178: A walk around 3Bears

 I was trying to think of an interesting place to take some photographs -- to show off my neat new winter jacket -- when I realized I live on the very scenic sim 3Bears.
  Not only is it my own back yard, I noticed that the 3Bears guys have got some nicely designed little houses and installed them in attractive, friendly neighbourhoods. There's a lot to be said for starting your SL in a place like this,

with just over a hundred prims. You have a place to change clothes, rez your purchases, decorate a little, and install a piece of sex furniture with 700 combinations in the menus ;-)  That's all you need when you're starting out.
  The little brownstones here are a very nice space, 117 prims for L$350 a week. I rather liked the boathouses here, 146 prims for L$440 a week, because there's a boat dock at ground level and one big room above. It's actually more effective to have a single room than two floors, if

you have a strict prim allowance; you can focus your decoration more effectively. Less, as they say, can be more.
  I'm not sure about the effects of the recent prim upgrades; we tenants haven't seen any effect of it yet, but I've sort of been expecting it.  Mind you, I'm not sure of the conditions defined by Linden Labs. The 3Bears folks know better than anyone at this point.
  The gentlemen at 3Bears are easy to get along with, responsive to your needs,

and have a nice taste in public decor. Talk to Galileo Bear-Michalski (galileo.michalski) and tell him I sent you. He will be surprised, because I decided to give you this little tour on my own; 3Bears doesn't pay me, I just think you might enjoy these little houses. If nothing else, you can wander around and take some pictures, but Gali will help if you have questions.  Enjoy!

174: Photo tip (your own homemade light source)

I've been taking a LOT of photographs lately and, being the careless type I am, I haven't always remembered to adjust the available light. There are four choices: sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight. Noon is my fallback position, but it's rather like taking a selfie under the million-watt overheads at a discount drugstore -- harsh and kind of yellowish.  Sunrise and sunset both have a reddish overtone that may or may not work with the subject matter. And midnight is, well, too dark for the most part.
  But I like shooting in darkness or semi-darkness; to me, it has a little bit of emotional content that adds something to the picture. Was there a way, I wondered, to create a little light within the darkness, so people could actually see what I was photographing? Quite by accident, I found a tip on the internet that seemed to apply to this and seemed like something I could actually do.  So I've made my own light source.

  Now, I am not one of your building types. The most sophisticated thing I've built in Second Life is a large flat prim upon which to place artwork textures. Trust me when I say, you can do this.  Access the Build menu and use the tool to rez a shape on the ground. (I made a ball shape; suit yourself.) Set that shape to full brightness. Then take it into your inventory and rename it from "Object" to "Light source". That's it.  If you don't have land, you can do this easily at a sandbox.
  You can see from the pictures that it's easy enough to rez "Light source" and move it to wherever you need it to be, then manipulate your viewpoint to have it outside the photograph but still casting light. And since you made it yourself, you can make it full perm and rez as many as you need; go ahead, turn midnight into your discount drugstore, if you want. I haven't experimented with making the light something less than full brightness, but that's easily done too.
  Hope this works for you if you like taking pictures in the dark!
  (And for an even more helpful hint about lighting from someone who actually knows what he's doing ;-) see the comment below from my friend Galileo Michalski!)

124: Out for a walk and having some fun with a sculpture

The message came through my 3Bears feed that the sims are being redone in spring mode -- so I decided to go for a walk. There was some nice vivid green foliage and beautiful new plants. I ran into Galileo Michalski, my landlord, and complimented him on the new brownstones that have been so popular. (Sorry,

guys, all rented at the moment; they went FAST.)
   Then I wandered over to the shopping district and had a happy accident. You know how sometimes you can be walking around and end up a little bit off course? I wound up right in the middle of a kinetic sculpture outside the 3Bears Foundation Gallery and decided to take a bunch of pictures! I just let my camera

 sit and allowed my AO to take over, moving me around -- I'd refresh whenever I thought I had a nice composition, but had to be lightning-quick. I had fun and got some interesting shots!

122: Walking through the new 3Bears Foundation Gallery with curator Joseph Nussbaum

Part of the reason I live on the 3Bears sim is their commitment to displaying the work of Second Life artists; I like that idea and it's great to just go for a walk on the sim and see what you can see. Recently, though, Galileo Michalski re-did the public areas -- beautifully, I might add -- and as a result the 3Bears Foundation 

Gallery space was changed. I persuaded my friend and neighbour, and well-known photographic artist, Joseph Nussbaum to walk me through the new gallery space and do an interview to tell my readers about it; he's currently showing, as well as two other well-known SL artists, Bianca Xavorin and Tomais Ashdene. 

Joseph Nussbaum

[15:24] Rusty Redfield: hey!

[15:25] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): hey there!

[15:25] Rusty Redfield: good to see you, and thanks for taking this time

[15:27] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): we can sit on a bench here I think

[15:27] Rusty Redfield: so my understanding is in the recent re-vamp 

A room of Bianca Xavorin's exhibition

of 3Bears, you moved/changed/resized the art gallery?

[15:27] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): it's a long story, but yes :-)

[15:27] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): just a sec, my focus is out here lol

[15:28] Rusty Redfield: heh heh yeah, the short version will be fine

Part of Bianca Xavorin's exhibition

[15:28] Rusty Redfield: I know 3Bears has always had a focus on the arts, it's part of the reason I moved here -- that and the nice neighbours LOL

[15:28] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): When I left, it was because I was getting tired, and I want SL to be a fun, interesting, time and not unfun.

[15:28] Joseph Nussbaum 

A view of Tomais Ashdene's exhibition

(edward.nussbaum): yeah it's a nice place!

[15:29] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): but I guess I had taken on a lot, and all the different tasks started making me feel like I do in RL, and I have enough of that

[15:29] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): so I left to take a rest.

Another view of Tomais Ashdene's photographs

[15:29] Rusty Redfield: I know, right? We come here to have fun and recharge and maybe create, and dance and shop and fuck

[15:29] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): lol

[15:30] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): all of that hyes :-)

[15:31] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): but, when I came 

A look at Edward Nussbaum's exhibition

back, I didn't want to be beholden to anything specific, I wanted to just take my time. Gali (The owner of 3Bears) had revamped the place - He said it was time - and he put down this small gallery

[15:32] Rusty Redfield: I've certainly seen and liked the re-vamp.

[15:33] Rusty Redfield: so you get to do -- how shall I say -- a bit less curation? 

Another view of Edward Nussbaum's artworks

More focus on a smaller space, less ongoing responsibilitiy?

[15:33] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): Yeah - a small gallery, I can just relax with it, present stuff that I want to, not worry about anything - yay!

[15:34] Rusty Redfield: exacctly.  And people know that when you mount a show it's worth seeing.

Edward Nussbaum (L) / Rusty Redfield (R)

[15:35] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): There are many huge galleries in SL that do wonderful things and I want to have an intimate space for small shows  - I don't want to be famous or work my tail off with all that, I just want to present things that I like and artists that I love.

[15:35] Rusty Redfield: I understand.

[15:36] Rusty Redfield: And I see you have a couple of very familiar names here, people who have been creating beautiful work in SL for a while, that have a track record of achievement

[15:36] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): And the gallery will remain small, with some small parties now and then, but present art as it should be, mixed in with the residents.

[15:36] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): Yes, We have Bianca Xavorin with a lovely exhibit

[15:37] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): and Tomais Ashdene with some of his realistic pictures,

[15:37] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): and of course, my own room hehe

[15:39] Rusty Redfield: I see that!

[15:39] Rusty Redfield: so -- perhaps we could have a look at each of the rooms

[15:39] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): sure thing

[15:39] Rusty Redfield: you pick

[15:40] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): This is one room of two of the photography of Bianca Xavorin

[15:40] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): She's chosen a "Mythological" theme for her pictures, or perhaps "Gorean - Mythology"

[15:41] Rusty Redfield: that makes sense

[15:41] Rusty Redfield: fantasy, definitely

[15:41] Rusty Redfield: and for some of my readers, the attraction will be some very handsome nearly nude models <grin>

[15:41] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yeah, She does wonderful work with figures, and has a great choice of colours

[15:41] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): hehe

[15:41] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): and hot models too :-)

[15:41] Rusty Redfield: I was thinking that -- the palette is golds and greens and flesh colour, very linked together

[15:42] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yes, she has done some other shows of different types of photos, all very good!

[15:42] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): ok over to Tomais

[15:43] Rusty Redfield: this is Tomais Ashdene, I took my readers to a show of his work not too long ago and interviewed him, a great guy

[15:43] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): A room of Tomais here - some of these are older works, some are new.

[15:43] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): But a nice quiet display of pieces

[15:43] Rusty Redfield: I know he's like me -- he likes to pay attention to the tiniest details

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yeah lol, unlike me, I like to take shots on the moment

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): I took one of you

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): lol

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): which will show up on Facebook

[15:44] Rusty Redfield: <grin> I have no patience but an eye for detail, it's a fatal combination LOL

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): hehe

[15:44] Rusty Redfield: aha!

[15:44] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): ok the final room

[15:45] Rusty Redfield: I know Tomais spends hours working over his art, and it really shows

[15:45] Rusty Redfield: I know from seeing some things you've put on Facebook that you're currently interested in ... shadows?

[15:45] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): This is just a collection of pictures that I have done over time, as well as a picture which links to a video

[15:45] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): I have some photos from my Tarot set here

[15:46] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): my "Moving Picture Show"

[15:46] Rusty Redfield: I remember those! Yes, that exhibition too

[15:46] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): and some of my latest pieces

[15:46] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): this is my most recent

[15:46] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): It's from a video I made, actually

[15:46] Rusty Redfield: large pools of shadow

[15:46] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): I like shadows :-)

[15:47] Rusty Redfield: people don't exploit them in SL often, I guess

[15:47] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): not really, people rarely do, that's true

[15:47] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): but that's the gallery, I hope to have a party here soon for it as well.

[15:47] Rusty Redfield: you can get people to focus in on a smaller part of what they're seeing

[15:48] Rusty Redfield: oh THAT sounds like fun, your opening parties are always fun

[15:48] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yeah, and that's all I want

[15:48] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): as soon as I know moe, I will let you know

[15:48] Rusty Redfield: I'll drop the word. I've met some really interesting people at your opening parties ... always fun.

[15:48] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): thanks!

[15:49] Rusty Redfield: so how long will this exhibit be mounted?

[15:49] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): not sure, lol, probably for a month or two

[15:49] Rusty Redfield: oh good, so people can come and see it.

[15:50] Rusty Redfield: without worrying about a deadline

[15:50] Rusty Redfield: any upcoming exhibitions you can talk about?

[15:50] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yes, I hope they do, just to see the art and get a nice idea of what people are doing,

[15:50] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): it's not just all parties all the time

[15:51] Rusty Redfield: heh heh, no, that's the fun part to make up for the hours getting the details painstakingly correct on the art

[15:52] Rusty Redfield: this has been great, thanks so much for walking me around it

[15:52] Rusty Redfield: nice to see the new space and it sounds like you have found a new enthusiasm

[15:53] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): I hope in the future to have small shows like this, for art on a small scale, a time to just sit and enjoy how art is in society

[15:54] Rusty Redfield: <smiling> I like looking at good art, and I like the opening parties

[15:54] Rusty Redfield: so you keep finding the artists and I'll keep blogging the openings! <laughing>

[15:54] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): excellent!

[15:54] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): Thanks for the interview, Rusty! Hope to see you  here!

[15:54] Rusty Redfield: thanks again Joe.  I'll add a SLURL to the gallery after we close off.

[15:54] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): kk :-)

[15:55] Rusty Redfield: Thanks for your time and -- see you soon!

[15:55] Joseph Nussbaum (edward.nussbaum): yw :-)

So, no time limit, but I think you'll find it worthwhile to take someone on a date, or just out for a view -- a gallery visit makes a nice first date and you get to find out what kind of art your date likes! Thanks, Joe, and I hope lots of people come and see the exhibitions. 

114: A small memorial for FRKLBear

One of my neighbours, FRKLBear, died suddenly (of a heart problem, as I understand it) the other day. He was much loved in our community and was a devoted bear. There will be a memorial service in the Plaza at 3Bears at 5:30-7:30 SLT on Tuesday, February 17 (this SLURL should get you there). Tonight, a few of his friends were hanging out at his house, sharing memories. If you want to join them, you can find his house here. I was there a few minutes ago, just taking some pictures, and paying my respects.  Of course my sympathies at this time are with his RL and SL family and friends; he will be missed.

085: Skating in the 3Bears Snowglobe

A couple of days ago, I had a notification from 3Bears sim, where I live, that they were doing a seasonal installation to celebrate winter-time. Now, I'm always one who likes to find his fun in his own back yard, and I know the 3Bears guys are always thinking of ways to help us enjoy ourselves. So Alex Thaub and I dropped over to find out just what the promised Snowglobe was.

     As you can see from the pictures, it's a huge installation that contains a charming skating rink.  (I've tried to show the scale of it with the first few snapshots I took.) I do skate in real life, but I haven't had a chance to do so for a couple of years; somehow it's just been too much effort to dig out my old hockey kit. So I was delighted to have a chance to skate in Second Life. And you know, it actually

felt real. I spent a lot of winters on the ice when I was a kid, and as I watched myself using the free skating animations, well, you know, it was almost like I could feel the cold of the outdoor pond and my hands getting sweaty in my mittens, and my leg muscles loosening up as I started to remember a few skating tricks ...
     We met one of the principals of 3Bears during our visit, Galileo 

Michalski, who's a pretty good skater himself it seems. There's a full set of ice dancing animations, free ice skates, seasonal decoration, and a really nice winter-time feeling to this installation that you have to experience to get. Why, it was almost like the real thing in rural Canada, where I can look out my back window and see one of my neighbours putting in a back-yard skating pond.

     When you add in the charm of a little seating area around the fire, where Alex and I enjoyed some cold-weather snuggling, it was a very happy hour for me and I think you'll enjoy yourself too.  This SLURL will take you to the teleport disk just outside the snow globe, where you can teleport yourself in.  Skates, skating animations, and snuggly fire are all free to enjoy super photo op if you are

so inclined -- just bring your own hot chocolate for afters!

071: Dancing at the Voodoo Hallowe'en Festival at Second Pride

Ah, the cycle of Hallowe'en parties is starting to get really cranked up. I did want to make a point of taking my friend Alex Thaub out dancing at the Second Pride Voodoo Hallowe'en Festival on the Second Pride temporary build. It's a good cause, they have got some great DJs and everyone gets a great party! Tonight we have Galileo Michalski of 3Bears (where I live) to thank for the

party, featuring the DJ and hosting skills of my neighbours, partners Jak Calcutt and Karl Kalchek.
     I couldn't stay for the second half, because I wanted to explore some very cool builds on the sim that I'd heard about. So many pictures that I'll split it in half -- tomorrow's post will be devoted to Rusty and Alex in the haunted house, fun house and various scary stuff!! (No

pictures of me falling off the monorail like a doofus, thank goodness.)
     Enjoy the pictures and see if you recognize anyone!
     And check out the sim -- there's been some amazing work, all donated labour, and this is a good cause that deserves our support. Did I mention it's a lot of fun?