Presenting Spider Productions Dragon Guardian Avatar

It has been two and half years approximately that Spider Carnot has been working on his brand new avatar, the Dragon Guardian Avatar. Having seen it inworld, it is truly an amazing sight to behold!

Beginnings

Spider has always been artistically inclined. From the early age of five or six years old, Spider loved to draw. He wanted to be a cartoonist. He was fascinated by claymation in the 80s.

He started out drawing with pen and paper. Now, he is the proud owner of a Wacom Intuus and he just loves using it. It has given him more room to exercise his creativity and bring his visions to life.

Technology has been vital in the production of this avatar. He learned zbrush and blender. At first he created his animations with QAvimator, but now he relies on Blender and Avastar.

In the 90s, he worked as a Disc Jockey in several clubs. He got into SL because of music actually. A friend from Gridstream Productions told him about SL and he started out as a DJ in a small lounge, Voodoo Lounge. He has been playing the drums for 8 or 9 years. That lounge later became an entire sim. The response from his fans was enormously amazing. He took requests, got personal with the audience, and made dedications. He was running that show for 2.5 years, Hardcore Primetime with DJ Spider then he decided  to quit. It was time for him to move on and "evolve" into something bigger and better. He wanted more time to release his products.

November 25, 2005

3/2/06

crowd shot at Hardcore Primetime Show

Spider Productions

Spider Productions started a few weeks after his DJ career in SL took off. He would tinker around making little items like wristbands, skull rings...things from the punk/goth genre, just things he likes to wear in real life. People at his shows would come up to him and ask him where he got his stuff. Later on, a friend bought him his first vendor system from Jevn and Spider Productions was born.

The skull ring at his main store was his first test in mesh. The eyes look excellent and clear. Here is a link to one:

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/SP-Sinister-Skull-Ring-SE-BLACK-V2-SteelBlackBlue/4246619



Technology of the Dragon Guardian

While the dragon's body is rigged mesh, the eyes are prim. He made the eyes prim so that the textures could be changed and animated separately from the body. The tail is rigged as well, having 3 positions. Later on he plans to release modification packs for the next generation Dragon Guardian avatars.

The wings are truly phenomenal! He built several joints in each wing and they flap so realistically in a very fluid motion. You have to see it up close to believe it!

The great thing about this avatar is that it uses very few scripts so lag will not be an issue.

It will fit in any roleplay sim. It can be a quadriped avatar or biped avatar. To get the quad effect you need to get the quad mod folder from the package and be sure to wear the deformer and the shape. It is as easy as that!

The jaws even move! He created 3 jaws and they move up and down to simulate talking when you voice or type in local.

Did I mention the claws and ridges can be recolored? They sure can. It is similar to how you would recolor nails. You can recolor the bones along the wings as well. This dragon is so customizable you will think it must be rather amazing and too expensive. The good news is, it is affordable and not going to break your bank. Spider wanted it to be available to anyone.

Uniqueness

It is inspired by video games and movies like Dungeons and Dragons, Eragon, Dragon Heart, and Lord Of The Rings.

Availability of the Dragon

The dragon will be available for purchase starting on November 30th.  You can see his flickr for photos.

Future plans

In the future, he intends to sell accessories for the dragons like dragon armor, dragon clothing, and weapons.

He definitely has plans to return to DJing. A friend of his did a survey about 2 weeks ago about whether anyone remembered a DJ Spider. Out of 1500 people surveyed, 95% remember who DJ Spider was and wanted to see his shows again.

Parting Words

Spider believes that his Dragon Guardian avatar is his  "greatest achievement and it was one hell of a journey." He learned so much about scripting and the new technology made available by Linden Lab.

That is all I will share for today. I have other photos I will share, but another time!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

Victoria Lenoirre

Inner Prisons and Escapes at Art India Gallery

Starting this month, Art India Gallery presents a dual exhibition by Chuckmatrix Clip, Inner Prisons, and Dan Freeland, Escapes. Art India Gallery is curated by Quan Lavender.

Quan gave me early access to the joint show. The formal opening is August 14th. Thank you, Quan! Images are provided courtesy of Quan Lavender and the artists, Chuckmatrix and DanFreeland.

The show juxtaposes two different approaches to the same feeling or mood....feeling locked in. Chuckmatrix's exhibit is a mental ward, a prison of the mind for the mentally insane. His work shows darkness, confinement, and deep agony.

Dan's work on the other hand, uses bright colors. However, the material is not happier either. Art is the escape. He says in his note, "Porn as an escape for some, an anathema for others, but to simply dismiss it or hide it under the bed denies us the ability to understand something about who we are. I look for the art in it." I agree. I think of it as being another form of self expression. Self expression is liberating.

I really love how Quan Lavender writes about the two differing works in her curator's note.

Curator's Note:

The sculptures of Chuckmatrix Clip always had a strong dark side for me. About 6 months ago I asked him if he would like to exhibit at Art India Gallery and to concentrate on this dark side. Luckily he agreed.

I considered that the juxtaposition of the colourful, bright patterns of Dan Freeland's art would provide Chuck's work with the greatest possible contrast. Both artists started to work with enthusiasm and  they happily have included me in their creative process, inviting me in from time to time and letting me watch their work growing. In the hours we spent together we had intense talks, from which resulted the title of this exhibition: INNER PRISONS AND ESCAPES.

Chuck submitted, in the meantime, a work to the UWA Contest called “The Scent of Her”. The sculpture showed a man lying in bed crying, with a bear in his arms. The work touched me deeply.  It requires a large amount of courage for a man, with typical male attitudes, to reveal a self portrait like this.

This sculpture is the final piece of the upcoming exhibition. It tells the story of Chuckmatrix's struggle with mental disease and gives the visitor a strong impression of being hospitalized in an asylum.

We talked about self perception, the thin line between mental health and disease, prejudices and the hard road to recovery.

In contrast, Dan's use of pornographic images which are processed to colourful patterns, lead to other talks about cybersex and the SL users who are just here for erotic adventures. Dan works for the first time with animated textures. The slow, constantly changing patterns and repetitions are not only beautiful but they also inspire one to reflect on addiction.

And suddenly I understood...

The INNER PRISONS may look more frightening but they provide a seed of hope whilst the yearned for ESCAPES look bright, but have potentially dangerous undercurrents.

- Quan Lavender

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've known Chuckmatrix for a year maybe 2 years when I started blogging for UWA. His work is always intriguing, dark, thoughtful and thought provoking. We have discussed mental illness many times and I respect him for getting through the pain. Mental illness can break you or you overcome it. I feel stronger and more aware of the mind's power through knowing Chuck. Thank you, Chuck for sharing your visions and your life with us through your work. Incidentally, he passed me a link to a video that shows some of his work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUY5A6tGxf8. And of course, you can see his work also at his gallery, ::CMC:: Designs Gallery.

DanFreeland has been in SL for over 2 years. He is an artist and graphic designer. DanFreeland recently had an exhibit at Aneli's Gallery on February 26th of this year. His work was featured alongside Maryva Maya, Nur Moo, and Rubben Acajou. He also had a gallery spot at Nitroglobous galler, unfortunately it is no longer showing in SL. I asked Dan when he started in the art scene. His reply:  "I started in 2007 as Pete Jiminy, showing rl paintings and participating in group sculptural collaboratives. I left SL for a few years and came back in 2011 showing this new direction specifically." Welcome back, Dan! We look forward to seeing more art and creativity from you in the future! Thank you, Dan! :-)

So that's my summation of Inner Prisons. Please, visit when you can! I'll post the slurl soon.

Have fun and enjoy the art!

Victoria Lenoirre

~DRESSCODE~ Fashion show, Silken Temptations

On July 20, ~DRESSCODE~, hosted a fashion show featuring the designs of WoW Skins and Blacklace. The show was called Silken Tempatations. The designs were surely tempting and delectable.

~DRESSCODE~ is run by Niani Resident and Joana Wingtips.

Joana Wingtips at the mic and COO Wolkenlocke Whitfield is beside her

There were not enough models, so CEO Niani, also modelled the skins and lingerie. Niani is also a fashion blogger for WOW skins, Bizarre Hair, and other fabulous brands! Below is the first look Niani strutted out with at this crowded, exciting fashion show.

Joana Wingtips announced each skin and lingerie set that each model presented to the audience.

[12:38] Joana Wingtips shouts: Our first  skin  that  is being  presented on the catwalk tonight is  "Channel" - and it  is a truly  exquisite work, coming  in the  four shades MILK, TAN, SUNKISSED and DARK TAN, each  one designed to underline your beauty and personality.
A bit  later you  will see Emma wearing the MILK shade,  the perfect  choice who love the paler tones with their "ladylikeness".

[12:39] Joana Wingtips shouts: But  all  three  convince with their naturalness and the six different make-ups from  natural  to more dramatic in  which  you  can get  them, depending on  your mood or the  occasion  you want to  wear  this  skin.
The full pack of  all shades includes  twelve skins and the shape as well  which  can  be  bought separately, too. And of course you  can  get the skin texture both  for  Slink  hands and feet.

Niani posed in the dark tan version and Cleopatra posed in the tan version.

Niani in WOW Channel  Dark Tan Skin and Blacklace "Kirsty" lingerie in Teal

The designs of Mariska Simmons were sultry and smoking hot, as usual. I loved the green lace set that Niani wore at the opening of the show, Kirsty in Teal. In Joana's words, "A "must" for all those of you who simply love the feeling of pure lace on skin, as  its made of the finest you could wish for." Niani makes it elegant with her necklace, finely manicured nails, and her shiny strappy stilettos.

[12:40] Joana Wingtips shouts: Each set , and it comes in six different vibrant colours,  has been combined with black bows, a small one on the bra and bigger,  eyecatching ones on the garter under which you  can catch  a glimpse of the black panties shimmering through the delicate fabric.
The black of bows and panties shows as well on the straps and the smooth silken stockings - a breathtaking combination and one every female should call her own.

Below, is Cleopatra Heron in a daring black latex lingerie set. Cleopatra is shown in the Musa skin in the Caramel tone by WoW Skins.

Cleopatra Heron in Musa Skin and wearing Blacklace's Lybra lingerie set

[12:47] Joana Wingtips shouts: You  love skins of a darker complexion? Then  "Musa" will  be the one for  you!
Three shades are available: VANILLA, CARAMEL and CHOCOLATE - all three beautifully  made and giving the one who  wears them a sexy and exotic look.

[12:47] Joana Wingtips shouts: The shimmery skin is  enhanced  by the different make-ups you  can  get individually or in  a fat pack. Each of them   will allow  you to match  not only your clothes but as well the mood  you are in.

[12:47] Joana Wingtips shouts: Cleo is the first  to show  this fabulous  skin,  she is  wearing  the CARAMEL version  and it looks superb for sure.

[12:48] Joana Wingtips shouts: Studs - leather and clasps .... brilliantly combined in lingerie called Lybra.

[12:48] Joana Wingtips shouts: Sexy and soft clings the fabric of corselet, garters and thongs onto  Cleo's body, while the smooth  silk of the matching  stockings flatters long legs.

[12:48] Joana Wingtips shouts: This outfit especially captivates because of the many details. Studs are placed along  the rims of each piece of underwear, silver clasps have been  used to hold the garters and to  close the top underneath  your bus and the way the  panties have been designed will make you have a second look.

[12:48] Joana Wingtips shouts: The  three warm dark colours in which  you  can purchase this outfit will make it  difficult to  choose from  as each will look  great on  each  complexion.


~DRESSCODE~ is a new fashion agency that started up in June. Joana Wingtips is the builder. She built all the catwalks herself. Together, she and Niani run the agency as co-CEOs. Niani does business relations and all  the styling. Niani used to be a model herself. Her style is elegant, stunning, and so sexy.

In August, there will be classes for interested models who would like to learn the ~DRESSCODE~ way. Further information is forthcoming, so stay tuned! And who knows, maybe you might see me at one of the classes?!

I've known Niani for about a year and I love her personality, her style, her work ethic, plus her photography is just gorgeous! She's on flickr as xxnianix. :-)

Visit the HQ here.

Have fun and enjoy SL!

Victoria Lenoirre

Home Garden Expo

Runs from May 24th to June 2nd. It features some of the best designers who have all come out to raise funds  for the American Cancer Society.

This is a look at Sim 1 sponsored by Roawenwood. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%201/134/116/24

Bringing together over 100 exhibitors of the very best homes, gardens, landscaping and interior design products in Second Life, plus an additional 30 creators from the ever popular breedables sector in the second annual Breedables Fair, the Home & Garden Expo for Relay For Life 2013 is a fundraising event not to be missed.

The Expo is an annual highlight for those that love seeking out the latest home and garden products and combined with a full entertainment schedule, hunts, raffles and silent auctions plus items designed just for this event - you can be sure of finding stylish new products to give your home a fresh look.

This year’s Expo will feature 8 regions full of home products, 2 sims just for the breedables fair and 1 entertainment sim where you can take a break from shopping and party in style: there is going to be a lot to see and do at this year’s Expo!

For full information and all the latest updates, please visit the Home and Garden Expo websites:

http://slhomeandgardenexpo.wordpress.com/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2198441@N20/

Home Expo 2: Sponsored By: Cheeky Pea

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%202/78/145/23

Home Expo 3: Sponsored By: Park Place Home Décor

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%203/38/119/23

Home Expo 4: Sponsored By: Stonewood Homes

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%204/163/93/23

Home Expo 5: Sponsored By: Galland Homes

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%205/68/186/23

Home Expo 6: Sponsored By: Prim Perfect Magazine

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%206/173/151/35

Home Expo 7: Sponsored By: PRIME

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%207/75/155/23

Home Expo 8: Sponsored By: Home & Garden Market

http://slurl.com/secondlife/HOME%20EXPO%208/77/173/23

Home Expo 8: Sponsored By: Wonderful World of Meeroos

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Entertainment%20and%20Activities/164/187/23

Breedables Fair 1

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Breedables%20Fair%201/194/121/23

Breedables Fair 2

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Breedables%20Fair%202/63/115/23

Designs by Sebastian, DbS, Jewelry in SL

Hi readers,

Yes, I know it's been awhile. I've been busy practicing photography and I've been kept busy with a few projects both in RL and SL. I'm back for a bit.

I'm starting to do serious fashion blogging. I met Sebastian Dionysus during FFL 2013 and he kindly asked me to blog some of his creations. He is the creator of Designs by Sebastians or Dbs. So this is the start of my blogging about fashion.

This first set is called Amethyst Grace. It is a set of dangle earrings with a matching necklace. The amethyst is matched well with the delicate diamonds. Each piece is set individually and by hand.

My second item on display is a necklace called White Gold. Included is a long or short version. I chose to wear both so you can see the difference in length. White Gold is a pearl necklace with gold beads. I turned off full bright so you can see the pearl texture better.

That's it for now!

~Victoria Lenoirre

A Rebel in Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Hello, hello!

I am back for yet another post on FFL 2013. Looking for another outfit to model, I came across an outfit from [R] Allure. Below is a picture of Rebel Denim jeans with cutoffs. It also comes with the bikini top, very cool. My location is atop the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus by Kaya Angel.

Outfit: [R] Allure Rebel Denim jeans with blue bikini top FFL
Skin: [ROCKBERRY] Paige Tan Skin Fair
Hair: Vixen Treasure discontinued

Here's a closeup look of the skin taken inside the Mausoleum.

On to the next ensemble and to a different sim I travelled...

This daring silk set is *Songfeather* Sylph Silver. It has two collars. One is scripted and one is not. That is a nice option for those that role play.

Where am I standing? I am near the top of Bryn Oh's Lighthouse of Alexandria.

I am now at the very top. That is me standing by the bunny figure.

Your ride is here. So come visit now!

Have  fun and enjoy the art!

~ Victoria Lenoirre

!Lyrical B!zarre, Lazuri, and Mirror Enigma...

Hello everyone!

My first ensemble is a passionate red dress from !Lyrical B!zarre Templates!, Droplet. Skin is Medow from Mirror Enigma, a preview from Skin Fair. Tone is in light. The golden brown eyes and delicate shape are included. One of my friends even said that Medow is hotter than my usual skin. I'm not sure if I should feel flattered or offended lol. I love my usual skin. Anyhow, it's a great skin. Jewelry is Lazuri The Avenue Spring Pastels. The jewels are color changeable and resizeable. Just touch for the menu. The hair is from Dura. It is a cute updo with color change headband that brings the attention to the face.

At Ahn-Ji's shop for FFL 2013

Dress: !Lyrical B!zarre Templates! Droplet FFL
Skin: Mirror Enigma Medow Light Skin Fair
Jewelry: Lazuri The Avenue Spring Pastels FFL
Shoes: Carrie's Lingerie CB ~Destiny RFL shoe FFL
Hair: Dura

My next location is interesting. I don't know if you can tell, but I am high up. The path is a bit sloped. I'll give you a hint and then I'll tell you afterwards...giant. This lingerie set is from Blacklace, one of the new releases that I bought from marketplace, Kirsty set. I was wearing it under the Droplet gown. This time, the jewelry is from Designs by Sebastian, the Babylon 2 & Autumn Sun collection. My favorite piece is the necklace.

Skin: Mirror Enigma Medow Light Skin Fair
Lingerie: Blacklace Kirsty Red lace Set
Hair: Dura
Shoes: Carrie's Lingerie CB ~Destiny FFL
Jewelry: Designs by Sebastian Babylon 2 & Autumn Sun collection

All right, so the sim I am at is the Colossus of Rhodes by Rebeca Bashly. I am standing on his shoulder, right by his ear. I'm the tiny peach dot by his helmet tail. Lol. It is huge. The detail is so good. Rebeca Bashly did an amazing job on the Colossus!

The next set is Mirror Enigma Medow in Ebony. For this, I tried to create a more exotic look. I chose Vintuition Malika Modesty. It's a very intriguing look.

This mysterious woman poses outside nexuno Thespian's Temple of Artemis at Epheseus. His latest creation is absolutely stunning!

On the next photo, I removed the veil and am just wearing the hijab so you can see the face.

The eye makeup looks great and the lip color looks well-blended.

Skin: Mirror Enigma Medow in Ebony
Outfit: Vintuition Malika Modesty
Eyes: Mirror Enigma Cursed Elemental: Blue Eyes

Oh, the eyes in both photos are from Mirror Enigma. The eyes are beautiful.

And that's it for now!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

~Victoria Lenoirre