CybeleMoon is a renowned artist in SL and RL who effortlessly translates her world of Celtic mysticism, rich childhood stories of her youth, and poignant Scotch-Irish traditions into her photography. There is an old anecdote that the Irish have an abiding sense of tragedy that sustains them through temporary periods of joy. This dichotomy, or perhaps harmony, of the woeful and the joyful is one of the many unique qualities that make Cybele’s art so inspiring.

Patrick: Let me begin by saying thank you so much, Cybele, for being such an inspiring artist and friend for so many in Second Life. What is an early-childhood memory that you could share with us that speaks to the character of CybeleMoon — and if you mention “ice cream,” then real bonus points!!

Patrick: Let me begin by saying thank you so much, Cybele, for being such an inspiring artist and friend for so many in Second Life. What is an early-childhood memory that you could share with us that speaks to the character of CybeleMoon — and if you mention “ice cream,” then real bonus points!!

Cybele: Ha! Well, I love ice cream! And I love snow. An early-childhood memory is of
a snowy Christmas. Under our tree, I opened my gift, which was a children’s book of myths and fairytales and a beautifully illustrated story of a doll who was left behind in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. From then on, I was hooked on stories.Cybele: Ha! Well, I love ice cream! And I love snow. An early-childhood memory is of
a snowy Christmas. Under our tree, I opened my gift, which was a children’s book of myths and fairytales and a beautifully illustrated story of a doll who was left behind in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. From then on, I was hooked on stories.

Patrick: Are there any stories from SL that have hooked the RL you?

Cybele: That’s hard to say, except I discovered that it’s easy to blur the lines between the “fantasy” aspect of a Second Life and reality. But after seeing some incredible artists in SL, I found I could blur those lines in an artistic and hopefully synergistic way. Also, when I first came into SL, I was introduced to a marvelous sim called Egypt Nile Valley and the Sahara, and I joined them in role play for a while. The sim, which was done beautifully and very historically accurate, inspired the storyteller in me.

Patrick: It’s easy to surmise from your photography that you have a Celtic background. How do you think your cultural background influences your art?

Cybele: I would say I’m moved by misty glens, and valiant and tragic histories. Old Celtic legends, the rituals of the Catholic Church, St. Stephen’s Day and other fun traditions — like (mom’s side of the family) addressing the haggis and, of course, porridge and potatoes — inspires me.

Patrick: Your work is steeped in faith, in light and dark, and in romantic movement that is rarely seen in SL art. What do you aim to say through your work?

Cybele: I try to put a touch of mystery and magic into my pieces, and I’m often inspired by old legends, myths and actual history. I suppose I’m very romantic in a broader sense, and I like to add a touch of darkness to emphasize the light — both physically and spiritually. I love old stones and haunted woodlands, enchanted children and houses of the holy. Though I work more with dreams than nightmares! Some of my images have led to actual stories that I put together on my blog, but it can often work the other way as well.

Patrick: Yes. Your blog and stories there are brilliant. And I can see how your use of light and shadows can be perceived physically by what we see, as well as spiritually in how we feel the power of the soul. What other artists do you think are your biggest influences?

Cybele: Real life artists and photographers, or perhaps musicians or actors. Those artists who enliven my spirit for passion and art. Besides the old classical painters and sculptors that awed me when I traveled through Italy and Greece, I’m very inspired by John William Waterhouse, the old landscape painters of the 1700s. Maxfield Parrish, Brian Froud, and French artist Christophe Vacher who works for Disney Studios. He painted a portal in the forest that looked like one of my own images. I discovered him through a delightful video called A Knock at the Door by Duirwaigh Studios and sent him an email inquiring about his work to which he was kind enough to respond.

Music often accompanies my images and, again, apart from the classical composers of symphonies and operas, I love the movie score composers like Klaus Badelt of The Time Machine, Ennio Morricone of The Mission, James Newton Howard of Lady in the Water, Karl Jenkins who wrote Adiemus is another, and Dougie MacLean who wrote
The Gael. If you don’t know who they are, look them up. They will uplift you, I promise. I won’t even get into rock music or blues, which I love too.

Patrick: Thank you so much for this interview, Cybele. But lastly, how has TSFTG influenced you?

Cybele: TSFTG has been a marvelous group of friendly and welcoming artists who are providing challenges and opportunities to the SL art community. I feel very honored to be part of the group. I have not collaborated, but I can envision all kinds of themes and events in the future as they seem to be on that track of creating excitement and enthusiasm while inviting all to participate.

Patrick: It is so true that TSFTG is very inviting of so many from the very new artist to those like you, who have shared their hearts and experiences so openly! Truly, Cybele, we’re all so happy that you’re our featured artist this month, and we appreciate your sharing in the grand opening of our new FOCUS Gallery! I cannot think of a brighter light to grace FOCUS!

Link to CybeleMoon’s Flickr page.

 by Patrick Ireland