N o v e m b e r
2 0 1 9
Contents
30.
Through the Lens
80.
At Home With...
116.
Proust Spotlight
64.
Exis (3XIS)
102.
Swain Craven
130.
The Art Perspective
Taylor, Tempest & Trouble lend us their take with a view through their perspective on their favorite fall activities.
From the 2019 Bloggies, we interview the talented and always fashionable, Exis, winner of the Best Female Fashion Blogger Award.
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For this month’s feature, Kess Crystal inspires with her fantastic home & decor piece with the winter season in mind.
Representing the most stylish of gentlemen, ECLIPSE Magazine showcases Swain Craven, winner of the Best Male Fashion Blogger Award.
Teaming up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, we shine the spotlight on the talented Dash Bloodmoon!
Oema curates and reviews Cica Ghost’s “The Rocks” hosted by Electric Monday’s “The Sim Quarterly.”
s
ECLIPSE Magazine is dedicated to not only offering an aesthetically pleasing publication, but to also be considered a platform that offers rich and relevant content. Each month, we showcase residents and groups that have taken the concept of “your world, your imagination� to such great heights that they have impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community.
48.
Cover Story Geena Carminucci Cover Photographer Ric Applewhyte
140.
Voices from the Grid
150.
Artist Highlight
158.
The Wayfarer
Writer Cajsa Lilliehook
Each issue ECLIPSE Magazine asks residents a question, see what they have to say.
The Artist Highlight returns, featuring the talented live singer, Zorch.
Join the Wayfarer as they travel the grid, visiting Authors Point. ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 11
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executive team
Trouble dethly
cajsa lilliehook
tiffany parkin
autumn rose
Publisher
Copy Editor
Assistant Editor
Creative Director
sol may valor
Social Media Manager
the c
writers
photographers
Autumn Rose Cajsa Lilliehook Grayden Foxe Miele Tarantal Novaleigh Freng Oema Taylor Wassep Tiffany Parkin
Autumn Rose GraceOMalley June Fallon Lessthen Zero Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Wicca Merlin
stylists Autumn Rose GraceOMalley June Fallon Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Wicca Merlin
guest stylist & photographer Kess Crystal
interested in advertising with eclipse? have an idea for a great story? looking to start a new career in second life? email trouble.dethlysl@gmail.com
contributors
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. That’s inaccurate. I like any holiday that involves food. I am partial to stuffing, but more than that this time of the year is when I have all my family and friends over. And I like cooking for them, one of my greatest joys in life is spending time in the kitchen preparing food. So it does apply for most holidays then and Saturday supper... and every night when I cook dinner. Nonetheless, Thanksgiving (likely because of the name) always gives me reason and cause to pause and reflect. To think about what I am most grateful for in life. And while I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and my dog and my career and my health... I am truly most grateful for my friends and family. It has been a trying few months. Without them, I don’t think I could have endured it all. I am thankful for their understanding, for not writing me off because I don’t always respond. I am thankful for the moments they know when to leave me alone, to stay with me in silence or to push me to talk. I am thankful that in the most heartbreaking time of my life, I have had them with me to keep me afloat. So if they’re reading this, thank you for everything, and I’m only sorry that there are not enough words for me to convey how much you all mean to me. I’m awful at segues, but Kess and I had the Bloggies last month, so this issue is very blogger-centric. We feature on the cover this year’s Blogger of the Year, Geena Carminucci. We also have showcase articles on Exis, who took home the award for Best Female Fashion Blogger (and Best Landscape & Garden Blogger) and Swain Craven, who won the award for Best Male Fashion Blogger. All three of these people are extraordinarily talented, and I am thrilled that we had the opportunity to share their stories. In other news, I’m doing a collaborative cookbook, where residents from around the world submit their favorite recipes. We’re still taking sign ups, so if you’re keen... check this link for more information. We have ten features this month, and I do hope you enjoy it. Happy readings!
letter from the PUBLI
ISHER
One of the lessons in life I seem most unwilling to learn, despite the constant reminders, is to reach o those I trust when I am struggling.
Things have been really chaotic on my end for the past couple of months. Uncharacteristically chaot be honest. Both real life and Second Life have kept me on my toes, juggling deadlines, responsibilitie more. It’s been a lot on my plate and I believed in my head that if I just pushed through, it would all taken care of and I would be fine. Funny how life decided to prove to me that I was wrong.
See, one of the things I try to be very good about is being there for my friends when they need me. I my friends and want to support them. Whether its real life or Second Life, if I consider you my frien take that very seriously and will often drop what I am doing to be there for you. That’s how I try to be believe it is my responsibility, as a friend to do that.
I am horrible at reaching out myself though and asking for the support I try to give others. With all t has been going on the past couple of months, I didn’t reach out. At least not the way I should have internalized a lot and, to be honest, it wore me out. It left me exhausted, unable to think clearly an impacted my sleep. I finally had to make a decision to take a break from a few things to take care myself. In making that decision, I finally reached out to my blogger managers and, most recently, to a very trusted friends. With my blogger managers, as soon as I said real life, they said do what you nee do. And as I reached out to a couple of trusted friends and spilled my souls as to what was going on, were there to support me...without judgement, questions or reservations. It brought me instant relie honestly, after doing that...I had the first good night of sleep I have had in quite some time.
Why do I share this with all of you here? I share it because we all struggle. We all have things going in our lives that overwhelm us. We all have things we don’t want to talk about because we are afraid ashamed. We question if our friends will really be there for us when we need them. We worry about view of us if they hear how crazy things are in our lives.
One of the missions of ECLIPSE is to bring the Second Life community together. We all take that responsibility very seriously. Bringing the community together includes helping to build, nurture a foster positive relationships between ourselves and our fellow Second Life residents. In order to do th often have to take the risk of opening up, sharing what’s bothering us or what we are ashamed of. We to trust that if someone says they are our friend, they will be there for us. Thankfully, I was reminded o recently and wanted to share that with all of you.
So after all that long winded blabber, and in the spirit of bringing others together, we hope you w enjoy this month’s edition of ECLIPSE. While many of our features this month focus on The Bloggies the blogging community, we are reminded that these individuals have a special way of bringing oth together through their amazing work. Help us celebrate these amazing artists and everyone who m Second Life a special place to be.
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through the lens
styling & photography by taylor wassep, tempest rosca & troub
s
Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens. For this addition, Taylor, Tempest and Trouble immerse themselves in the best parts of the fall season.
ble dethly.
Photographer: Tempest Rosca
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep
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Photographer: Trouble Dethly
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Photographer: Trouble Dethly
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from there to her
photography provided by geena carminucci. written by cajsa l
re
lilliehook.
community are constantly cha to better their creative skills, a ways to show their creative pe
Geena Carminucci was recently named the BVN Blogger/ Vlogger of the Year, the apex of Second Life blogging. ECLIPSE Magazine caught up with her to discover how she thinks of blogging and what advice she might offer others aspiring to follow in her footsteps. However, since she things the creature that best represent bloggers is a butterfly, I suppose they should be following her flight path.
Geena got off to a slow start here nine years ago, from The took her awhile to warm up t the creative outlet it provide
So, why does Geena think butterflies are the creature most representative of the blogging community? “They are all different, beautiful, colorful, and unique. But most of all, they represent change/transition. People in this
SL photography interested h that led to her learning Photo that time I was on version CS3 taking green screen pictures
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anging, transforming, striving the constant practice developed her skills. and always looking for new ersonality through blogging.” She was also into the SL football community, doing editorial and magazine work, doing ad work and in Second Life. She came photographing the live games. “You could say this was ere, a social online site. It my first commissioned large job in SL. It was SO much fun.” to SL, but the people and It was a creative challenge for her to go from static green ed her kept her coming back. screen photos to shooting live action shots in the field. She had to adapt and learn new skills. “That’s the great thing her from the beginning and about SL, it allows you to constantly challenge yourself toshop editing. “I think at with new creative projects all the time!” She also made 3. Old school!” She began by great friends, some of whom continue their friendship s of herself and her friends, even after they left SL.
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Geena never thought of herself as a fashionconscious person so blogging never even crossed her mind. “To be honest, I just wanted to make pretty pictures, bringing to life anything and everything that came into my head.” As she continued to develop her skills and learning new techniques, she started crediting what she wore and the decor and items used in building her scenes. “I guess two things really factored into me making the leap. One, I was offered a blogging spot for a brand that I had always admired and loved over the years. They took a chance on me, someone that wasn’t a formal blogger and accepted my style for what it was. Secondly, one of my biggest influencers/ mentors, Justine Lemton, kept little by little nudging me toward blogging.” Geena joked with her and pushed back against the idea of blogging. Geena is certain she would never have begun blogging if not for her. “She encouraged me consistently, she walked me through the basic etiquette of blogging, and she eventually helped me to setup my own official blog separate from Flickr.” Geena considers Lemton her biggest inspiration, but she has admired others over the years and been inspired and influenced by their work – Vega Arida, Shocking Wonder, Lara Ubert, and Oakley Foxtrot are a few of her main inspirations. “These people have influenced, and motivated me to constantly challenge myself and grow in a community with endless creative possibilities.”
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The most valuable advice she was given was learning the basics of blogging etiquette was key. It was vital to make a clear and consistent style of crediting for her blog, listing items properly, tagging them to make it easier for people to find what they are looking for. This feeds into her own description of what makes a good blog post. Of course, she leads with credits, a clear, organizing order for credits with working links. She also says it is important to credit everything visible, as much as possible, not only those items provided for promotion. She likes reviews and write-ups and admires bloggers who do that, though she doesn’t. “But above all else, a great blog post is one that shows a creative photo; something that catches the eye and makes you feel something. Those are the ones that draw you in over all the others with the same dress or outfit.”
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She shared her own advice for new bloggers, “If you are thinking of really getting into blogging, make sure you have a passion for some aspect of it, whether it’s photography or fashion or decorating.” She noted that it is easy to get discouraged, particularly at the start when you are building your skills, following, and reputation. If you don’t have a passion, you won’t keep going. For established bloggers, her advice is to ask themselves if it makes them happy. That is what she asks herself when she is struggling, when stress and distractions kill her creativity and deplete her energy. ”Does this make you happy? It is too easy to get caught up in the likes/favs/ views, or too difficult to let go of some sponsors for brands that you absolutely love. But taking on more than you can handle will create stress you don’t need,
and will most definitely kill your creativity. Sometimes you need to step away or reevaluate, because it’s not worth it. This is not a second job, and we need a reminder every now and then that this outlet should be….. fun!” Speaking of getting stressed by obligations, Geena was asked about how she deals with the ever-increasing requirements from stores and events. “I’m very art-inspo driven, and so I have constantly struggled with blogging requirements since I took on the role of a blogger.” She understands why stores and events have them, but over the years, she has decreased her obligations, taking fewer sponsors and events with requirements. “Brands that do not tie you into hard requirements or only require blogging of items you take,
really do help the creative flow process to be more natural. But each blogger/ personality handles these deadlines differently. I admire those that thrive on the challenge. Over time, I think it is beneficial and critical for one to figure out what works best for you, and then only accept sponsors that are in line with your creative needs.” Geena deflects any praise about her styling, “I do not even try to kid myself into believing that I am an outstanding stylist. I normally have a very simple style, and just hope that the picture as a whole conveys a story or vibe.” Instead, she usually begins by setting up a scene and likes to have it close to complete before she even begins to style her outfit. The scene creates the vibe, the vibe creates the outfit. Of course, sometimes she ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 55
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has something she needs to wear and will start with that, adding hair and accessories. For an event with multiple items, she might start with a pose to inspire her and then choose clothing and accessories to complement the scene or the pose.
She added a few tricks. She likes to open a second browser, using two avatars to shoot and setup a scene. “I will keep an alt logged in with my angle/view for the photo, and then switch to my main avie to move objects, avatars, etc. I then use the alt to shoot the photo. If you happen This is not fast nor easy, though to crash while shooting, no big deal sometimes an idea hits her or falls in because your main avie is still set up her lap. She might see a backdrop, exactly where you set them!” a piece of decor, a pose, some clothing, or a real-life picture and it She also uses freeze screen, using all clicks into place. Then sometimes CTL-ALT-F in Black Dragon. It freezes she will struggle for days trying to everything on your screen. “I find come up with an idea. “I would say this very helpful if you are taking that I spend about 50% of the time on pictures of avies that have facial/ building/creating a scene, 30% on a hand animations on, or if there are pose (not sure why this takes forever!) any moving animals, trees/grass, or and 20% on styling. On average, my particles. Static is a photographer’s editing takes several hours (4-6) or best friend!” possibly a couple days if I pick it up and put it down. So it is not unusual On a personal level, Geena is an for a process to take me a week just introvert. She likes meeting new for one post!” people, but in smaller groups. “That is what I love so much about One average, she will take the blogging, I have been able to meet same shot in twenty different so many amazing people either from windlights, merging many together collaborating for photos, or just in post-editing. “I am constantly talking to about blogging, editing, using different windlights, however etc.” She also enjoys going to live I do favor using many from Satomi music events and hanging out with Masukami (Foxcity). I am not one to her friends in SL. In real life, you take destination pictures or going will find her by the pool, traveling, to public sims for shooting, just due seeking out foodie places and to lag and object/building controls. breweries. She also likes going to So most all of my scenes/backdrops concerts and movies with friends. are built for each post.” She prefers “I am an avid Yankees fan, and my Black Dragon for taking photos husband tries to get me into college even though the user interface is a football, but let’s be honest, I’m just little difficult. She thinks it is hard to there for the food and drinks.” shoot a bad picture in Black Dragon. She has spent more than nine years
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in Second Life and it is dear to her heart. She has met some of her best friends in SL. She has met up with some of them in real life and hopes to meet some others. They are as much as part of her life as her friends she met in real life. She also met her husband in SL. After dating in SL, they got together in their first life and have been married in real life for almost two years. His music manager is now one of her best friends. As time passed in SL, Geena’s interests have evolved. Before she blogged, she had a house she decorated and landscaped a little. Now, like many bloggers, she lives “on a white platform with 100 pose stands and random objects rezzed for blogging lol. I do try to force myself to leave the platform every now and then to hang with friends or catch some live music or a DJ set, because then it forces me to put hair and shoes on.” Geena has one last thing to share with readers, “I was really honored, humbled, and surprised by this recognition. I’ve been doing photography since I started SL. It’s easy to keep to yourself and stay in this little bubble, but this community has forced me out of my comfort zone in many ways, which is such a great thing. I have met so many amazingly talented individuals that work hard, and it inspires me daily and keeps me going”. For more of Geena’s work, check out her Flickr, Blog and Facebook.
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best female fashion:
photography provided by exis. written by tryl
: exis
lan dethly.
As one of Second Life’s most versatile and prolific bloggers, it comes as no surprise that Exis (3XIS) won two categories for the 2019 BVN Bloggies Awards: Best Landscape & Garden Blogger and Best Female Fashion Blogger. While most bloggers lean towards one specialty, typically either fashion or home and garden, Exis excels at both, and ECLIPSE Magazine recently had the opportunity to learn more about this talented blogger. Exis joined Second Life on February 1, 2016, after being introduced to it by her best friend Jules, a long-time resident.
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After hearing about it for months, she decided to join. She struggled initially with meeting people and socializing, as she confesses, “I find it really hard to create strong and trustworthy relationships through the internet and I also have huge trust issues, so opening myself to new people and making new friends, online, was definitely a challenge.” However, discovering photography was what truly drew her into this virtual world and gave her a reason to stay. She credits blogging and the community, as it helped her believe in herself and also introduced her to like-minded residents.
Her fo after s began who d blogg both p would she’d o is a ge hersel tutoria quick one of her, fo offerin
oray into blogging came soon she joined, as Exis’ blogging career n in April 2016. The same friend drew who to SL drew her into ging “We shared the page and would post our own different images. She d actually do more than that, as often help me write my credits. Jules em.” As a new blogger, she found lf reading blogs and watching als to improve her work. She is to acknowledge Kess Crystal as f the first people to reach out to ollow and share her blog and for ng helpful tips and advice.
“
I vividly remember Daria, who owned the MeshBodyAddicts blog (and later on, Maddict brand) had written an amazing tutorial about SL Photography. Then it was the work of bloggers like Strawberry Singh and Daeberethwen Arbenlow that educated me as well.”
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Throughout her years as a blogger, Exis has received great advice, often without realizing in the moment. It would come from simply discussing things with her friends who blog. While she admits she used to place emphasis on how her photographs perform on social media with views, likes and faves — she has learned that while some believe these statistics define whether a photo is good or not, they should not. “Only you know how hard you’ve worked on an image, how much love and effort you’ve put into it so, no number of faves should ever be the judge of that.” Furthermore, she shares how a friend told her not to dwell on underperformed pictures and to “just move on to the next one.” When Exis blogs, she will make one of two images. The first is decor-only, where her goal is to strictly showcase the furniture. The second is “avatar-in-a-scene” photo. While both processes begin the same with her staging a scene and finding the perfect angle to showcase what she is blogging, the latter involves her having to “consider the right outfit for it, the pose, the mood etc. Or vice versa. The clothes alone often require a very specific scene which could be difficult to create.” When asked if she has a process for styling an outfit, she readily admits that she does not. For her, it begins with putting on clothes that have recently been released and from there looking at newly released items that complement the outfit and looking at older releases as well.
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“
And eventually, it all comes down to the final take and personal taste. How am I going to pose or what angle I’m shooting from will define what I’m going to eventually wear. Because I really don’t like sitting down when wearing a skirt for example. And you can’t really showcase a necklace, unless you make a close-up image. It’s a creative process which often times requires a large inventory as well. The more items you own, the more room there is for experimenting and styling.” ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 69
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With her busy real life, most of her work on images is done on weekends. When fully focused and undistracted, it can take her four hours or more to set-up a scene and complete the image; however, other times it may take days. As an artist, she will start on the scene, work on the environment with an idea inspired in her head — only to change it 90% of the time. For her more fashion-driven photos, she will pose her avatar, experiment with wind light and angles. “The moment I find an angle that I actually like and showcases what I’m planning to blog, I rearrange the scene accordingly.” When she has her image taken, it will take her a couple of hours in Photoshop to process. The majority of that time is spent experimenting with the different options. She even shares how she feels guilty if she does not try new things.
“
Besides, that is what this is all about. You can’t grow by doing the same things over and over again. You have to experiment, you have to try new things and eventually learn from your mistakes. It is what people call ‘trial and error’.”
With the ever-increasing popularity of blogging, Exis was asked what advice she would offer to those new to it. After some consideration, she would encourage them to take their time. She further explains this, “I was myself too, a victim of mass production. Meaning, I’d only care to be fast and produce images quickly which eventually resulted in the common “quantity over quality”. That to me, is wrong. Take your time, work on your idea, try different angles, windlights, set-ups. You don’t have to blog something the same day you receive it. I’m sure designers and brands would appreciate it a lot, but trust me, they will appreciate a well thought-out image more, even if it’s on the second ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 71
week of the release.” Also pressed about what advice she might offer more experienced bloggers, she has but one thing, “Give new people a chance.” Whether it is through collaboration, answering their questions, she implores established bloggers to “be the example [new bloggers] want you to be,” and to leave room for them. By this she shares how she recently left two huge events because she felt as though she could not keep up and that there are hundreds of bloggers who would be thrilled to blog those same events. “Unless I get myself out of there, they won’t be given that opportunity.” She would also encourage Flickr-only bloggers to consider creating their own website. She finds that Flickr has proven to be unreliable, and it would be safer to use an additional platform.
I’ll try more angles and more windlights only because that might inspire me to do something different and definitely unique!”
A major part of blogging is the photography, and it is said that a picture can speak one thousand words. Often times inspiration can come in many forms. Whether it is something drawn from emotions, a fleeting glance from the corner of your eye, that song stuck in your head on repeat and everything in between. Exis shares that for her, it is a difficult question to answer, but the items alone inspire her for the most part. “If they’re specific enough or cater to a certain audience, my job is easier. For example, if you’re blogging lingerie, you know you don’t want to create an outdoors, beach environment. That just wouldn’t make sense.” Inspiration also comes to her from the work of other bloggers and photographers, when she scrolls down her stream and looks at people’s images. “This can be dangerous, because it’s a thin line between being inspired from and ripping off someone’s work. Which is why I spend that much time on the image. Even if I think I’m done,
“Imagine having 10 brands you blog for and 30 days in which this brands have to be blogged. That’s great, plenty of time for you to be creative, to work on your images and to experiment. Now imagine all 10 brands asking you to blog their stuff in the first two weeks of that 30 days time window.” She found this challenging at first, but understood the importance of not putting it before her own personal life and health. Thus, she made some hard choices to make her Second Life fun again, to experience and see things in this virtual world that she had not allowed herself to before.
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The work of a blogger can be lonely with much time spent in solitude working on the next image for the next post. It is also fast-paced and can be demanding. Exis shares how until recently, Second Life had a negative impact on her life. She found it stressful, demanding, exhausting and time-consuming to the point where she would ignore not only her friends and family but her own health, as well. While some would say that she had taken on too much, she sees it differently — rather, the expectations of a blogger and their requirements had evolved.
Her time now is spent blogging, with friends, going to events to shop and she even went to a Second Life club! With a busy real life, where she works eight to ten hour shifts a day plus dance classes (she is a former professional dancer but now does only dance for fun), the free time she does have she enjoys spending it with her family and friends, “I value my
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friendships and they’re a big part of who I am today.” She also shares that she is Greek, quickly followed with “it’s safe to assume that I love the beach.” Throughout Exis’ journey, she still finds blogging challenging because she wants to. She endeavors to continually become better and grow. This ethic transfers to other aspects of her life. She explains, “I don’t allow myself to settle or compromise for the easy way out or the commonly used method. I know I’m terrible at making portraits for example, however I’m still trying to learn. I will probably never reach the level I’m aiming for but I can’t just accept the fact that I can’t do it. I need to know that I’ve tried.” Her time on Second Life has given her great appreciation for designers, as she enjoys watching their growth and how they “create new, original and creative content.” Her admiration goes to those who take their time to create something “unique and of better quality, no matter the cost.” Perhaps, what makes her happiest is the friends she has made on the grid, “Talking to them daily and discussing about our days is so refreshing. I’m proud to say I’ve made some long-time friends now and they deserve a medal for being able to tolerate me.” And there you have it. Modest, talented, humble, artistic, consistently honest and driven are a few words that come to mind to describe Exis. It would be only appropriate to end this article with her own words, when we asked if there was anything else she would like to share. “I would like to end this interview by expressing my gratitude towards every single person that has followed, supported, shared and loved my work for all these years. Creating a following is a long, exhausting process and I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for the people who read my blog and follow my work. Winning awards might mean nothing to some people but for me, it meant a great deal. It’s solid proof that some people appreciate what I’m doing and they keep inviting me back. Many thanks to Blogger and Vlogger Network as well for all their hard work supporting the community, providing resources and creating a safe environment for us to grow in. To my friends, supporters and haters, even - they make me work harder to prove them wrong - thank you!” For more of Exis’ work, check out her Flickr, Blog and Facebook. ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 75
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at home with...
styling and photography by kes
ECLIPSE Magazine explores the long underappreciated and overlooked world of home and garden design. The flourishing diversity and abundance of choice since the mesh revolution has led to a bold new world of creation. For this month’s feature, Kess Crystal is all ready and geared up for the holiday season with her inspiring home and decor spread. Check out more of her work on her Flickr.
ss crystal
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3D Trees Elderberry seasonal 12_8f8 - Winter Memories of Autumn - Greeting porter Autumn Apple Fall Heritage Woodburner Apple Fall Robin Buffet Table RARE Bazar - Hyde - Dining table Bazar - Hyde - Dining chair Bazar - Hyde-Place setting [Black Bantam] Floral Centerpiece 01 [Consignment.] Snowmobile attachable brocante. snowmobile (gacha) / hunter brocante. tractor (gacha) / green tree RARE Dahlia - Gokotta - Flower Arrangement 3 Dahlia - Gokotta - Cappuccino - Blue Dahlia - Gokotta - Bon Bons - Chocolate - Spilled Dahlia - Gokotta - Crepes Page 98 | ECLIPSE November 2019
Dahlia - Decorative Folk Christmas Trees Dahlia - Gokotta - Mimosas Dahlia - Newport - Vintage Monochromatic - Books - Black Dahlia - Denmark - Cappuccino Tray Dahlia - Gokotta - Cushion - Green Dahlia - Gokotta - Cappuccino - Cream Dahlia - Denmark - Blanket - Beige Dahlia - Gokotta - Lantern - Open DRD - MM3 - Dusty Carpet dust bunny . mini christmas tree dust bunny . harvest feast . cranberry sauce .fullset exclusive dust bunny . harvest feast . sweet potato casserole dust bunny . harvest feast . turkey . fullset exclusive dust bunny . harvest feast . gravy boat
dust bunny . harvest feast . dinner rolls dust bunny . welcome mat . home sweet home . group gift dust bunny . harvest feast . mashed potatoes dust bunny . harvest feast . green beans Fancy Decor: Caron Buffet Foxwood ~ Delilah ~ Fire guard Foxwood ~ Delilah ~ Fireplace ~ Light HPMD* Shrub02 - snowy color a HPMD* Cliff Hill - snow B HPMD* Dirt Road - snowy HPMD* Dirt Road/curve - snowy hive // holiday garland spiral hive // holiday garland straight hive // pinecone display hive // woven basket
hive // cone boxwood topiary . lighted hive // noel tin train hive // wooden room divider hive // fir tree B hive // fir tree A . snowy hive // fir tree C . snowy hive // christmas tree farm hive // fir tree B . snowy hive // decorative twigs & berries keke feather grass . frost Loft & Aria - Azibo Rug MADRAS Snow Fountain Decor MADRAS Snow Bird Home Decor MADRAS Snow Lantern Decor MADRAS Snow PostBox Decor [Merak] - Fall Blankets
Nutmeg. Summer’s End Chandelier (Light On/Off ) Nutmeg. Disarray Wicker Basket Light v1 Nutmeg. Rustic Branch Wreath Nutmeg. Rustic Firewood Basket Nutmeg. Old Story Frames Wood Nutmeg. Disarray Chair w/Plaid Soft Grey, ADULT Nutmeg. Rustic Outdoor Bench Nutmeg. Garden Getaway Table Nutmeg. Garden Getaway Breakfast Tray RARE Nutmeg. Winter Brunch Packages Nutmeg. Old Winter Sled Brown (No shadow) Nutmeg. Rustic Wreath In Wood Chest Nutmeg. Holiday Clutter Ladder w/Decor Adult Nutmeg. Vintage Tabletop Wreath Dark w/Lights Nutmeg. Winter Brunch Rug Nutmeg. Orchard Harvest Grapes
Nutmeg. Summer’s End Chair w/ Blankets Nutmeg. Countryside Dream Wooden Chest O.M.E.N - Autumn Harvest Truck - Brown (No Pose) O.M.E.N - Dog Park Day - 2 - Sitting Mama ..::THOR::.. Dusty Wine Bottle Trompe Loeil - Snow Add-On for the Farrowhill Craftsman Cottage Trompe Loeil - Farrowhill Craftsman Cottage Moss ROIRO - Cafe ceiling light LB_AnimatedConifer{4Seasons} LB_WeepingHoneyTree{Animated}*4SeasonS Real - Retro bulbs RLG (model RLG15-N-BIG) Fanatik Architecture: Lofoten Winter Sese_Winter Ice Rink - Light Tree junk. boho curtain. Sese_Winter Ice Rink - Wreath ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 99
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best male fashion: swai
photography provided by swain craven. written by TAYL
in craven
LOR WASSEP.
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Blogging has been an ever-growing creative avenue for many residents in Second Life™. Over the last couple of years, especially, blogging has allowed people the freedom to express themselves through their avatars. In this virtual world we actively play in, blogging comes in many forms; from written options on new features in Second Life. to gossipy websites creative for pure “entertainment,” to fashion reviews and advertisements. This does not even include a newer form of blogging, vlogging. With each person showcasing what they want via their blog, website, Flickr, or YouTube channel, it all comes down to the individual and their authentic ways of displaying what they want with their audiences. For this article, we will be talking to Swain Craven a resident who has been showcasing his photographic blog posts styled with a modern minimalist aesthetic. Starting in 2006, Craven’ curiosity was piqued by this free virtual world game described as akin to “The Sims” and heard his friends migrated over to the grid, never looking back.
“
It was new and quite amazing compared to my outlets beforehand. I didn’t have a hard time learning or shopping because all of my friends pretty much guided me through it.”
It would take Craven roughly two years to learn about photography in Second Life. Mainly staying amongst the Role-players, he didn’t venture much out of that secure community bubble. But, once he did, he hasn’t stopped doing photography since 2008.
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When asked about how he got into photography inSecond Life, Craven talked about his passion for photography in his real life. He humbly talked about his perceived lack of editing skills. Nonetheless, his eye for capturing subjects through his camera was something that just came natural to him.
“
Back in 2008, Second Life didn’t have as many options as it does now so a lot more editing went into great photos.”
Compared to now, with all the new features like Bento animations, mesh, Environmental Enhanced Project; not to mention the ways in
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which post-production is navigated now photography in 2008 was much more di But you don’t know what you don’t have Craven continued pursuing his photogra Through persistence, Craven carved his n the tapestry of Second Life blogging.
He had always been an avid shoppe and person for a lot of his friends when they help finding that perfect piece to finish t outfits. Way before blogging, he would c little notecards of each store and organi in categories. Then would pass them aro people had a better sense of where to g whatever they needed.
Thus,Craven bore witness to the essence blogging in Second Life could be— sour those to navigate where to purchase item like picture compositions, this form of bl just came natural to him too.
w-a-days, ifficult. e, so aphy. niche into
d the go-to needed their create ized them ound so go for
e of what rce for ms. And logging
It would be about another couple of years until Craven would officially create a platform he would use to blog. Finally, he had the tools with which he would create what he pictured in his mind through the medium that is Second Life. Now, some of you might be thinking, “well, that’s all well and good, but how does he create the final project? It can’t just be all in-world magic and trickery.” To that, you may be right. Craven spoke on what programs he uses in postproduction, starting out with Corel Paintshop Pro before graduation to Adobe Photoshop.
“
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Talent and skill are two important attributes needed for a good blog, but there is an additional component. Let’s not forget that inspirational aspect of blogging in Second Life. That emotional response to something can forge genuine artistic works that even surprise the person who creates them. Craven noted this when speaking on his way of becoming inspired for his photos. Sometimes, he might listen to some music to get inspired. Or, maybe look through some photography by other’s to get a feel of what’s possible. Something I thought was interesting was the use of art boards to create his photos. People find inspiration in all sorts of ways and none is better than another. Craven even is inspired by his friends keeping company with him while he is working on his blog posts. The blogger-creator relationship is often fraught with differing opinions of roles,
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responsibilities, and commitments. Craven and, I am sure many others, have this notion that this relationship needs to be more of a partnership. No more, “You Work For Me” kind of relationships. Because at the end of the day, blogging is meant to be not only informative, but creatively expressive. Creative expression is hampered by feeling bombarded, rushed or having this sense that others view bloggers being motivated solely by wanting free things. That is no way to push forward blogging or vlogging in Second Life. With all of that said, let’s get back to the man of the hour. Many of you caught on to the fact that Swain Craven is a male blogger in Second Life. For those who may not understand the significance of this, read on. Male blogging has been a sort of “tougher” road to travel down. Not to say impossible, but just a road less traveled, overall. Craven touched on this while we talked.
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“
When it comes to male anything, it’s very limited. Clothing is limited and mesh body parts (heads, bodys, ect..). I can’t complain though, I’ve been on Second Life since 2006. This is the most support NOW I’ve ever seen for male items.”
As much as there is a gap between male and female articles of clothing, accessories, hair, skins, and so on. Craven is 100% correct, in that designers today have created so many more items for male-presenting avatars than ever before. Obviously, the ratio between male and female-presenting characters is geared more towards female-presenting avatars. The short amount of time that elements like mesh and Bento have been around has only increased the selection for male fashion. This wave of male bloggers has found its way into award shows as well. Obviously, male bloggers have been acknowledged in the past, but with a growing field of contenders, the fervor has never been so high. Just look atThe Bloggies, an annual award ceremony honoring the talents of the blogger and vlogger community. This year Craven was nominated for a couple of awards and ended up winning Best Male Fashion Blogger. He never thought he would be nominated for anything regarding his work in Second Life. so he was quite thrilled to see a couple of nominations happening. ECLIPSE November 2019 | Page 111
Winning Best Male Fashion Blogger, Craven was proudest of his art. To have that validation is nice, but I am sure that he will continue to push forward with his blogging and photography. Another showcase of his win,Craven hopes, was due maybe by his Facebook™ Group called, “Photography Help Tip and Tricks SL Edition.” A collective of different photographers sharing their advice on how they edit their photos.
“
As I stated before, I love helping people, I just want us all to come together as a community and have fun.”
Swain Craven is a person here to help those who seek it. From helping his friends in the early years of their arrival on the virtual grid to creating a blog to help those find an array of fashions and other accessories, o now, with his Facebook Group dedicated to helping those with their photography skills. If you are interested in joining this group, I would highly recommend checking it out. Follow Swain on Flickr and check out the Facebook group, Photography Help Tip and Tricks SL Edition.
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the proust spotli
photography by dash bloodmoon
The Proust Spotlight is our monthly feature where we highlight one of the many creative residents of Second Life®. Utilizing the Proust Questionnaire, whose namesake comes from the late 19th century French writer, we will offer a glimpse into what makes them tick. ECLIPSE Magazine has teamed up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, so each month the blogger we showcase on the Proust Spotlight is a group member. The group member we feature this month is the talented Dash Bloodmoon. He shares, “My name is Dash, and I’ve been in SL for a little over 9 years now. As of this last year, I’ve pursued blogging and even more recently vlogging. I have enjoyed being able to tell a story or provoke emotions from either my photographs or videos.”
ght
n (neekai).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? I would say self-acceptance would be the key to happiness. I’ve recently began taking steps to accept myself fully. There is a freedom in knowing who you are. And in doing so, I’ve become a lot happier. What words or phrases do you most overuse? “Woooooooooooow” “Ooooooo” and“I support you.” What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is being able to walk away from situations that were not healthy for me. It was being able to learn how to create boundaries so that I can still care for someone but not invest so much energy that it ruins me. I realized I can still support someone, and still balance my own energy. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? I would come back as a dog. They have the most forgiving hearts and always have a positive outlook on life. I strive to be like that. What do you value most in friends? I value patience and understanding. I feel that people get caught up in trying to understand things very quickly or just get the “bullet points” or even snippets of something without taking the time to actually digest what is said. I also value understanding because even though we can disagree on a topic, a friend and I can still come to a place that the disagreement doesn’t ruin our relationship. What is your greatest regret? My greatest regret is letting others direct my life, and my willingness to please them overrode my own happiness. I made career goals and stayed in relationships to please others. How would you like to die? I’ve never actually thought about this, but instead of explaining an action. I want to say a feeling, and I want to die with my last thought being a hymn that I grew up with. “It is well with my soul.” What is your motto? Be the change you want to see in the world Connect with Dash on his Facebook and Flickr.
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art perspective
written by oema. photograph
Oema curates the ECLIPSE Magazine art column. Each piece, she discovers, reviews and highlights the work of some of the most creative and talented artists on the grid. She offers a fresh perspective in the vibrant and vast world of the arts. For this month’s feature, Oema showcases the work of Cica Ghost’s “The Rocks” hosted by Electric Monday’s “The Sim Quarterly.”
y by oema.
Children, you know, draw on walls. It doesn’t matter if it’s the walls of public gardens or the newly painted wall of the house: they draw because the drawing and what they have in mind are more important than anything else.
the ground split?). Wandering among the rocks painted by the hand of a child, I can see the desire to escape, to create a world in their image and likeness. A world that does not exist, except in the most intense imagination.
I’m visiting Cica Ghost’s latest installation, hosted by The Sim Quarterly. The Sim Quarterly is a project created by Electric Monday that provides an entire sim for artistic projects. As the name suggests, each art project is open to the public for three months.
When I zoom in a bit behind the avatar, I realize that some rocks have animations: the visitor realizes it because, if you pass the mouse over the rock, the classic pointer changes the icon. The animations alternate between childish dances and joyful sitting poses.
As I said, I’m visiting Cica Ghost’s latest creation, The Rocks. Her creativity is limitless: it’s my first thought every time I visit one of her art installations. For years now, I have appreciated Cica Ghost, a beloved Serbian artist with an unmistakable style. Ghost manifests her artistic style, beyond the themes dealt with and the technical methods of construction.
As for the light settings, it is imperative to leave those of the region. Ghost pays great attention to the windlight settings choice and also creates her own. The light enhances the details of the rocks, the drawings, and helps to create a childhood climate and dream. This setting represents a significant aspect, precisely because it helps to generate the feeling of “detachment” from reality. In Rocks, time What is artistic style? It is the stops: children’s fantasies, their complex of choices and expressive drawings, their world count. means that constitute the peculiar imprint of an artist. By observing more carefully, the visitor realizes that a particular The Rocks installation, as its name child is creating her reality where suggests, is made up of a complex she chooses to live: it is The Girl of stylized rocks placed on flat from Frogs. ground with several cracks (has
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Those who follow Cica Ghost for some time will remember Frogs, the art installation created in February 2017, and where The Girl from Frogs appears. For curiosity and more information, I leave some links to her installation “Frogs.” About The Girl of Frogs, on the website of The Sim Quarterly, you can read. “The Girl from Frogs even makes a reappearance and is busy drawing away on the rocks, creating the whimsical scenes and a village to live in.” Speaking for a moment of the drawings, they often represent creations made by Cica Ghost in Second Life recalling previous installations. In fact, in Rocks, I see many references to Ghost’s past productions. The Rocks is another smart way of expression for Cica Ghost, whose love of art and childhood are clear hallmarks. Teleport to The Rocks. For more information on Frogs, Previous Installation (2015) - Modem World by Inara Pey.
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Voices from the g
Voices From the Grid is a monthly survey of opinions and ideas of Second Life® residents on the salient issues of the day. For this issue, ECLIPSE Magazine asked residents to share “Thinking of the many things you have done in Second Life, what makes you most proud?”
grid
Photograph provided by Heidi Volare. Page 142 | ECLIPSE November 2019
I
heidi volare
n November, 2019, Heidi Volare celebrated her thirteenth year as a Second Life resident. She first discovered Second Life when she broke her ankle and couldn’t go outside. In an uninspired moment, she used her real-life name as her avatar and to this day, secretly wishes she spent more time picking a better moniker. This is her twelfth year as a Second Life fashion blogger. She runs The Fashionable Heart fashion blog. I can remember my first fashion blog post like it was just yesterday, despite it really being twelve years ago. I don’t even have to look back in the archives because I remember exactly what I was wearing in that post. Armidi. Of course, Armidi. It was all the rage on the grid circa 2007. Like many residents, being an addicted virtual shopper, my inventory grew exponentially. So I began capturing fashion photos mainly as a way to catalog looks and as an easy reference to specific items. A virtual closet, so to speak. And it went from there (and so did my inventory). In the first many years, my photos and captures weren’t the best, but I worked hard on learning the ins and outs and the art of snapping virtual moments. My original inspirational fashion blogger residents were AnaLu and MichaMi. I studied their photo styles and tutorials and networked with others to learn how they create like it was a job. Back then, there weren’t many Second Life YouTube tutorials, or they were speed-edit photo videos that left me even more confused. I still watch and read tutorials, and I learn every time I make a post. That keeps me growing. For quite a while, I also struggled with maintaining a consistent photo style. But I worked at it and tried to make my posts and overall look and feel of my blog as professional as possible. These days, I’m so proud and happy that I have continued with blogging. My goal is to provide SL residents with a resource for fashionable wear. I remember joining Second Life back when rocks were soft and we had to walk uphill both ways and really not knowing where to turn for clothes and style. While sometimes blogging can be stress city with deadlines, and there are many highs and lows that come with the territory, I am pleased that I can look back at my body of work and know that it helped me get through some rough times in real life by taking my mind off things. It also helped me grow my skills in Photoshop and in graphic design which directly helped me in my real-life professional career. I can page through my posts and see how my style emerged and progressed over time. I’m also so proud when I get hired on by a new creator. Like, beamingproud. It also comes with a lot of rejection, which makes the acceptances all the sweeter. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Harper Ganesvoort.
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Harper Ganesvoort
H
arper Ganesvoort is 12 years as of October 2019, entering the Grid in 2007. She flirted with a small art store for several years, but she has, almost from the start, been photographing and writing about Second Life fashion, places and happenings. She continues to do so today with the help of four friends in her independent blog, *Around the Grid*. I’m *tempted* to say my blog, though it hasn’t been entirely my own effort since 2016. In the final examination, though, I think it’s being willing to help newbies if I meet them and they seem to be struggling. I’m old enough, having joined in 2007, to remember the Age of Hype, with “embedded reporters,” and large corporations looking for ways to monetize the Grid, and publicity stunts such as Second Life’s association with the TV show *CSI:NY*. The last, along with other moves to increase signups, brought in relative scads of newcomers to SL. You’d find them duck-walking and doing occasional sudden hops into the air for no apparent reason, trying to figure out how to move around with a very non-intuitive interface. And I’d come along and find them in The Blarney Stone, where I hung out in my first year or so, as Dublin was a frequent landing zone for newbies. I’d been going for a while by then, and so I’d talk to them, invite them back to my apartment for coaching; and I tried to answer any questions they had. (I also had to fend off a few who believed the tales of Second Life as a total den of iniquity, but that’s another story.) I’m far from the oldest Resident on the Grid, of course; but, for these new folk, I was the ancient of days and the Fount of All Wisdom. I have no idea how many of those I coached have stayed with Second Life, but I like to think I gave them a good start. I still do that today, though I don’t get out in the popular hangouts as much as I did between 2007 and, say, 2010. But I still believe in helping out the newcomer whenever I can, even though it’s sometimes hard to tell who’s a newbie and who’s piloting an alt avatar. The key thing is that every one of us was there, in that embryonic state, in our first days, trying to sort out how to get things done and learning the rules. It’s just a simple projection of the real world into the virtual. In the words of Hillel, “What you yourself hate, don’t do to your neighbor.” The corollary to that is, of course, what Westerners call the Golden Rule. But Hillel’s phrasing works just as well, if not better. Check out her Blog.
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Photograph by Wicca Merlin.
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kyoko furse-barzane
K
yoko Furse-Barzane [Samara Barzane] joined Second Life in April 2004 in order to visit an inworld model of the proposal for rebuilding Les Halles in Paris. She never found it, but since then she has explored SL with friends, run art galleries, exhibited her art and worked for a number of SL designers including ETD, Fleur, and Milla Michinaga. In May 2008 her dear friend Artistic Fimicoloud lost her long battle with breast cancer Kyoko has been relaying for Fimi ever since, stepping up in 2011 as Sponsorship Chair. She discovered Kyoto Kagai in January 2015 (where she was given the name, Kyoko) and set up a gallery in The Confederation of Democratic Simulators in October 2015. Kyoko has served as C.D.S. Public Information Officer and as a member of the Land Use Commission. She is currently the outgoing chancellor of C.D.S., have served two 6 month terms. C.D.S is the oldest continuing democracy in SL and recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its beginnings. Well I’m having trouble with the word “proud,” having been taught and have occasionally proven that “pride cometh before a fall”. The French word for proud, “fière”, looks a whole lot like fierce, which seems a bit violent in this context. My Second Life has had its ups and downs. So how do I pick one activity, experience or process over the others? Anything I have achieved has come only with the encouragement and help from others. I remember the teamwork (and silliness) among the Elikapeka Tiramisu Designs Consumer Service Representatives. I remember the artists that continued to exhibit their work at Park Galleries after I took over following Artistic Fimicoloud’s death. I remember the dedication and intensity of the participants in Relay for Life of Second Life. And I will remember how the citizens of C.D.S pulled together to help move our community safely into the future over the past year and helped us celebrate our 15th Anniversary of our founding in style! I am grateful to those who gave me a chance to do a job. I AM “fiercely” proud of the communities who have supported me and and kicked my butt, sometimes simultaneously. In the end I am grateful to all those who have helped me become a better person during my journey through Second Life. Check out the CDS website and Facebook.
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artist highlight
photography by Kaitlyn Pruitt. Written by tiffa
Artistry and creativity are at the foundation of everything we see and do in Second Life. The same is true for all we hear in Second Life. In showcasing residents and groups who embody the concept of “your world, your imagination,” Eclipse Magazine is honored to showcase Second Life’s amazing musical talent. In this month’s “Artist Highlight,” we shine the spotlight on Zorch and his amazing voice.
any parkin.
While some people take years to discover they were born to be a part of the music industry, some people are just born into it. Growing up with a grandfather who was a jazz musician and an early introduction to the music of Johnny Cash, it was only a matter of time before Zorch would discover his own talent and grace the Second Life community with his music. Like many of Second Life’s talented performers, Zorch’s music career began well before he found his way into Second Life. As a utility musician and songwriter in real life, Zorch experienced the love of performing live music on the road for many years. At the time, he had no interest in singing. “I didn’t get rich, but I was happy and content,” he says when discussing his music career prior to Second Life. He had the life some would dream of. And then life decided to give Zorch a different set of circumstances. Zorch had been diagnosed with cancer. “Dim the lights. I was really sick… No more tours, no more late nights in the studio,” he shared. It was hard. As someone who had spent his entire life surrounded by music and being yelled at as a child for “abusing the piano,” one of his greatest loves was being taken away from him. That was until he found an article by Zak Kaxton in Electronic Music about performing life in Second Life. That was in 2008. Zorch decided, “I should give this a shot!” And so he did. And suddenly Zorch went from being the utility musician to the headline performer. “I wasn’t the guy in the band. I was a freaking rockstar (well kind of).” Despite once being told that sets with all original music were not the way to go in Second Life, Zorch bucked the system Page 152 | ECLIPSE November 2019
and pursued his love of performing in Second Life on his term. As a songwriter, his shows are almost 100% original music. And while some would say this may be a recipe for disaster, it has proven successful for him. “I’ve played over 2,000 shows in Second Life. I’ve released 12 albums,” he shares. This sort of experience and the fact his songs are all original mean every song Zorch sings “are very personal and intended to share a fundamental truth about the human experience” as he tries to create a connection with the listener. With his unique sounds, Zorch doesn’t classify himself as being a part of any specific music genre, nor does he claim to have a favorite. “There are songs in all types of music. You just gotta meet them where they are.” When asked to describe his own sound, he shares that he sounds very different live than he does recording. “My live sound is very strumy, droney, finger picky and very Celtic.” It is a sound that is uniquely his own. When not performing, Zorch loves to check out his fellow performers. He is usually doing this with his friend and partner in real life and Second Life, musician Lexie Luan. You may run into them both at any show. And if you did and were inclined to ask Zorch for advice on how to succeed in the Second Life music scene, his advice would be simple. “You do you, bro/sis..If you are authentic, the people that love what you do will find you and you’ll build a core group of real supporters.” Sounds like some of the best advice we have heard, both in music and in life. Click here for booking information.
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THE wayfarer...
photography by temp
“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®. For this month’s journey, the Wayfarer landed upon a world where it was at the peak of the fall season. The landscape was touched by the autumn hues of yellow, orange and reds. From the highest part of Authors Point, his eyes gazed onto a beach below before glancing to his side at the thick of the forest. Others were there to visit, as well, to take in the scenery and beauty, but like most things — they soon left and the Wayfarer would continue to be left with the solitude of his own thoughts. Immerse yourself in Authors Point.
est rosca.
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