Thothica Inspires Thoughtful Collection

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.

New Orleans Charm is Contagious

The possibilities within Second Life are no short of seductive, especially for creatives. It is a chance to take what is started in real life to a new conclusion.

One of my favorite places in the RL United States is New Orleans—specifically the French Quarter. It possesses an ambience that combines aspects of what I love about Europe with what I love about the U.S. Dripping with history and charm, inspiring in rich visual textures and character, and exuding a unique personality, I have wandered the streets there for hours and hours. I visit whenever I have the opportunity and always fall in love again—enjoying the music, the small gallery art, the antiques, and the food.

Hanging three small paintings on the fence mirrors how artists show in real New Orleans.

Other than the food, Kingfisher Island in Second Life captures everything else!! And something in addition: the opportunity for me to show my work there! Nez Darkfury has used his considerable talents to capture what is so lovable about the jewel of New Orleans. He has re-created the charm of the street artists, showing his growing collection of virtual artists. He and partner Maryrosella invited me to have a show there, so I have placed three of my smaller paintings that can fit on the fence and six drawings with two more paintings inside the adjacent building.

Drawing show in virtual New Orleans, in the French Market Faubourg Marigny.

Please visit and enjoy the show, the ambience of the swampy SIM, and especially don’t miss the great DJ’s and live music at Kingfish Blues Tavern!

Kingfish Blues Tavern in Second Life is fantastic for enjoying great tunes.

The Roaring 20′s: Chicago Recreated

Creative collaboration is international through virtual reality. A group of history enthusiasts from Australia to Viet Nam, Britain to Romania, and throughout the United States came together to recreate the turbulent and dramatic events of a pre-computer time—when the innovations were radio, jazz, blues, abstract art, skyscrapers, tommy guns, automobiles, and short skirts.

Building the Chicago Loop from the 20′s has captured the style, setting, and character of the real city, complete with the Chicago River, State Street, Grant Park, near north and near south warehouse districts, the elevated train line, trolley cars, vintage shops and clubs, alleys, cathedral, police station, hospital, and restaurants.

As a shy newbie in Second Life, the very second day of arriving in this new culture, I instinctively sought a home—some place to learn and get my bearings. On the first day, I learned to change clothes and move around. Then doing a search on the word “Chicago,” the listing with the most visitors, read: Chicago Roaring ’20s.

Curiosity propelled me transport there even though I was clumsy and SL naive. It reminded me of moving to real life Chicago when I was 23 years old to attend the Art Institute of Chicago and to begin a career (though the last five-generations of my family lived in the city, I grew up around the Midwest). Wide-eyed and innocent, I sat in the Tribune Plaza, surrounded by tall buildings, with a view down the river, edged by skyscrapers. Gazing at all the twinkling windows, I felt overwhelmed by not knowing a single person that occupied all those spaces!

In Second Life, after first obtaining a free 1920′s outfit, I began to explore the Chicago 1920′s sim. As in the past, I stood overwhelmed on a recreation of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (a bridge I have crossed a thousand times in real life).  Looking at all the tall buildings—but without the newer ones I also know well—I felt transported back to the time of my ancestors. And again I felt those knee-shaking shy and nervous feelings! But then I was more than welcomed in this virtual world; I was swept into taking both steps back in time and forward into an innovative international collaboration! This story chronicles my journey, as I assume the role of a young ambitious journalist who has the knack of being in the right places at the right times. The group plays out real events that defined the character of an era and of the great city I call home in both worlds.

Cover of the 100-pages e-book that grew from recreating major events of Chicago in the 1920's.

Murder, Mayhem, & Music chronicles the first part of the decade that inspired an escalation of every enticement begun from speakeasies, to innovative fashion, to rising mob control, to an artistic renaissance, to the building boom. It begins with my arrival in Chicago and a sketch of the cultural backdrop.

The story is supported by images and stories from the real history—in black and white contrast. The historical back bone is presented, giving both authenticity and a deeper exploration into the color of the era. Opening with the setting, the darker pages present the historical facts and the lighter pages chronicle the recreation.

In meeting Gigi Gartenberg early upon my arrival—two friends could not be more opposite. Yet she helps me on my way to learning how Chicago works and to establishing myself as a professional.

Brand new in town, a friend and I (a lady would never go alone) wander into the Boom Boom Lounge, the only place open in the Loop on a sunday afternoon. There we meet the soon-to-be-famous Gigi Gartenberg.

My first break through assignment as a journalist is the beauty pageant patterned after Miss America, which began in 1921. Earning an instant reputation, like the historical figures my role reflects, I find my dream job: editor and chief of The Chicagoan.

Falling into my dream job, I open my own publishing office. But soon I am visited by a well-dressed fellow offering me "protection" for a monthly fee.

As one of the country’s first women journalists, I become famous when I witness the murder of the mayor and have the scoop on the headline story. This murder combines the first real life major mob killing in 1920 of Big Jim Colosimo and the later assassination of Mayor Anton Cermak. Chief Shepham Moorlord investigates the murder while his beautiful entrepreneurial wife Starla Huntress Moorlord takes control of the city’s social agendas.

Entertainment and clubs bring everyone together on equal footing—those feet dancing to jazz and blues or attending the nightly burlesque shows.

The book is written and designed for a reader who knows nothing about virtual reality, as it is the story woven that has relevance both “in-world” and without. The illustrations are snapshots from the events taking place virtually, showing the creativity of the avatar characters and the atmosphere of the setting. The photographs tell a story visually, balancing with the story line that is easy, albeit rather sarcastic, to read.

The decade is relived through history that made Chicago famous.

The story continues—see The Chicagoan blog for infamous murders, prisoners, controversy, and romance.

Available as a download PDF for $.

[this is the first notice of the book for initial comments prior to publication.]

Please enjoy reading a free sample chapter. [to come]

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