The saying that March comes “in like a lion, out like a lamb” has always seemed a straightforward enough proverb: when March starts, it’s still winter, and by the end of the month spring has begun. As I write this Editor’s Note, March is coming in like a lion in the northeast. We are expecting 18 inches of snow this weekend alone!
The proverb also seems to ring true this month at FOCUS Magazine. The March issue represents a few big experiences for us. Firstly, this issue will feature our first couples interview with Loegan and Rachel Magic. Their interview has a sweet, romantic dynamic that is a pleasure to read. We have also begun our photography classes, which will occur around the 20th of every month, led by Patrick Ireland, our new Managing Editor. Inspiring, incredible changes are afoot for us all! More and more people have been coming together to help with the FOCUS vision of combining art, friendship and celebrating both. Pleases contact me if you’d also like to participate!
About two months ago, the Isle of Miracles, a community sim with rentals and scenery that attracts SL photogs, became a music venue, too. Arwen Ansaldo, who wears the tag “Miracles Boss,” took the sim over from Madeline Swann, founder of the Tres Chic event. Madeline built the sim, but didn’t have time to run it, so Arwen took over at the last moment and saved the beautifully landscaped sim from being lost. The sim’s description reads “Everyday holds a possibility of a Miracle!” I can attest to that as, on my first visit, I spent 3 hours enjoying the Rock Stage – one of three stages on the sim. First on stage was Loreen Aldrin, our dear TSFTG friend. Then Lisa Brune took the stage with her sexy French voice and joie de vivre. Last, was Jack Slade playing his familiar 6-string guitar. Music events are Thursdays from 1-3pm and Friday from 12-3pm. I definitely recommend dropping by for the photo opp, but stay for the music and idyllic atmosphere!
Don’t worry. You’re not the only one who has no idea how to pronounce his name. But don’t be fooled by his humble British charm. Underneath his shape-shifting, this guy is a Renaissance man, and we’re very fortunate he has taken a leading role in TSFTG and FOCUS Magazine & Gallery.
Angela: Hello Umshi and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed today, especially by ME! 🙂
Umshi: The privilage is all mine, thank you for asking.
Angela: We usually always start with an icebreaker question so here it goes: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world from any period of time, who would it be?
Umshi: My father. He passed away when I was 7 so I would like to get to know him.
Too Cool for Cats
Angela: Aww hugs! Great answer.
Umshi: Thank you.
Angela: So, you are a pretty prolific photographer in SL. What kinds of things inspire you?
Umshi: Mainly songs. I get inspired by the music – a line from a song or the title – and usually an image pops up in my head. I have to try and recreate using myself, surroundings, etc. made affordable by the wonders of SL.
Angela: You have been in SL since 2007, but only in Flickr since 2016. How did you get involved in SL photography to begin with?
Umshi: I was making avatar shapes and needed to advertise. A friend introduced me to Flickr and showed me the basics. I just enjoyed it so much that I don`t bother with the shapes anymore. I just taking pics and socialize.
Angela: In your 12 years in SL, what is a memory that stands out for you?
Umshi: Ha! Is this a PG magazine? Just kidding. 🙂 For 9-10 years all I did was build constantly. When I finished an epic build like a castle or a galleon and it`s all boxed-up in a rezzer and it pops-out with all your scripts working etc., that is a very satisfying moment.
Angela: So when you take a picture, do you have a routine?
Umshi: No. I do like to use all that’s available to me as and when its needed. I do shoot RAW also. It depends. Most shots 1 am using all windlights, camera tools, photo tools, and then I try to choose which appeals to me most. Sometimes, its the raw – the 1st shot. I dont have a favorite routine though but I do love B&W pics.
Angela: How did you learn about SL and what motivated you to join in 2007?
Umshi: I was on a train to London and someone left a glossy at my table. Inside was an article about a Chinese lady who was the 1st to make a million dollars from SL making clothes, I think. So I thought I needed to check that out., I’ve not quite made my 1st million yet though 🙂
Angela: If you could change something about SL, what would it be?
Umshi: The lagg monster. More powerful servers to make the game more slick. SL itself is about freedom to do what you want, be who you want to be – from the beautiful to the darker sides – so I`m all for live and let live. Whatever floats your boat in here. Let’s just get it working more smoothly please. Was working fine 12 years ago before broadband, so why are we still suffering in this day and age?
Technicolor Pachyderm
Angela: Is there anything you would like to say about the group?
Umshi: Just about groups like TSFTG. I love the fact people like yourself and Patrick lend yourselves wholly committed to help others, whether it`s showcasing someone’s art work or getting some more accomplished people together with enthusiasm, sharing knowledge, and helping others. I have been involved in the past in building schools similar and love what you two are doing here with regards to photography. Knowledge and experience should be shared to encourage others creativity. Thank you both for that. I know the hard work you both put in and also others within the group.
Angela: Thank you, Umshi!
Umshi: No, thank you!
Angela: My last question was going to be how TSFTG has affected your SL, but you seem to have answered that!
Umshi: Ohh hugely! Like a new family and new chapter in my SL journey. So many wonderful people here and the photography has been amazing to view in the Flickr group. Some really talented people here who`s work I greatly admire, But even some of the newer members, the creativity inspires me to keep on clicking.
Angela: And you are a moderator for the TSFTG Flickr group! Do you have any other groups of your own?
Umshi: Yes, I have several. “You are Cordially Invited” which is a more selective artsy group – not for snapshots – and “Show Me Your Stuff” which is a free for all anything goes group.
Angela: Do you consider yourself an artist?
Umshi: A piss artist maybe. I sing, play several instruments and build guitars in RL.
Angela: Wow! You are a man of many talents! You are a luthier in RL?
Umshi: I am, clever lady. 🙂 I have have a proper job, but I luthier at home in my spare time. I have many guitars out there by nearly-made-it guitarists. No super stars but have repaired a few for some UK stars. Not whole builds. And I still play and sing like a strangled cat though.
Angela: I doubt that! Have you ever thought about singing in SL?
Umshi: Excuse my French “fk that!” I play okay on my own, but in front of an audience I suddenly seem to be wearing boxing gloves.
Angela: Hmm. So what kinds of guitars do you build?
Umshi: Lately I have been into Cigar Box guitars. They sound so freaking awesome to me. Very raw and basic.
Angela: That is just amazing! Thank you so much for this interview, my friend!
Umshi: Thank you for asking. Though I got washed and dressed for this. I thought it was in voice with a piccy at the side, like doing a phone call for a chat show! I could of stayed in my board shorts and string vest.
Liz Winterstorm has been in SL for 7 years and a member of Flickr photo community since 2013. Her artwork spans the sensual, the artistic, the abstract as well as whimsical, creating beautiful and unique color, light and shadows.
Seline: Hi, Liz! It’s so nice to meet you and spend time looking through your photographic work. The images you put together have a very unique feel and look to them. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Liz: Hi, Seline! So nice to meet you, too. A lot of the time my mood of the moment comes into play, I can’t seem to take a picture that doesn’t fit with how I feel. I love poses so I put a lot of effort into finding a pose that represents how I feel and go from there.
Seline: What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started with SL photography?
Liz: Everything! Seriously… I’m completely self-taught and early on I found out I don’t have a lot of patience for learning, so I’ve never watched tutorials. I’m sure that could have gone a long way to making it easier. But a big one for me was derendering. How to simplify a scene by just making things go away.
Seline: Among your work, which is your favorite or means a great deal to you?
Liz: The one that means the most to me is ‘The Story of My Life.’ It’s a very personal photo and a special moment with Vrir.
Seline: Do you have any favorite Windlight settings?
Liz: I absolutely love windlights and I spend so much time searching for the right one for each scene. For me, it’s one of the most important parts of a photograph… along with the pose and the angle. I use the [TOR]Big Sun set of windlights a lot and [TOR]Sunrise, Chernoble is one of my favorites. I tend to use a lot of sunrise and sunset windlights. I like the glow a low sun can create.
Seline: What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself that you would not have known if it weren’t for SL?
Liz: I know a lot of people say that in Second Life you can be whoever you want to be, but what I’ve found is that it’s enabled me to be who I truly am. I’ve found a voice to express myself that I never would have if not for Second Life. Before I found SL I felt I had a creativity inside me but no way to let it out, and when I found SL and then started blogging I never thought photography would become a passion of mine. But it has.
Seline: What is your favorite thing to do in SL aside from photography?
Liz: The time spent with my partner, Vrir is always incredible and never seems long enough. But when he’s not in-world, I like taking in live music, particularly Jack Slade, who’s one of my favorites. I’ve recently started working for Elle Boutique, which I’m really excited about. I keep busy, bringing Elle coffee and rubbing her feet, plus I’ve been known to screw-up and make her life a little more difficult. Overall, it’s lots of fun! And of course, I’m on my pose stand a lot, just looking at myself.
Seline: What is the wildest, most insane, or weirdest thing you have ever seen in Second Life?
Liz: Hmm, wild, insane or weird… That can sum up any given day in SL. I know we’ve all seen a guy with his junk outside his pants so that’s almost mundane now. Early on in my SL, my sister and I put ourselves through a wood chipper. We laughed like crazy as our avatars were spewed out in chunks!
Seline: What does a perfect day or moment in SL look like for you?
Liz: The perfect moment for me has always been to sit looking out on a sunset, whether on a beach or somewhere flat with a big sky. The Hazardous sim comes to mind. I really miss that place. I’ve always enjoyed the serenity and peace a sunset can bring, in Second Life and real life.
Seline: And finally, how has TSFTG affected your SL?
Liz: At first, TSFTG was only a group on Flickr that I could post my photos to and keep up to date with other photographers, which I’ll add, is a really great group of photographers! Then I took in an event, which isn’t common for me, being an extreme introvert. I usually stay home and work. But, I ventured out to one of the exhibit openings and really liked the atmosphere. The art was incredible, but for me what’s more important is that I felt welcome and comfortable among the crowd. It’s great to meet some of the photographers that I’ve been following on Flickr for so long and being around creative people is always inspiring. To be a part of something that’s as accepting and encouraging as this group is, is important for me. I believe we’re all here to help lift each other up.
As most everyone knows, I live on the east coast of the U.S. in New York where the month of May is a very beautiful, mild month. The weather is cool but comfortable. April showers have washed away any remains of snow. Leaf buds and flower buds begin to peek out as the earth gently makes it’s yearly transformation from freezing cold hibernation to the warmth of Spring again. Sluggishly, the groggy earth awakens and then, with the surprise, and energy and happiness of a child, pastel-colored life pops-up from the wet brown earth. Cherry trees burst into blooms of pink and white. And the robin red-breasts reliably returns, true to his promise of another season of life.
Liz Winterstorm’s photography reminds me of this transition. It is surprising and subtle with a wistful wave to the graying past, an appreciation for the golden treasure of the present, and a wonderous but watchful approach to the blurry, unknown future.
This issue also features Umshlanga Barbosa. He’s become a fixture at TSFTG and FOCUS, as moderator and contest judge. He’s a unique Liverpudlian man of many surprising talents, and we learn a bit more about him in this issue.
You will notice that Mahogany’s column is missing in this issue. Her busy RL took precedence, but she will be back in the June issue. We’ve also begun a new column called “Kitten’s Korner” that you are sure to enjoy!
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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.
“Spirituality” was once a word that almost always referred to formal religion. Today, the term also refers to personal experiences of a transcendent dimension and the deepest values and meanings by which people live. Outside of organized religion, a spiritual belief can be in something beyond the observable world. Perhaps a belief in personal growth, a quest for the meaning of life, or encountering one’s inner self. Virtual spirituality? Same meaning.
In a virtual environment like SL, the opportunities for spiritual pursuits are limitless — as befits our nearly limitless environment. Spiritual organizations of every type abound, as do the opportunities for individual discovery. Some celebrate formally in groups and others just provide opportunity for individual thought and contemplation.
A celebration in June you will see observed in SL is the pagan celebration of Midsummer or “Litha.” The focus of this celebration is the power of the sun. The earth has warmed up and is pouring forth its bounty in crops, flowers, and general greening of the northern hemisphere. Days are longer, and nights are softer. There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, both formally and informally. Perhaps the best celebration is to spend some time enjoying the outdoors and connecting with nature, or — in our virtual world — visiting one of the many beautifully designed nature sims with a bit of imagination.
Spirit Pond Chrystal Mountain
Also in June is the new moon around June 3, and the full moon around June 17. New moons are traditionally a time for making wishes and plans for things we wish to manifest in the future. The full moon is a time of releasing whatever no longer serves us in our lives. This can mean anything from physical cleansing to letting go of old limiting beliefs. The June full moon is the Strawberry Moon and celebrates the sweetness of the ripening fruit and the fertility of our world, which makes it a good time to identify and release the things that are keeping ourselves from ripening or growing. Whatever your spiritual path, these markers — which occur every month — are just two of the ways our universe (if we listen) gently guides us to self-care and offers us an opportunity to grow.
Namaste (the divine in me sees and recognizes the divine in you).
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!
