Artemisia: Living with Art

SL Surreal: the Collected Works of Eves Rodenberger
Opening Sunday, August 29 at 11:00AM and showing through October
Galerie de la Vie (SLURL)

Eves and Galerie curator Apollo Reinard have installed a wonderful selection of the artist’s inworld landscape and still life portraits. Many of the scenes are familiar to long-time SL residents — from AM Radio’s Far Away to Sextan Shepherd’s Nemo sims — but the images are manipulated to give a feeling that is at once both more true-to-life and yet more strange and remote.

Eves Rodenberger’s childhood was filled with intense wonder of the world around her.  She found a creative joy in taking pictures to capture the beauty in that world.  Her passion for expression developed into a desire to tell stories and show everyone how amazing things are when viewed through the perspective of her own personal lens.

She entered the world of SL with that same passion of exploration.  After some time, it became clear that there were stories to tell which were only possible in this world of dreamy virtual landscapes. Exploration once again has infused her with a desire to tell stories.

Eves’s work can be seen in several galleries in SL, as well as on Flickr.

Galerie de la Vie is provided as a service to art by the residents of Artemisia.

Where: Galerie de la Vie, Artemisia
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artemisia/186/104/26

Grand Opening Event: March 30, 2010
Time: 7-8 pm sl time
Curator: RobertSteven Smythe
Entertainment provided by Eth Tedeschi

RobertSteven Smythe returns to Galerie de la Vie to present a very special exhibit of images by well-known photographer Monroe Snook. We are delighted grateful to Robert for bringing this show to us.

Hidden Treasures Are Inside All of Us
by RobertSteven Smythe

“..that is one of my interests. How to make a flower not seem like a blossom…but something deeper,” says Monroe Snook while discussing the concept of the new exhibition “Hidden Treasures,” opening at the Galerie de la Vie in Artemisia, Tuesday March 30th at 7 pm sl time.

Monroe Snook, one of SL’s premier still photographers, will delight you with her whimsical, playful and thought-provoking images. Her insight into photography lies within her real life work as a floral photographer.  She creates images that show the sensuality of the flower. “Many of my floral images are indirectly sensual, the deep detail of real life is wonderful,” says Monroe.  Her Second Life photography is more illustrative in nature.  In my conversation with Monroe that December afternoon she had an idea and a concept for this new exhibition. I was privileged to see the creative process at work by one of the most creative artists in Second Life. “What I want to do ….is combine the two in one image (RL and SL), let me explore this idea with you first…see this image Sustain, see the way the two petals on the left create a pocket, they almost come together and touch. Now imagine an SL Avatar, black and white…nuzzled in that space, but so well done that you really have to look to see it and then look to see if it is real. I think that would be very unique.”

I agreed with Monroe and I am sure you will as well. Her new work called “Hidden Treasures” captures that enthusiasm and creativity that I saw when she talked about her vision for this show.  I know you will be amazed by the images, the blend of Second Life and Real Life — where does one life begin and where does one life end?

“Some of the most profound things in life are those you don’t notice right away.  They are very faint, often times difficult to see, the fleeting images of life that almost pass us by.  Once we see these “Hidden Treasures” our mind opens up to their possibility – they are suddenly all around you.”

Monroe Snook has loved photography from as early as she can remember.  Her first exhibits in SL showcased her RL floral works depicting macro images of sensual structures of nature’s plenty.   In early 2008, she became passionate about SL photography — growing her skill and range within this medium until today she is seen as one of SL’s top photographers.

'Wet Wind' by Monroe Snook (© by Snook 2010)

She uses all topics and ideas for her pieces with no one central theme.  Curiosity and exploration unify her work.  You can not predict from one piece to the other where Monroe’s work will lead, what thought will be provoked or emotion conjured from within. Her art consists of  vistas, period pieces, landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes, and fantasy. Her signatures are in color, lighting, and movement while using her SL photography and skill with the SL viewer to create stunning and emotional works.  In addition, Monroe uses digital dark-room technology when a piece calls for textures or layering beyond what the SL camera can provide such as lens blur, distance, and pure black and white.

In addition to fine art, Monroe is a top SL fashion photographer – with works for top designers and models.    Monroe marries her work with detailed hi-resolution fashion work with her love of SL locations to create custom, one-of-a-kind emotional pieces.  These may be commissioned or at times are on limited exhibit.  Many are in private collections.  You can also see many of Monroe’s piece at the Museum of SL Photography where she is a featured artist, Orange Island, the SL campus of Marymount University, and as a featured artist of Avatriat.

Don’t miss this new and exciting exhibition by Monroe Snook, “Hidden Treasures” at the Galerie de la Vie in Artemisia. March 30, 2010 at 7 pm sl time. Eth Tedeschi will play jazz standards live for your enjoyment. Curator is RobertSteven Smythe.

After a phenomenal run, the wonderful images by Hepahistos Semyorka are leaving the Galerie de la Vie. The mythical stories told in Hephaistos’s art will engage your imagination and stimulate new connections in your mind. Three large panels on the upper floor depict a journey through birth, life, and death. A special piece on the first floor was created especially for this show at Artemisia. They are all brilliant and vibrant masterpieces. Come visit with the artist Saturday Dec 5 at 10:30 SLT.

It has been such a privilege for the residents of Artemisia to have spent quality time with this beautiful work.  It has added significant depth to our experience of “Living with Art.” We thank Hephaistos for her generosity in sharing these images. And we thank curator Apollo Reinard for bring her to us and displaying her work so nicely in our space.

Opening Event: September 13th 2PM SL time

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artemisia/180/105/25

In the premiere show for the gallery’s new curator Apollo Reinard, Galerie de la Vie at Artemesia is proud to present the extraordinary art of Hephaistos Semyorka.  Her compositions are image/text collages that invoke mythical meaning and thoughtful contemplation.  ‘Heph’ will be present on Sunday to unveil several new works at 2:00.  There will be music and dancing following the opening event, hosted by Artemesia’s own DJ  Eth Tedeschi.

About the artist:

Hephaistos Semyorka’s “Mythworks” is an ongoing project of creating digital image/text collages. The works are dedicated to her namesake, Hephaistos, the fiery god of art and technology whom the ancient Greeks invoked to bring good things to human life. Mythically, art and technology are potent forms of sorcery, and they elicit both fears and fascinations for the ordinary mortal.

In the workings of the unconscious, images arrive first, trailing synchronistic textual connections to mythic gods and goddesses, to artists and scientists, to astonishing discoveries, and to seemingly mundane events of daily life. These connections affirm the truly mythical linkage of art, technology and physical incarnation. Consciously and unconsciously, the relation of art and technology touches all aspects of our embodied life on earth. It is an archetype, an energy field that generates powerful stories and fateful creations. The process of researching and collage is a psychic dialogue with this archetype.

In real life, Hephaistos is a working artist with a doctoral degree in mythological studies. For two decades, she has been a specialist in individual and organizational creativity, working with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, in North America and Europe, designing events where people in their personal and work incarnations experience radical creativity and living life as a work of art.

In her Second Life incarnation, Hephaistos is an AngelGate artist-resident and workshop leader and collaborator. Her AngelGate sky platform, Mythomorphosis, is designed for restful reflection and conversation. You are welcome any time. There, you may also choose to sleep in the circular Asclepius temple, to dream and be awakened by the dawn light!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/AngelGate/186/30/442

Artemisia Residents Exhibition 2009
Opening Event: June 18, 300 pm sl time
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artemisia/176/109/26

Our wonderful curator, RobertSteven Smythe, is leaving his position at the Galerie due to rl obligations. This is his last opening as curator and the residents of Artemisia wish to publicly thank him for his excellent service over the last year. He has not only brought in landmark exhibitions by some of SL’s top artists, but he has also remained keenly aware that the Galerie would not exist but for the generous support of the residents of Artemisia.  His service to art and to us has been incalculable. He will be sorely missed. Here are his words about this new show:

The residents of Artemisia have long supported Galerie de la Vie. They are the embodiment of a true artists’ residential community in spirit and in what I truly believe is reality through a virtual existence. Artemisia – Living with Art.

As curator for the gallery the past several months I have come to understand that art and the exhibition is not about the number of people who attend the opening event or whether or not you have been selected by a blog to be “the show to see this week”, but the sustainability of the art to bring joy to those who see it over a long period of time. How many times did I as curator come back to look at the exhibit and notice something new and interesting that I had not noticed before—how often did visitors return to the same exhibit over and over again—and the best of all is when an exhibiting artist asks, “when can I exhibit again.” Art for the enjoyment of those who see it and appreciate it, the true meaning of what it meant to me as curator of Galerie de la Vie.

I have learned many things about SL from FreeWee Ling in my tenure here. One notable thing is to ask her early on when you have scripting questions or troubles. She took a chance on my inexperience and I was able, with the help of the residents and Free to bring Artemisia some very interesting and spectacular installations. We have had well known and not so well known artists exhibit in Galerie de la Vie in my tenure. It is now my pleasure to end my time at Artemisia and Galerie de la Vie with the Artemisians creative expressions. The people who have supported me and allowed me to take over a part of their community for the benefit of all SL art enthusiasts, I thank you. Please join me in presenting the Artemisia Residents Exhibition 2009 opening June 18 at 3:00 pm sl time.

Residents of Artemisia talk about what it means to live in this wonderful world that was created by Zephyre Zabelin:

Chinook Anatine:
Not being an artist, I am nevertheless continually challenged and inspired by the things I see as I walk about the environs that make up Artemisia. Be they large or small, simple or ornate, something is gently stirred to life inside me by what I chance to happen upon.It is an amazing waking dream where thoughts and whims can take flight and shape. That is my Artemisia.

Liddy Babenco:
I feel fortunate to have found a home here on beautiful Artemisia. Zephyre Zabelin, a RL artist, had created Artemisia for artists. When Zephyre left SL, FreeWee Ling was able to build on what Zephyre started. Since then I have found Artemisia to always be a place where an artist is free to create and exhibit. When there is time to play, there is always something to do – whether alone or with the great friends I have made here. For artists, art lovers, or builders there is no better place than Artemisia!

Allister Philbin:
I roamed SL for two years. No where that I visited is better than right here in Artemisia. Always something to do – from the bottom of the Bay to the concerts in the Treehouse. Interesting people living here, visitng the Galerie here. Room to build your dreams. Good friends. What more could you want?

Bittitee Benigni:
Artemisia has become a beautiful sanctuary and chrysalis. In its serene beauty I can reflect on my direction, find new paths and renew my confidence and strength. When I listen, truly listen, I can experience the gifts of learning, growth and meaningful change.Here I can safely struggle to move toward new heights, to learn to keep my heart open to see with those eyes the excitement and refreshed wonder that gives me full feelings of beauty and love. It is here that we can savor the sweetness of beauty by inspiring others, through devotion, to think, to feel, to believe, to hope, to live their lives in Art.

Mace Hawks:
I have lived in many places during my time here in SL. Under a dock, neath a waterfall, even on the tip of a mountain, but there is no place I have seen or lived in SL, that compares to this wonderful island. There are few places in either world where one can go to experience the finest in creative masterpieces and the simple pleasure of sitting in a field of flowers with a friend on a lazy afternoon, or wander into the tree house and be wooed by masterful musicians.

Artemisia was created by a wonderful woman named Zephyre. Her vision was to create an island in the midst of the ocean of commerce that is SL, where creative and talented artisans could live and produce their created ideas, and not have to worry about being a commodity of the land owner. This is one of the most wonderful things I have seen done in any world.

Today, sadly, Zep is gone from SL, but the dream lives on thanks to the wonderful guardianship of FreeWee Ling. She has taken the torch for Zep and continued to keep Artemisia from being a commercial venue.  So today, I wish to thank Zep and FreeWee for their ongoing contributions to the art world of SL and ask that if you see either of them that you thank them as well, for this gem we call Artemisia.

Eth Tedeschi & Zylina Straaf:
Coming to Artemisia has placed us amongst a real and living community in which we already feel right at home. It’s a beautiful place to exist, and there is inspiration all around to create. Put simply, Artemisia makes us smile – whether enjoying a performance at the treehouse, relaxing at home or creating new art.

FreeWee Ling:
Zephyre gave me this amazing opportunity to live in a place that serves art. I once told her I believe that our highest purpose is to serve the muse. To live a life in service to the creative energy that is the foundation of all creation. Zep’s idea was just to give people a place and to watch what they did with it. She was always so awed by creative people. And sharing that awe is serving the muse. That’s what I have tried to do with Artemisia — Continue to give people opportunities to share the awe. I am so blessed to live among with these beautiful, supportive, and passionately creative individuals. I love you all.