a hobby really for me,
I have a hard time applying the term
artist to what I do... I am a collector
of images
MA: :-) but those images wouldn’t
exist without you to collect them.... so visions is worth bringing forth to the MA: Petr, thank you ever so much for
in this way you are their creator...
PVB: True
MA: :-) That’s sound advice indeed..... PVB: Really all there is to know about
what I do - its my attempt to chronicle
PVB: This is my first time to this sim, I what is around me and to try to find the
have seen some great shots from here things that might be overlooked.
MA: Yes, Sanctum Sanctorum is a MA: To help people see past the obvi-
lovely place... lots to see and great for ous and into the details that make the
landscapes.... I’m sure you could spend whole, perhaps?
a few hours here and snap away to your
heart’s content PVB: Yes
PVB: True - but there has been so many MA: Not an easy thing to do, but from
lovely images already what I’ve seen, I think you’ve suc-
ceeded
MA: Indeed, but there’s always more
to be seen... I think we all see things PVB: blushes ty
slightly differently, and each of our
attention of the public your time, it’s been a absolute pleasure
talking with you. I’ll be looking for-
PVB: Yes - that’s true (grinz) ward to the future of Petr’s visions....

MA: What advice can you give to
our readers who are also interested
in joining the SL art community? To
those who like you, are interested in
collecting images.
PVB: Explore - visit galleries - talk
to artists - ask questions - and most of
all do what feels right and have fun
with it.
MA: I don’t want to take up too much
of your time Petr, you’ve been quite
generous as it is.... as a wrap up, is
there anything in particular you want
people to know about you, or about
your art?
PVB: Ok save the hard question for last, to July 19th. Go on, go have a look,
I see how you are lol
MA: LOL I’m a sneaky one, that’s true
*G*
PVB: Ty, I hate doing interviews BUT
this was quite nice
Petr Vanbeeck’s exhibit “Into The
Night” can be seen at The Art-
ist’s Park (slurl.com/secondlife/
Lacrymosa/168/30/24) from June 21st
you won’t be disappointed!!

12 The Artisan / July 2008


Shop Seu
http://slurl.com/secondlife/
Shimokitazawa/206/71/26
Written by Strawberry Singh
Shop Seu is one of those amaz-
ing little Japanese stores with
cute, quality designs at in-
sanely low prices! Being such
a tiny store, you can’t help
but buy everything there. My
favorites are their leg wear.
I absolutely adore their leg
warmers and colorful tights.
You can’t find anything like it
on the grid especially at those
prices!
13
Fashion
Fashion
Sh
Se
The slouchy “kushukushu kut-
sushita” leg warmers come
in three colors and can be
thrown together with any
outfit. They are easy to dress
up or down. Aside from the
brown shown they are also
available in black and gray. In
this pic I’m sporting the school
girl look with the short plaid
skirt and top with shrug from
Last Call (no longer available.)
The Artisan / July 2008
hop

eu
Don’t get me wrong, there’s
not only leg wear at this cute
The colorful “taitsu taight” little store. It may be little
tights with the diamond shape but it’s full of a variety of
motifs come in the most beauti- hair, cute clothes and even
ful colors! Wear them with a skin! They are in the pro-
mini and a tank for a summery cess of expanding their hair
colorful look or throw on a department and have been
turtleneck sweater in the win- churning out some amazing
ter! These tights work in every styles recently.
season. They come in 4 colors:
red (shown), blue, green and So don’t forget to stop by and
yellow. The only place on the take a look at what this styl-
grid you will find such a beau- ish little store with the most
tiful pattern on tights and in adorable name has in store
so many stunning colors. for you!
14 The Artisan / July 2008
Artisan On-Location

k s
o c
e D
T h
O n
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Strugatsky/169/27/26
An interview with Ayam Merlin, creator and CEO of Brooks Wharf
and Marina District
By Kade Klata

In a place called Strugatsky, you’ll find a wonderful collection of docks with beau-
tiful glass and wood structures that rise up from the water amidst the sails and
seagulls. This is Brooks Wharf and Marina District, home to a wonderful artist com-
munity. Here is where you will find Ayam Merlin, photographer, artist and creator
of this beautiful build. I had the pleasure recently of speaking with him about his ef-
forts to mix a nautical approach with the artist’s community here in SL. If you have
the chance, you’ll not want to miss the experience of just walking the wharf there
and taking in all of the many intricate details of this build, not to mention the
wonderful art that is on display there at the galleries from many of SL’s fine art.

KK: First of all Ayam, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for taking the time to tell us more about yourself
and your vision.
Do you remember when you first heard about Second Life and what brought you here?

AM: I’ve always been intrigued by real time interactive and 3D virtual environments dating back to the days of Worlds
Chat and Alpha World, but back then the experience was limited, primitive, somewhat cumbersome, and incredibly time
consuming given the bandwidth at that time.

That interest however was re-ignited about a year and a half ago when the company I work for in RL formed a practice to
help customers with virtual worlds business strategies and established a significant presence in Second Life. I was invited
to a virtual worlds education session, but instead of the typical web conference (death-by-Power Point and conference call),
this session would be conducted in Second Life at our company’s main conference center, one of several maintained in SL
for employees, business partners, and customers.

15 The Artisan / July 2008

I created an account and dived into SL with my limited prior experience with virtual worlds and no knowledge of how
to get from virtual point A to virtual point B. Luckily, I had the name of the conference host Avatar and I quickly figured
out how to use the IM to send a one-word message: “HELP!” Within an hour, I was hooked and found that the education
session conducted in SL was far more engaging and held my attention far better than any web conference had ever done. I
was completely intrigued with potential benefits of virtual worlds in corporate training and education. In fact, the company
I work for in RL is using virtual worlds to provide immersive and engaging on-demand corporate training for employees.
With broadband connectivity becoming ubiquitous in most every metropolitan area throughout the world, it’s a lot more
cost effective to build a training facility in a virtual world that’s open 24x7, as opposed to a building and staffing a brick-
and-mortar training facility in China, India, or other remote location.

KK: So how long was it before you decided to build Brooks Wharf and Marina and what’s the story behind that? Is the
nautical aspect an interest of yours in real life?

AM: After exploring for a bit, I

purchased my first 512sqm parcel on
the waterfront of a sim with protected
access to Linden ocean sims. I’ve
always loved sailing in RL and have
always been fascinated by the indus-
trial waterfront and the artisan com-
munities that are often found in the
redeveloped waterfront warehouse
areas. I enjoyed sailing in SL, but as I
explored SL further, I thought it was
such a creative waste to buy a water
or shoreline parcel and build a giant
medieval castle floating on the water
... how stupid is that?!?

I thought it would be great fun (and a learning experience) to create a Wharf that would be a more appropriate use of water
parcels. I was also looking for a location where I could create a gallery to display some of my RL photography. I searched
all over SL to find a location that offered access to the greatest number of Linden ocean sims and stumbled on Strugatsky.
As this was a personal venture, or hobby; I had to start small with the purchase of three 512sqm lots bordering a Linden
ocean sim. Brooks Wharf started as an ugly prim-intensive dock and a small shack. I purchased several more parcels as they
became available and started renting them out to help cover my tier.

I’m a creative person, having been a professional photographer and graphic artist. SL provided a nice creative outlet (and
escape from the corporate world). The textures used for the piers in Brooks Wharf are created from photos taken of an actual
pier on the San Francisco waterfront. As Brooks Wharf started to grow, I thought it would be great to create an artist and
nautical community that was different from the other gallery and sailing areas in SL.

I wanted to create a wharf environment that offered a unique, immersive experience in SL, so I added the appropriate day/
night wharf and waterfront sounds, such as waves lapping against the docks, shrouds clanking against the masts of sailboats,
seagulls squawking during the day, and foghorns and bells on harbor buoys at night. Acoustic Alchemy is a fabulous re-
source in SL for almost any sound imaginable and its owner/creator, Hastur Pierterson has been extremely helpful. Sound in
SL is often overlooked because it’s not visual ... but it’s the sounds that really add an entirely new dimension of realism to
the environment. In fact, Brooks Wharf has been showcased at Acoustic Alchemy as a featured customer build.

16 The
e Arti
Ar
Artisan
rtisa
s n / July
y 2008
200
I’ve also tried to focus on other details as well to help
create the unique ambiance of the Wharf. For example,
I’ve used shadows for objects wherever possible to
provide additional depth and take away some of the
“flat” appearance of builds. Rental boxes are disguised
as pilings for sailboat slips, or “FOR RENT” lettering
“painted” on the gallery warehouses. The drawbridges
on the Wharf docks open automatically for passing ship
traffic. And even the signs along the wharf have evidence
of the seagulls!

KK: Do you have any other builds here in Second Life

that you’d like to tell us about?

AM: I had another, where I created my “home” and SL

business before I decided to build Brooks Wharf. My
first business in SL was spawned out of the need for
working window blinds for my first build in SL (a tree-
house!). I created realistic window blind textures with
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop and used a texture
changer script to create the appearance of window blinds
changing from closed, to half open, to open, to raised. I
added window shutters and vertical blinds, and Blind
Ambition was born! I’ve sold more than 1,000 blinds and
shutters and they still remain the most realistic and fully
featured scripted window blinds and shutters in SL. I’m
now in the process of moving my business to a parcel on
Strugatsky (where the Wharf is also located) to focus all
my attention there ... know of anyone who is interested in
a fabulous hilltop parcel?
KK: Ha, no but you may get a buyer now. I know that you’re an accomplished photographer, could you tell us more about
that part of your real life and what experience you’ve had?

AM: Photography started as a passion when I was in the sixth grade. I worked my way through college as a photographer
at a daily newspaper. I left college my junior year to become a news photographer for the Associated Press. I worked for
the Associated Press for 16 years as both a photographer and a photo editor. It was a job that took me around the world
covering major news and sporting events, ranging from five Olympic games to four wars, presidents to prize-fighters to
popes ... and a lot in between. It was a great ride, but it was time to leave as I was getting burned out. I was able to leverage
my knowledge of the industry, photography and digital imaging, with my knowledge and aptitude for computer technology
to transition into a sales position with a high-tech firm in the area of digital imaging solutions. I now work for a another
large technology company in software sales to the media and entertainment industry. Photography is once again a passion.

KK: How has the wharf grown since you began and what are your plans for the future with it?

AM: I would like to see Brooks Wharf become a user-supported artist and nautical community. This isn’t a profession,
but rather a passion. I’m not looking to retire from my income at the Wharf, but on the other hand, I would like to see the
Wharf become somewhat self-sustaining (from a tier perspective) so that I can continue to expand in a manner that makes
sense from a financial perspective. I’m not in this for a quick Linden dollar and I don’t want to overdevelop with boring
rental spaces just to cover my tier. But rather, I really would like to see this become a community. I’m always glad to help
promote the talented artists at the Wharf in any way that I can, however, I’m traveling extensively in RL and simply don’t
have the time to be a full-time SL marketing agent.

17 The Artisan / July 2008

I’m keeping the rental rates low at the Wharf for quality gallery space in a very unique area. In return, I’d ask that the
artisan tenants take an active role in promotion of their artistic work and of the wharf. I don’t want this to be *my* commu-
nity; I want it to be the artists’ community. In the near future, I will be converting the large community gallery at the west
end of the wharf to support two rotating exhibitions by guest artists (at no charge). In short, I plan to continue to expand the
wharf, but in a way that is logical and maintains the ambiance of this unique community.

KK: How many gallery/store spaces do you have? Please tell us the sizes and prim allowances that you offer. How many
boat slips do you have?

AM: Currently, I have eight rental gallery warehouse spaces on the Wharf. Most are configured with a 10x20 main gallery
and a 10x10 loft.They rent for L$300/wk with 70 prims. Two of the warehouse spaces are larger configurations. More are
planned for the future. There are also currently 10 sailboat slips at Brooks Wharf. Slips start at L$150/wk with a 50-prim
allotment, but can be configured as required by the tenant. A rate card is available from the rental box (piling).

KK: Could you tell us more about the artists in your community now, their names and what type of media they show?

Arne Lauridsen - Arne’s creative work adds a splash of abstract colors to turn old photos of a by-gone era of air, rail and
automobile travel into modern photographic art.
Jays Munro - Jays is a highly talented computer artist who uses 3D animation applications to create sensuous, erotic, and
sometimes surreal artistic images.
Often Hird - Often uses computer imaging applications to turn his photos into abstract photographic art.
Ahkums Razor - Ahkums art is out of this world, literally! His space & planetary paintings let you bring the beauty of the
final frontier into your SL home.
Peter Leabo - Real-life photography by veteran photojournalist who worked 20+ years for The Associated Press and other
news organizations. The current exhibit displays some of his images from Northern California, Wisconsin northwoods, and
his private collection.

KK: Ayam, I’d like to thank you for letting us get to know you a little better. I’m sure that some of us who don’t build
never realize how much work actually goes into creating a beautiful SIM such as yours.

AM: Thanks for this opportunity.

If you’d like more information on Brooks Wharf and Marina, please contact: Ayam Merlin in-world

18 The Artisan / July 2008

 The Beauty

Artisan On-Location
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Lumina/20/117/24
Written by Skye Donardson

After a day of sitting in front of the TV watching all three of the orig-
inal “Indiana Jones” movies, even the execrable “Temple of Doom”, I was
in the mood to visit an exotic locale. Somewhere similar to where you
might find the dashing archaeologist on a mission to procure some an-
cient treasure.

I’d seen a few pictures of Lumina floating around, it looked intriguing,

so I thought I’d check it out.

As I walked away from the landing spot, and things began to rez, I
looked up and was astounded by the sight before me. A huge temple
loomed, dotted with spires and beatific stone faces. A bit of an archeol-
ogy buff myself, the first thing I thought was that I’d been transported
back in time to the Cambodian jungles, staring at the temples of Angkor
Wat.

19 The Artisan / July 2008

y Of Lumina

Lumina is a complex, consisting of the huge main temple right in the

middle of the sim and surrounded by smaller temples at each corner.
The main temple has two theaters, possibly used for lectures, while the
others offer places to meditate, or participate in a bit of Tai Chi. One of
the temples perched high on the top of a hill offers a breathtaking view
of the sim, or you could just simply sit and watch the sunset over the
dense foliage.

This isn’t a place for romance, as there were no spots dedicated for
that, but for reflection. Or just to wander and admire it’s incredible
beauty. It’s a picture taker’s dream! If you go, make sure to fly around
and take in all the rich details.

Happy traveling!

20 The Artisan / July 2008

21 The Artisan / July 2008
The Artisan / July 2008

The Beauty of Lumina

http://slurl.com/secondlife/
Lumina/20/117/24

22 The Artisan / July 2008

ARTisan Fashion

The Art of Fashion Shows

By: Caleb Rickena

Fashion Shows, art work? Yes most definitely…let me explain. I was

recently in a fashion show, as I often am being an SL model. As I was
awaiting my turn to make the walk down the runway, I began to think
how much work goes into fashions shows..if they are done correctly.
I believe most anyone can put on a fashion show, throw up a runway,
dress up some avatars, and walk down the catwalk. However, if you tru-
ly love fashion and the art of shows, this is not enough for you. Fash-
ion shows can be a true experience and impression in the most artistic
sense of the word. Those of you that are not familiar with what I am
saying, let me digest it for you a bit more.

23 The Artisan / July 2008

First off, in a fashion
show you must have a
fashion designer. Fashion
designers need to have an
appreciation of art and
knowledge of how to de-
velop textures, layers, and
make clothing look good
on our pixel bodies. Once
you have your designer,
then comes the true art-
work related directly to
the show. A fashion de-
signer usually has inspi-
ration from somewhere
and a theme for their
clothing. The directors
of the fashion show must
discuss this with the de-
signer. Thus a theme of
the fashion show is born.
From that theme, comes
putting together a set, a
runway, and seating for
the big event. The com-
pleted work is a truly
amazing work of art. The
time and effort it takes
to build a set of this mag-
nitude is amazing to me
and I am completely awe-
struck. Invitations to the
show are made and sent
out to potential guests of
the show. The invitation
of course takes graphics
skills and other artist
abilities, not to mention
still basing it around the
theme of this designer.

24 The Artisan / July 2008

The next part of the fashion show is selecting the correct fashions to
truly showcase the designers work and selecting the models for which
to wear these items. This usually involves casting calls of models and
both the designer and the fashion show directors to decide on the
look of the models and clothing line. Once these important items are
decided upon; next comes the modeling walk and outfits. How many
outfits does each model wear and how will the walk be executed. With-
in the walk, you need to makes sure you showcase your outfit to the en-
tire viewing area, have the right pose, pose the right amount, etc. There
are so many things to consider when completing this work of art.

25 The Artisan / July 2008

Lastly, is the music. Music is an integral part of this display of art-
work. It has to go with the overall theme and work with the models.
The day of the fashion show, is the art exhibit…if you will. The fash-
ion show completely showcases the artwork of the fashion designer if
done correctly. Fashion shows are a work of art in my eyes and I wel-
come all of you to go check out a fashion show sometime in your SL
spare time.

I want to thank Mad Agency (Kirk Claymore and Maddox Dupont) for
letting me showcase their last fashion show: Fashion Odyssey Show,
designs by a.C Store, creator CheerNo Destiny. I also want to thank Ab-
sinthe Primrose for the lovely pictures.

26 The Artisan / July 2008