Something happens when I translate my artwork into virtual reality—it is even magical. Maybe it is because in the physical world, the color is dulled by pigments. Maybe it is the scale that can be adjusted to the space, thus making a show sing in harmony and balance. Whatever the reason, seeing my work displayed in Second Life makes my heart leap. It gives the images a dramatic impact I always hope for.
The Thothica Walkway Gallery feels like it is floating.
Since my first showing in April of a drawing series and the launch of my own gallery, the enthusiastic receipt of my work is also heart-energizing. Artists get battered around a lot in real life by conditions beyond control. But here in Second Life, perfection is attainable in presentation, at least. Ideas can be debated. But beauty of presentation is something everyone can relate to.
Since that initial show, I have received three invitations to exhibit in gorgeous places. The most recent opportunity is to hang a show at Thothica’s Walkway Gallery. Located in a sim infused with intelligent and thoughtful members, Thothica runs regular exhibits. The space is elegant and ethereal. It shows off the work making the viewing easy and allows just the right amount for most people’s attention—twelve pieces.
Gallery exhibit shows off the drawings of Eleanor Medier.
I have chosen to show works directly inspired by words from those smarter than me. My attempt is to turn these quotations into visual expression:
“The art of living lies less in eliminating our troubles than in growing with them.” —Bernard M. Baruch
“The most immutable barrier in nature is between one man’s thoughts and another’s.” —William James
“For an impenetrable shield, stand inside yourself.” —Henry David Thoreau
“Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” —Lao Tsu
“A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure.” —Oscar Wilde
“The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest, are near to virtue.” —Confucius
“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” —William Shakespeare
“The great poet draws his creations only from out of his own reality.” —Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
“The great poet draws his creations only from out of his own reality.” —Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” —Chinese Proverb
“It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.” —Alfred North Whitehead
“I don’t run a hundred miles; I run one mile—one hundred times.” —Soren
By using these quotations, the images fall in the realm of illustration as well as drawings. What is the difference between a design, an illustration, and a work of fine art? These pieces are all three. And I am releasing an in-world book called Ways of Communication that shares my collection of wisdom about improving communication—misunderstanding being one of the most dangerous of social maladies. The book aims to express visual representations of past great thinkers, who offer ideas towards progressive thinking.
The opening of the show on September 11 was enjoyed by guests from all over the world.
I hope that you will stop by Thothica and see the show this month and check out their future shows as well. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clemson%20University%20Dev/133/221/29 Feel free to IM me—if I am free I would be happy to join you there!
The Thothica SIM offers the ideal environment for discussion, contemplation, exhibition, and reading.
Exemplifying the best of what SL has to offer—fantastic environments, facilities to meet and discuss, a library of in-world books, and a multitude of places to sit and think, Thothica is the perfect community to enrich artistic and philosophic dialog. Run by Jen Dix, Elaine Lorefield, and Simulat Almendros, the gallery represents the potential of in-world media.
