Tag: Patrick Ireland

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with M8TY

“I know you are thinking, ‘now there’s a guy with a sexy accent who will pick me up, throw me on the bed, flip me onto all fours, pull my hair, grab the back of my neck, slap my ass.’ I am not that kind of man. Well maybe I am that kind of guy, but I am so much more than a hot piece of man meat, so back-off, missy! Lift your eyes up to my other head. I also have something between my ears.” – M8TY

Patrick: I can’t tell you how excited and honored I am to interview you as FOCUS Magazine’s feature artist! Your artwork has been so incredibly inspiring to me, as I know so many in Second Life and far reaching into real world digital design and art! You have a careful eye for details and creativity that so many younger artists hope to achieve. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us this evening.

Just so we can get to know you a little better, as is our tradition at FOCUS, let’s begin with fun icebreaker: Tell us about an embarrassing moment you had while on holiday – where were you and what happened?

M8ty: Well, not sure if I should admit this, but I was out camping and got caught short without toilet paper! It was a very awkward position to be in, and needless to say, the walk back to the camp felt funny wearing just one sock. [Editor’s Note: TMI! But now I can’t help but wonder if you left the sock behind or stuffed it in your pocket! Update: He said he left it in the woods! hehehe]

Patrick: Your art is quite expansive with genres that go far and wide into digital art! What leads you to make certain decisions about theme and composition? Where do most your ideas come from and do you have a favorite?

M8ty: Ideas come from the world around me, what I see, other people’s work, and different photography styles I have tried to replicate. And many ideas come from other creators in Second Life. I have friends who love gatchas and end up with freaky costumes and make ups, and I love incorporating these into my art works. I have even been known to ask people I see to model for me, and some do.

Patrick: Which artists do you enjoy, from real world artists to even musicians and authors that might have had strong influences on you and your work?

M8ty: When I was learning how to use photoshop, I came across a guy called Andrei Oprinca. He had some tutorials on YouTube, he also has a web site called PSD Box. I subscribed to his web site for a year, following his tutorials and adapting SL images in to them. Before I knew it, I was competent in Photoshop.

I use Deviant Art for stock images and like to look at the many collections they have there there. I found art by a guy called JUDAS Art and have tried to emulate his work. While nowhere near his standards, I managed to make some images that I am proud of. Some SL artists would be people like AyE | 4му and Skip Staheli. There are many.

Patrick: What excites you about the creative process the most?

M8ty: The ideas. Then the making of poses and building of props. Then trying something new.

Patrick: You use so many amazing techniques, from set design, poses, lighting, props, to post-production edits. What processes do you look forward to experimenting with?

M8ty: Very hard to say, I don’t always come up with new ideas for my art, but I do take a lot of commissions, so I try to produce what the customer wants.

Patrick: I’m really curious about this next question, as I was also recently asked, and it took me a few minutes to formulate a response. Why do you create? And, what need in you do you think it satisfies to create artwork?

M8ty: Hard one. Well, it is a good way to express feelings and emotions. One example of this is this piece I did after the death of my mother, called “Mourning.” (https://flic.kr/p/H5WqMo) Also, I like to do a pic for a friend or family member that captures something of character and personality as seen through my eyes. And I guess I would not be human if I did not admit that being told that your art is appreciated stokes your ego and brings pleasure.

Patrick: I’m really challenged with this simple phrase, and this is true from Second Life extending far into my Real Life: “Less is More!” Following that idea then, when do you know your work is done?

M8ty: This is so true, I often work on images with someone watching in Skype. I could spend a lot of time painting hair, for example, when all I need to do is paint a little for some effect and the result is as good. The live feedback has shown this to me, also if I find myself thinking what else, it is normally time to do my final adjustment layers and finish.

Patrick: If you can sit down with a new artist (raises my hand as 1st in line) and share with them a few pieces of advice, what you tell them?

M8ty: Don’t limit yourself. Keep trying new things. Work on new ideas. Look for YouTube tutorials. Search Deviant art. Study the images you like, and try and work out how they have been done. If you find that hard, reach out. There are many in SL and Facebook groups that are happy to help. I have started my own YouTube channel with tutorials specific to Second Life photoshopping. I am also a member of a Facebook page committed to helping people with Photoshop – Photography Help Tips & Tricks SL Edition. I would suggest all these things.

Patrick: How has “Too Sexy for This Group” influenced you? Have you met other artists and those who appreciate sharing their passions?

M8ty: I have worked with Rachel Magic trying to help her get started. She has come a long way, mostly credit to herself! I would love to work with any artist that reaches out with an idea that inspires me, I enjoy helping new artists hence my YouTube channel.

Patrick: Once again, M8ty, we’re thrilled to spend the time getting to know you and share your visionary work at FOCUS Gallery for August! Cheers, my friend and thank you!

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Trisha Rose

“I know someday this adventure in SL will end for me. So when that day comes it will be really nice to have a way to look back and remember all the beautiful moments I had here and all the amazing people I have met and formed friendships with.” – Trisha Rose

Patrick: I’ve always enjoyed the joy you obviously have in Second Life photography, Trish! You seem to be connected to an inner spirit that transcends real life emotions to our digital world here, and so many that follow you enjoy your passions and love for life! I’d like to begin with an easy question so our FOCUS community can get to know the real you: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?

Trisha: This really takes me back to the past here. It was so many years ago now but I remember always wanting to fly – not a commercial airliner but fighter jets. I remember being about 7 or 8 and my mother taking me to air shows. The sound of them passing over and the maneuvers were just so breathtaking at that age. Then to top it off we had a rope swing out in the woods behind the house. A few friends and I would spend hours jumping from it into the creek. That 3 seconds of free-fall would feel like minutes of pure freedom. That dream of becoming a pilot lasted a few good years.

Patrick: What drew you to Second Life four plus years ago, and how has this digital world of ours brought you happiness in your real life?

Trisha: Such a good question. I was playing or exploring a world called Red Light Center for a few months. A few good friends from there told me about SL and how I should check it out. So I did, for two days. I couldn’t figure out how to add hair and became really frustrated. I was walking around bald for two full days watching a laser come out of my hands every time I pointed at something. I just hated SL so much at first. I still laugh thinking about how horrible I thought this was. Those same friends tried to help me but I couldn’t figure it all out. So I left, I went back to RLC for another month or two. Then they talked me into coming back to SL and really sitting down with it to explore. I’m really happy I did. SL has brought a lot of happiness into my RL on a daily basis. I have such a beautiful circle of friends here that I wouldn’t trade away for anything. The love and laughs we share is so special to me and I still wonder how I got so lucky to have crossed paths with them. I’m even friends with the ones who took me out of RLC. But I do question their friendship for putting me through the torture of walking around clueless for days!

Patrick: When taking a picture, what are motivations in creating your images? Do you find that RL experiences have influenced your work and design of your creations?

Trisha: My biggest motivator has to be emotions. Something emotional in my life will leave me searching for a way to express it, and even trying to work it out. Music also plays a large role. Some songs just randomly spark a memory or a image that I will try and capture. From there the wheels start turning. I will try and piece together a scene that can reflect on whats racing through my mind. Also the Flickr community is an amazing motivation. Everyday I open Flickr and I’m blown away by the imagination and beauty that is captured and shared there. The love and support they show to each other really helps to motivate everyone I believe.

Patrick: What does your work aim to say?

Trisha: Well, where to start with this one? I’m not sure. I really started taking pictures and still continue to take them for my own selfish desire to remember. To remember this adventure. I have watched so many people here in SL just poof and never come back. I’ve watched friendships that ended so sadly and suddenly. Also, on a positive side, so many good moments filled with love, laughs and friendships that blossomed. Those moments should never be forgotten. And with pictures, I can help keep them all tucked away. I know this adventure will end for me someday and when that day comes I will have a way to look back on all of this and feel all of those emotions once again. Kind of beautiful in a way and something I would like to hold onto. But will my pictures affect change in anyone other than myself? I would have to say most likely not. But if it does I hope it’s only for something positive.

Patrick: What are some of your favorite SIMs to take pictures and what are a few windlights you love the most?

Trisha: There might not be enough room to list all of them. There have been so many beautiful ones that are no longer around but for a short list I would have to say Elysion, Mother road, Mystical Fae Forest, and SSOC – Tokyo windhill City. So many to list here. I do find myself going to the destination guide often and searching for places there in the photogenic spots section. Windlights are my absolute favorite part of taking pictures. I could spend hours playing with them. A good starting point for me is [NB]-MistyDay-4pm. Then I can open the New Sky Preset and start to change colors and start moving slider bars. I seem to make the windlight for every picture, they’re all in the moment and different every time.

Patrick: And lastly, how has TSFTG influenced you?

Trisha: The group has been so wonderful to be a part of. Such a variety of artists who have always been so friendly and helpful. I love looking through the group on Flickr and seeing the pictures that are constantly being uploaded. Then you also have the events in world the group holds. Always so enjoyable as well. Giving everyone a chance to meet. The group has had a very significant influence, Not just on myself but I think everyone that has been involved over the time. Giving everyone a chance to share knowledge and ideas. I have had a chance to meet some amazing people through the group and would love to work with so many. It’s always such an honor for me to see them work their magic first hand.

MEMBERSHIP: Focus on Kitten and Drevan Sinclair

Believe it or not, Kitten and DreVan Sinclair have been building even longer than they have been taking photos in SL! It’s their primary passion and, as DreVan says “the devil’s in the details.” Every build – including their current “city” build – is intricately designed and decorated. From large buildings to lamps, and chill spots to beauty shops – they have thought of everything! Patrick and I stopped by their home for a quick tour that turned into a fun evening event, and we still didn’t see it all! We were so impressed, we took the opportunity to have an impromptu interview for the March 2019 issue.

Angela: Well, first of all, you are an amazing building duo and as a couple you have created some incredible spaces together. How did you two even meet?

DreVan: Okay… how we met… It was at bloodlines east. I had just bought some new bites for my vampire hud and asked in local if anyone could help me with installing them and she messaged me. And then I ended up liegeing to her – which makes more sense if you are familiar with bloodlines and vampires here in SL. I ended up joining her clan under her. And there was something about her that I felt from the beginning.

Angela: So, I guess it was “love at first bite?” (Patrick groans in the background)

Kitten: I guess it was love at 1st bite. I love that! I think I’ll use it on a pic soon. Thanks!

Angela: You’re welcome! So, working so closely together do you ever disagree about the direction of a build? How do you plan out your builds and handle differing opinions?

DreVan: Kitten really matches my creativity. It’s almost scary! The difference is that she likes to focus on the inside. I’m into landscaping so it works out well.

Kitten: Yes, Drevan is more of the outside guy and I work more inside our builds. We do walk-thrus with each other and suggest different ideas. He’s got a little of this, I’ve got a little of that and somehow it all just works. But I’ll tell you, it’s not as easy as it sounds. We both have alts, so keeping up with who has what in which inventory isn’t easy!

DreVan: So true. But as far as differences and similarities, we are definitely on the latter. We hardly ever disagree on ideas of builds and that’s been the best part about it. Sure, we get annoyed from time to time with each other, but what couple doesn’t?

Kitten: Absolutely! We’ve had our rough times and we both thought it was over. But being apart from each other for a short time really brought us closer together. Things are different now – better. You have to learn from your experiences and pick your battles.

Angela: Have you had one build in particular that you felt was the most challenging or inspiring?

DreVan: I’d have to say that one time we made a “heaven and hell” where we built a platform the size of the land and had it about 500 M up. Kitten decorated heaven and I did hell. It was challenging but in the end was pretty awesome.

Angela: DreVan got hell?

Kitten: He CHOSE hell!

DreVan: I have more dark stuff than light in my closet.

Kitten: He is dark; I am light. That’s how we work!

Angela: What kinds of things inspire you?

Kitten: I’ve always been into taking pictures. Even as a child with a little 110 camera! I always had one with me. Then came digital cameras and cell phones and the internet and it just blew up from there.

DreVan: I was mentioning to Kitten about when Patrick did the last class. It was cool how he spoke about how well Doc’s pics have been coming along. This is one of the few groups that really seem to support the new folks as much as the vets.

Kitten: I’d like to say something to that, too. I would like to see a little more coming together from the photography community as a whole. Since I started my own Flickr group, I’ve noticed that people are SO choosy on who to post awards to. It seems only the most popular pictures get the faves and the awards. But there is beauty in all art. We all started somewhere, you know? So, if people would be more friendly and help each other out more, like this group does, it would be wonderful. So, thank you for always welcoming everyone into the group and making them feel part of the community.

Angela: Thank you for your kind words and for having us over!

Kitten: Y’all are welcome to come over anytime. Take all the pics you want! We put a lot of love into this. We hope to share with others because we SO enjoy it ourselves too.

Kitten and DreVan also create the scenes for most of the FOCUS events! You will be able to see their handiwork on the sim usually at the beginning and end of every month.

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with Dystopyan

Dys●to●pi●an: /disˈtōpēən/ noun

A person who imagines or foresees a state or society where there is great suffering or injustice. The dystopian protagonist challenges that which would control his or her life and helps others see the truth of the dystopian world through a unique perspective.

Patrick Ireland of FOCUS sat down with our friend, Dystopyan, to get to get a better sense of his “view of the world.”

Patrick: Thank you so much, my friend, for being our FOCUS artist for April 2019! Let me begin by also saying thank you for being such an inspiring friend. Truly, your talent in RL and SL is tremendous!

First question, just so we can get to know you personally: What’s one memory in SL that you have, or an event or experience here, that you have incorporated into your daily real life?

Dystopyan: Three and a half years ago, I had no clue that SL even existed. It was so intriguing to me when I first heard about it. After joining in, and seeing the amazing creations produced by the SL community, a spark was triggered in me. Since then, it has been a constant learning curve, taking creative inspiration from SL to RL, and vice versa.

Photography in SL has caused me to perceive photography in RL a bit differently too, pulling my work outside the box. And one thing I learned the hard way, posing people in SL is so much easier than RL. 🙂

Patrick: What is your background? You get bonus points if you can tie your life experiences to your artwork.

Dystopyan: I’ve always had an interest in different types of art since I was young. I used to draw a lot and play guitar. To be honest, I never thought I would ever go professional in RL photography and digital painting until I was forced to make the decision to drop everything and pursue the passion I have.

Since then I’ve tried to create a different approach — mixing photography, image editing and digital painting — to pull off some surrealist concepts and themes most of the time.

Patrick: What does your work aim to say?

Dystopyan: My work is about people. My work says: People are different and no 2 are alike. My work can mainly be split into 2 categories, commissioned and personal work. If you really analyze my images you will notice that no 2 photos are the same. Whenever I want to photograph someone or create a specific look for someone, I try to pull the person’s character out. I try and get to know the person behind the avatar and the reason why they look the way they do. Doing that helps me visualize the photos in my mind, makes me able to fine-tune their avatar and push the photos to the extreme. The other half of my work is my personal work which shows my interests in BDSM and erotic art, fantasy and some surrealistic views of the world — trying to capture whatever SL has to offer.

Patrick: Does your work comment on current social or political issues?

Dystopyan: I know that some artists are huge social and political influencers. Not me. I try to capture emotions in my work. I like to meet different people and help spread the beauty of those people living in different parts of the world. The main message I have to share is to accept the person in front of you for who they are. Find the beauty in them and spread that out. I do not bother myself with politics either, and as Plato said: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” I am willing to live with that risk for the sake of what I love.

Patrick: Who are your biggest influences?

Dystopyan: I was first a musician before becoming a digital artist, so music plays a big role in my life. I enjoy all music, from the classical masterpieces to the more heavier and aggressive genres. As for visual artists and photographers, I like the genius classic work of Ansel Adams for some reason even though my work is exactly the opposite. On the other hand, I like Alberto Seveso, Aaron Nace and Aleksi Goferman —to name a few — who inspire me and push me to advance and develop my photography, image editing and painting skills, to be able to do what I do now.

Patrick: I’ve noticed that you’re quite helpful to “younger” photographers here in SL. Have you collaborated with others here and how do you feel your real life experience in art and photography has helped others in SL capture their own spirit for design and composition?

Dystopyan: I haven’t had big collaborations in SL — except for a few with other friends who are photographers — but I always try and help people who want to discover photography in here. Maybe because I am self-taught in RL, and I know how hard it can be for someone to learn by themselves. So I always try and lend out a hand whenever I can. Seeing other people’s work and creativity is inspiring to me. Some photographers see that as competition. I see it as growth and inspiration. Explaining some few techniques in composition, color theory and light can bring an amateur’s photos to professional levels, and that alone gives me pleasure when I see it happen.

Patrick: Lastly, is there a story behind your name?

Dystopyan: Long story short, I guess it’s because I think we’re heading towards a very dystopian era in the future. I like works such as Lovecraft and everything related as well. I guess it’s a combination of stuff. It’s just something that resonated with me when I created my av and I’m damn impulsive. 🙂 So, Dystopyan.

Patrick: Your photos have an air of your perception of dystopia as well.

Dystopyan: Yes. I try to show that.

Patrick: Thank you again, Dystopyan, for your time and sharing with our readers.

Fotobomb with Greg, June 2019

As I was out celebrating the US Memorial Day when I noticed Yoh Boa — one of our TSFTG members — dancing away. It was a great fotobomb opportunity seeing how his wife, DJ Avalon, was spinning tunes to the packed crowd. I took some time to catch up with Yoh as I crept up behind Avalon’s tip jar…

Greg: Yo, Yoh! (editor’s note: Greg totally got that from Angela) Nice to see you here on this fine Memorial Day!! Tell me, where are your favorite spots to take photos?

Yoh Boa: Well, I’m an old SL surf bum. I’m drawn to the ocean, so I love to take beach and surf photos. Avalon and I just did a blog and took some pictures at Kia Kaha.

Greg: That’s awesome – I saw a few of those photos on your Flickr page! What’s your favorite place to shop?

Yoh Boa: Other than Cabela’s? Oh, you mean in SL! I’m kind of a Cold Ash fan. Shopping may not be on my top 5 list in SL though 🙂

Greg: Haha of course. We’re guys! So when you have free time, what things do you like doing most?

Yoh Boa: Avalon and I have been building out a sim. It’s called “Mon Joli Cadeau.” Our vision is a classy place for couples in a Paris setting. We are also planning an art exhibit and gala for July. It’s been a blast! Avalon does most the creating, and I hold the toolbox and blueprints.

Greg: Sounds amazing! What else inspires you most in SL?

Yoh Boa: AVALON! I’ve been in SL for 12 years and most of that time lived a quiet surf life with close friends. I come from a technology background in RL so the graphics, photography, and creativity always intrigued me. Now that I have more time, and have an amazing creative wife, I am enjoying learning photography. I have a long way to go, but it’s been fun to learn.

Greg: Well, you’ve really come a long way. Those classes at FOCUS are paying off! Finally, how has TSFTG benefitted your SL?

Yoh Boa: We are both pretty new to TSFTG and have been introduced though DJ gigs. What a fun and nice group of people! Patrick and Angela are very warm and welcoming, and I think they model that for the rest of the group. Kindness is addicting and FOCUS is all about that. Greg: I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing more of you at FOCUS and TSFTG events.

Greg: I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing more of you at FOCUS and TSFTG events.

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Interview with CybeleMoon

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