Friday, June 24, 2011

MachinimUWA IV Prize Pool Rises to L$300,000: Thanks to CEC & OTE

SPONSOR FOR MACHINIMUWA IV

SPONSOR FOR MACHINIMUWA IV
The University of Western Australia in Second Life would like to thank Cutting Edge Concerts (CEC), led by LaPiscean Liberty & Open This End, led by Cristina García-Lasuén (RL) / Aino Baar (SL) for their support of MachinimUWA IV which will bring the total prize pool now to L$300,000

With MachinimUWA IV, the challenge is to create a machinima that features some (or one) of the artworks submitted to the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. You can choose to film as many (or as few) as you like, and you may submit any number of entries. This is a companion event to the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge, and the GRAND FINALE for both events will run simultaneously.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS ON MACHINIMUWA IV: ART OF THE ARTISTS

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

FreeWee Gets Angry

The normally mild-mannered FreeWee Ling, Curator of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge, has been working at an impressive pace to develop her full-sim installation at UWA Virlantis. Titled ANGRY GODS, it's a hard core apocalypse on a biblical scale. An open house is planned for Saturday beginning at 10AM SLT and continuing for the afternoon.

FreeWee recommends visiting with a small handful of others. There are special requirements for Windlight sky settings with instructions at the landing point. Use your maximum graphics capabilities (including draw distance at least 250 meters), even if it causes you to lag. FreeWee says the sim is still in development, but most of the more spectacular effects are in place. It will be in place only for the month of June. Watch for further announcements and see FreeWee's blog post for a fuller explanation.

Update: People have been taking some really great pictures of Angry Gods:
Let FreeWee know if you have pictures and/or machinima of Angry Gods.

MachinimUWA IV: Ginger Alsop starts the Ball Rolling with 4 entries

MachinimUWA IV, had a 'soft-soft launch' last year even prior to MachinimUWA III and with the proper launch of machinimUWA IV, Ginger Alsop kicks it off with 4 entries from the outset!



LIQUIDITY by Ginger Alsop



Ginger Alsop's UWA Favourites for December 2010



Ginger Alsop's UWA Favourites for January 2011



Ginger Alsop's 'Aurora'

Friday, June 10, 2011

Laslopantomik Yao's: MAY WINNERS OF THE UWA 3D OPEN ART CHALLENGE

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The groovy sounds of Laslopantomik Yao shows off the May Round winners of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge!

Stepping in to the big boots filled by Iono Allen & Yesikita Coppola, making a guest appearance while Yesikita is away!

WINNERS OF THE MAY ROUND OF THE UWA 3D OPEN ART CHALLENGE

(By order of apeareance)

1st Prize
ONE AND FOUR TIMEBOARDS by L1Aura Loire

2nd Prize
UNE HORDE DE CORDES by Aristide Despres􀀄

3rd Prize
5x8 COMPUND CUBE by Wizard Gynoid

TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa

Best Non-Scripted Prize
SPATIAL by Sledge Roffo

UTSA Prize
DEATH TO PROFIT by Anley Piers


SL Art Prize
BUTTERFLY BALL by Milly Sharple

Odyssey Prize
UNCANNY VALLEY by Oberon Onmura

Pirats Prize
THE REAL COST OF OIL by Toughlove Sabra

CARP Prize
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham

Nordan Art Prize
TSUNAMI by Betty Tureaud

BOSL Prize
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham

S&S Gallery OFA Prize
REFACER by Lollito Larkham

Tornado Gallery
TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa

The Workhouse & Art place d-oo-b Prize
HOUSE OF UNEASY CHAIRS by Hypatia Pickens

project Z Prize
DANU by Pumpkin Tripsa

Curator's Choice Award
WITNESS: THE GROWTH OF AN IDEA by Secret Rage

People's Choice Award, 1st Prize
BALL by Silene Christen

People's Choice Award, 2nd Prize
QUALIX by Luko Enoch


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Sunday, June 5, 2011

TIME AFTER TIME - The Professor Heads Artee, Wizzy & Miso: Winners of the MAY Round, UWA 3D Open Art Challenge

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Professor Lori Landay (L1Aura Loire), Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at Berklee College of Music took 1st Prize in the May Round of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge with a remarkable piece created in the process of filming 'Time Journey' for MachinimUWA III. 'ONE AND FOUR TIMEBOARDS' won out over Aristide (Artee) Despres, whose musical number UNE HORDE DE CORDES (a horde of strings) won 2nd Prize, just beating out 5x8 COMPOUND CUBE by Wizard Gynoid and the Kandinsky inspired TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa, which also won the Tornado Gallery Prize. The Non-Scripted Prize went to SPATIAL by Sledge Roffo, while Lollito Larkham made splash in his very first month in the challenge, winning a record 3 Group Awards between his pieces, THE HUMANICAL FROG and REFACER, gaining direct entry to the Grand Finale in the process.


FULL RESULTS FOLLOW AND THE TEXT OF THE WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT IS REPRODUCED BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY

1st Prize: (L$10,000)
ONE AND FOUR TIMEBOARDS by L1Aura Loire

"Thank you very much for this award.  I'm thrilled to be a part of the art community in SL, and create art in virtual worlds.   I believe what we are doing here with 3d immersive and interactive art is as important and groundbreaking as what Joseph Kosuth and the conceptual artists did with pieces like "One and Three Chairs," on which my piece is based, and installed meticulously according to Kosuth's directions by curator FreeWee Ling.   (Plus the extra teleportation script and vortex experience from my machinima "Time Journey" that highlights what we can do only in virtual art!)  I hope people enjoyed the experience of the piece and also considered how virtual art connects to the developments in art that have gone before it, and on whose shoulders we necessarily stand, and off which we can teleport"  L1Aura Loire

L1Aura's kindergarten twins were nearby and could be heard on voice when the announcements were made. "My kids were soooo! excited! they were saying: you won first prize!  yayy mummy!! one of them was saying, What is the prize?  is it those big boots? someone was wearing big boots in front of my avatar. The other one was far from the screen and kind of jumping around. One thought "UWA" was supposed to be "USA" so he corrected me. lol." L1Aura Loire

2nd Prize: (L$7,500)
UNE HORDE DE CORDES by Aristide Despres


"Thank you for the UWA team for this prize that encourages me strongly to keep on going which my little reseach on random sounds. I am specially happy for the winning of Lollito Larkham today ! Lollito is particularly engaged in the creation with Blender, he deserves that totally !" Aristide Despres

3rd Prize: (@L$2,500)
5x8 COMPOUND CUBE by Wizard Gynoid

TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa


"I am very happy that this work could expose many people to the wonderful vision of Kandinsky, who saw the world as a beautiful, vibrant and moving space of color and light." Miso Susanowa

Best Non-Scripted Prize : (L$5,000)
SPATIAL by Sledge Roffo


"I'm touched.  It means so much...many months of work..and I am honored for the prize.  Thanks so much." Sledge Roffo

UTSA Prize: (L$5,000)
DEATH TO PROFIT by Anley Piers


"Thank you for this prize UTSA , I am really surprised and happy for this ^ ^ thx at the UTSA staff , really ; ))" Anley Piers

SL Art Prize: (L$5,000)
BUTTERFLY BALL by Milly Sharple

 "I am honoured to receive this prize for my little whimsy - thank you SL Art" Milly Sharple

Odyssey Prize: (L$5,000)
UNCANNY VALLEY by Oberon Onmura

"This piece is a new direction for me. It was really interesting to see how much discussion it created, and how varied were the responses to it. I don't know if this is a direction I'll continue to explore, but it's great to know that there is support for artists trying out new things."  Oberon Onmura

Pirats Prize: (L$5,000)
THE REAL COST OF OIL by Toughlove Sabra

"I am amazed at winning, and more amazed at the caliber of artists in the challenge.....I am still in shock....I mean, WOW ..Thanks to all those that make this happen and challenge us all to create...and inspire us to keep creating the most amazing works." Toughlove Sabra

CARP Prize: (L$5,000)
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham


"I'm so happy ! Allways exciting to attend a contest, but specially here with all those great artist participating. And  it's a good reaction to my art piece which i consider a new direction in my work in SL. I must thanks also Artistide Despres for her help in scripting The Humanical Frog" Lollito Larkham

Nordan Art Prize: (L$5,000)
TSUNAMI by Betty Tureaud


BOSL Prize: (L$5,000)
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham


S&S Gallery OFA Prize (L$5,000)
REFACER by Lollito Larkham


Tornado Gallery (L$5,000)
TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa


The Workhouse & Art place d-oo-b Prize (L$5,000)
HOUSE OF UNEASY CHAIRS by Hypatia Pickens


project Z Prize: (L$5,000)
DANU by Pumpkin Tripsa


Curator's Choice Award (L$5,000):
WITNESS: THE GROWTH OF AN IDEA by Secret Rage


"Thuds! hahaha... I didnt come here really to try to win...just to be a part of it all ....but it is very very nice to win as well... but thuds is my real reaction...lol" Secret rage

People's Choice Award, 1st Prize: (L$2,500)
BALL by Silene Christen


People's Choice Award, 2nd Prize: (L$1,000)
QUALIX by Luko Enoch


ARTICLES REFERENCING UWA EVENTS IN MAY
Soror Nishi on Wizrad Gynoid's Full SIM Work
Juanita Daharo on Wizard Gynoid's FULL SIM Work & UWA
AHUVA on Wizard & Miso @ UWA
Honour McMillan on Wizard @ UWA
Lalo Telling on Wizard & Miso @ UWA
Nordan Art Blog on the May Round of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge
Chestnut Rau on MachinimUWA IV
Virtual Outworlding on MachinimUWA IV

 For anyone interested in seeing the full text of the announcement by Jayjay Zifanwe, delivered from 6am slt on Sunday, 5th June, it is reproduced as follows:

Greetings everyone, and welcome to the University of Western Australia, or UWA as she is known and also welcome to the MAY round announcement of winners and party for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. As is tradition at UWA, I would like to acknowledge that the University is situated on Nyoongar land and that the Nyoongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land and continue to uphold their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.

This is the 7th of 12 monthly rounds for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. Not so long before it all comes to an end! The first thing I would like to do is to thank and acknowledge the major art houses and groups in Second Life that are part of this Grand Collaboration. These include The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) led by Dr Carmen Fies, SL Art led by Gleman Jun & Sunset Quinnel, CARP led by Josina Burgess & Velazquez Bonetto, Pirats Art Network led by  Merlina Rokocoko & Newbab Zsigmond, Odyssey led by Fau Ferdinand & Lizsolo Mathilde,  BOSL led by Frolic Mills and Editorial Clarity, Nordan Art led by Flora Nordanskiold, S&S Gallery of Fine Art led by TheDove Rhode, The Workhouse Gallery led by Astarte Haalan, Art Place d-oo-b led by Eifachfilm Vacirca, The Tornado Gallery led by Taralyn Gravois, project Z led by Zachh Cale and UWA with Professor Ted Snell, Chair of the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts as Chair of the UWA judging panel.

UWA would also like to acknowledge fellow sponsors, MidnightRain Glas, Philip Vought, Bohemian Ghost and Patch Thibaud.

78 entries were received for the MAY round, spread out across this sim-wide 'Living Gallery'! Was great to see lots of new artists (to the UWA Challenges) in the May round including Cat Carfagno, Delgado Cinquetti, Finn Lanzius, Lollito Larkham, Persephone Requiem, Rory Torrance, spiral silverstar, torno Kohime, Toughlove Sabra,  Uman Kesslinger, zany foxtrot and Zeni Rain to name a few.

We have been through 19 monthly rounds since all this started in August 2009 and more than 400 artists have been involved. Through now... only one artist has been part of every single round. None other than the incomparable soror Nishi! Thank you for your amazing support! I have heard she has started geting skilled at Machinima as well, and hopefully we see a soror Nishi entry for MachinumUWA IV.

This L$1,000,000 challenge will see more than L$80,000 being distributed each month, with the Grand Prize winner at the end of it all pocketing a cool L$100,000. The many contributions coming in from everyone through the little donations receiver will this year be put towards special prizes, including the Curator's Choice Award.

It is important to me to also acknowledge everyone who did contribute over the month towards prizes across the year and the Grand Finale. Thank you Lollito Larkham, jumiray Waffle, Gumby Roffo, Sangreal Arnica, Ava Whelan, Milly Sharple, Clovis Luik, Eliza Wierwight, Moeuhane Sandalwood, Armany Thursday, Moll Fitzroy, Hypatia Pickens and alea Rae.

As always I acknowledge the international connections made through SL, and up to now, the various challenges have seen artists, builders and machinimatographers hailing from India,  Colombia, Poland, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Ukraine, Taiwan, Hungary, Latvia, Russia, Venezuela,  Belgium, Mexico, Wales, Canada, the USA, the UK, Uruguay, Scotland,England, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, France, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, Holland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Cuba, Serbia, Tunisia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. 6 of the 7 continents of the world represented.

At this point I would like for all of you to help me acknowledge the amazing work required to keep all of this going. Curator of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge & Creator of  gallery .......  FreeWee Ling.

Do check out the amazing photo gallery she has put together over the months https://picasaweb.google.com/freeweel

As always many things happened since the last announcements.

We had Yesikita Coppola's official machinima of the APRIL round winners:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT_E3Dp6a_g&feature=player_embedded

Unfortunately Yesikita will be away the next 2 months and she can't create one for the May and June rounds, but I am very happy to announce that Laslopantomik Yao has kindly agreed to step in for the month of May! For June, I will have to think about what I can do for June, as, umm I dont know many machinimatographers....

We had an incredible 50 entries come in  for MachinimUWA III: Journeys, congratulations to the many winners, especially to the Joint-Champions, Eric Boccara and Tutsy Navarathna. Heartfelt thanks also to Peter Greenaway who kindly was the guest speaker of honour on the day. For those of you who missed the happenings, save this link please:
http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-boccara-tutsy-navarathna-grand.html

A hard to believe post script to MachinimUWA III happened, and led to me writing the first true article I have ever written on the blog, titled 'The Most Important Thing I have Done in Second Life'. Also the machinima 'Twinkle's Journey' and the '100 Treasures of UWA' book was donated to North Woodvale Primary School in Australia, curtesy of Bay Sweetwater of California. Photos of the handover event to the principal of the school, and the remarkable events associated with it can be found here:
http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/2011/06/twinkle-arrives-at-north-woodvale.html

Along with this I encourage you to please listen to this amazing song, 'Emelia Sleeps', by Loveshadow http://ccmixter.org/files/Loveshadow/26807

The UWA RL/SL Photo Comp ( UWA Friends of the Grounds Photo Comp) just close on the 31st of May as well. Results will be known by the end of June. I received the following message from the organizers:

"Finally, I have been able to review all the entries to the competition.  I shall paste in as section of the summary I have made.  At this stage, I have not seen the images so I cannot say exactly how many are from the virtual world - some are obvious, some suspected and others ... who knows? 
Number of entrants:   
-    60 (with 240 images)  which includes: 13 old friends [ie they submitted last time, too] & 8 recognizably from Second Life

Entries have come in from Perth, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangkalan, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Balearic Islands, Illinois USA. There are quite a few related to the Hail Storm of March 2010 and its aftermath. The virtual Sunken Garden has a good workout - as do the parrots therein! there is also an image of the Winthrop Tower under water."

Actually, its not that it was underwater. Was the first time she saw an image like that. It was actually taken from below the Linden water surface in the reflecting pond looking up at Winthrop Clock Tower! Anyway the organizers have told me that they are keen to ensure that at least ONE second life photo is among those selected as it does represent something different. This will go into an RL calendar for 2012.

For UWA's full sim art series, I thank Wizard Gynoid and the mathematical wonders brought to us throughout the month of MAY. Sacred Geometry, the 'Fractalized Tensegrity Icosahedron' and the like. And we move on to an artist whose work we have not seen in some time. Mostly because shes been working with a mean and demanding taskmaster who has not allowed her any time for her own art to flourish. Very thrilled to say that in a few days, the UWA FULL SIM ART Series will open with the works of FreeWee Ling!

We had also announced over the past month that we were taking the advice we received from a survey sent out to keep the monthly collections together for a longer period, and are thus will be closing entries on the 20th of each month, meaning the full sets of monthly art collections are together for 2 weeks at least. We're still collecting your ideas and impressions about the UWA Challenges. If you haven't yet had a chance to participate in the survey, please save the following link. It will be open for another two weeks perhaps. It shouldnt take more than 5 minutes, and will help me out a great deal. Go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UWASecondLife

AND, I also now officialy launch MachinimUWA IV: Art of the Artists (Series 2)! Ask me for the NC after the announcements, and news will also be up on the UWA blog. For this at present we have a L$230,000 prize pool. The challenge here is to create a machinima that features some (or one) of the artworks submitted to the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. You can choose to film as many (or as few) as you like, and you may submit any number of entries. The theme is wide open, only the subject matter is fixed in that it must have been exhibited at some point for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. This is in a sense a tribute to the wonderful 3D artists who have created all the masterful works that surround you now. A big thank you to the incredible Eliza Wierwight for the challenge logo!
http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/2011/06/journey-continues-machinimuwa-iv-art-of.html

I would like also to acknowledge the members of the UWA judging panel. On the panel were:
1. Professor Ted Snell (RL) - Director, Cultural Precinct, The University of Western Australia 
2. John Barret-Lennard (RL) - Curator of the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, UWA 
3. Raphaella Nightfire (SL) -  Snr Writer Best of SL Magazine, Owner Sanctorum Gallery
4. Len Zuks (RL) - Award Winning West Australian Sculpturist 
5. FreeWee Ling (SL) - Curator, UWA 3D Open Art Challenge
6. Laetitia Wilson (RL) - Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts, UWA
7. Lyn DiCiero (RL) - Editor, WA Artist's Chronicle
8. And king of the photocopier machine  ...... Yours Truly

Those who followed procedings last year would know that for the Grand Finale, the panel expands to include many SL Art personalities, and for this new challenge, the expanded panel will include:
1. Sasun Steinbeck  -  Creator of the Art Galleries of SL list at http://sasun.info/ArtGalleriesofSL.aspx
2. Tayzia Abattoir (SL) Owner of  The Oldest Virtual World Art Museum in SL, curator of the Aho Museum & Arts Simulacra on the NMC Campus and Relay For LIfe of SL Event Chair
3. Lumiere Noir (SL) - Creator of the Ivory Tower Library of Primitives
4. Dr. Phylis Johnson (RL) - Media  Professor, Southern Illinois Uinversity, Author - Machinima: Aesthetics and Practice (a.k.a, Sonicity Fitzroy, SL Virtual Journalist)
5. Rowan Derryth (SL) - Art & Design Historian; Writer for Prim Perfect Publications
6. Persia Bravin (SL) -   Journalist and Media Producer (SL newspapers, magazines, radio and television)
7  Dr Carmen Fies (RL) - Second Life Lead: University of Texas San Antonio & UTSA Artspace
8. Apollo Manga (SL) - examiner.com Writer & Novelist
9.  Jordan Whitt (SL) - Editor in Chief, ICON Lifestyle Magazine
10. Mariposa Upshaw (SL) - Curator - Ventura Art & Jardine; Officer, Arts Council of Second Life
11. Saffia Widdershins (SL) - Owner and Editor of Prim Perfect Publications
12. Phillip Vought (SL) - Art Philanthropist & Founding Patron of UWA-BOSL Amphitheatre
13. Bohemian Ghost (SL) - Art Philanthropist & Owner of Summerland Estates
14. Ally Aeon (SL) - Founder Aeonia Artist Group, creator/owner of the art region Aeonia
15.  Aino Baar (SL) - Owner of the Open This End Group

Now for the winners. The winners will be announced in 1 minute intervals. We invite everyone to comment and congratulate the winners and for the winners to respond before the next announcement (and if they could please use the SHOUT function).

First the People's Choice Awards. For this, I always start off by thanking GeeJAnn Blackadder, who created this wonderful voting system for us.  Its been working a treat since being set up, and greatly assists in the running of the People's Choice!

The People's Choice Award, where all of SL is invited to vote, carries a 1st ($L2,500) and a 2nd prize ($L1,000). A lot of interesting works in the running for the MAY awards, and came down to the final few votes cast!

For the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD, 2nd prize (L$1,000) goes to:
Qualix by Luko Enoch

Very happy for Luko. I believe this is Luko's first award. Well deserved.

And I am very happy that the following won the this as I could spend hours watching it. The winner of the MAY PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD (L$2,500) is:
BALL by Silene Christen

Very strong in the voting for the People's Choice Award (and in no particular order) were  .......  Maryva  Mayo's 'Kaleidoscope', Cherry Manga's 'Poetry Elixir', Lollito Larkham's 'HUmanical Frog', Spiral Silverstar's 'Zen Fractalis', Milly Sharple's 'Butterfly Ball', Secret Rage's 'Peace of Mind'. Miso Susanowa's 'Time as a helix of Semi Precious Stones' and Cherry Manga's 'Soul Nourishment'.

TEN Art Group Prizes of L$5,000 each have been awarded by the various judging panels for the MAY Round of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge:

The Odyssey Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Fau Ferdinand & Lizsolo Mathilde goes to
UNCANNY VALLEY by Oberon Onmura

The SL Art Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Gleman Jun & Sunset Quinnell goes to:
BUTTERFLY BALL by Milly Sharple

Said the SL Art committee, "The quality of the textures are so good and she matches different color tones so perfectly. The forms she uses are elegant and different and the movements are soft and amazing"

The UTSA Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Dr Carmen Fies goes to:
DEATH TO PROFIT by Anley Piers

The CARP Prize (L$5,000) whose focus is on scripting with a panel led by Velasquez Bonnetto & Josina Burgess goes to:
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham

Next the joint Workhouse & Art Place d-o-o-b Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Astarte Haalan and Elfachfilm Vacirca goes to:
HOUSE OF UNEASY CHAIRS by Hypatia Pickens

The panel said, "are pleased to award the prize for May to Hypatia Pickens for  House of Uneasy Chairs. We found this work to be a fresh exploration of the tensions and anxieties of domesticity. The accompanying machinima expressed a profound sense of solitude and yearning. We loved the way this piece interactively combined flat images, sculpture, movement, video, poetry and music. It captures a moment of detachment and doubt we’ve all felt at one time or another"

The BOSL Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Frolic Mills & Editorial Clarity goes to:
THE HUMANICAL FROG by Lollito Larkham

2 Group Prizes for the Humanical Frog, means direct entry to the Grand Finale round!

The Nordan Art Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Flora Nordenskiold:
TSUNAMI by Betty Tureaud

The panel offered "Betty Tureaud's work 'Tsunami' consists of a large transparent green box. The transparent part of the bottom of the box is darker green, making it look like water. In the water there are three large tilted houses moving and floating. Sporadically shooting up from the bottom to the top of the box are white human shapes. Looking at this work, one is struck by the simplicity of it; box, houses and white figures. Yet it soon becomes clear that this seemingly simple creation relays a message of a more complex nature, namely the tragic consequences of the tsunami. Betty's work stands out to Nordan Art because she has succeeded in using a few simple symbols to relay a difficult event. It makes the viewer contemplate this disaster and the devastation and losses that inevitably resulted from it. Betty uses a few basic forms and movements and manages to leave a lasting impression."

The Pirats Prize: (L$5,000) with a panel led by Merlina Rokocoko & Newbab Zsigmond goes to:
THE REAL COST OF OIL by Toughlove Sabra

First time Toughlove has submitted an artwork, and takes the Pirats prize!

The S&S Gallery OFA Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by TheDove Rhode goes to:
REFACER by Lollito Larkham

Said the panel, "Thank you for this amazing piece!!  Hands put to a motion not always expressed. Bravo!!"

3 Group awards in the first appearance by Lollito Larkham! Amazing. We hope to see much more from Lollito in coming months.

The Tornado Gallery Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Taralyn Gravois goes to:
TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa

A member of the Tornado Gallery panel commented, "This piece immediately caught my eye, and then when I read that it was a reflection of Kandisky, one of my favorite artists, it all made sense. Miso did a great job of making this 3D piece feel like a Kandisky, the colors and movement pull you into the piece just like a Kandisky. Thank you Miso for sharing your talent"

The project Z Prize (L$5,000) with a panel led by Zachh Cale goes to:
DANU by Pumpkin Tripsa

Next, in FreeWee's words:
"The Curator's Choice serves to highlight and encourage work by artists who show depth of vision, passion, or promise. This month's recipient shows all of these traits.   I have watched with interest as this artist's work has grown in quality and sophistication over the last several months. I look forward to seeing what comes next. "

FreeWee Ling's Curator's Choice Award (L$5,000) goes to:
WITNESS: THE GROWTH OF AN IDEA by Secret Rage

Now for the Best Non-Scripted entry. The MAY round saw furious debate among the UWA panel whose members favoured different works. Normally we settle differences by awarding a joint-prize, but this time the fight went on, and and one side came out on top. And so the winner of the Best Non-Scripted Entry (L$5,000) is:

SPATIAL by Sledge Roffo

stopping Haveit Neox from going back-to-back-to-back in the non-scripted category!

Now for the top 3 Prizes.  All of these works will go straight to the Grand Finale round. From what you see in the Group awards, and the great variety there is there every month, one can imagine that its always hard to choose, and May was a particularly difficult month with many many deserving works just missing out.
3rd Prize for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge  for MAY  goes to:

5x8 COMPOUND CUBE by Wizard Gynoid

a small component of the incredible FULL SIM WORK that Wizzy created, and yet standing on its own as well in gaining a top 3 spot with only 100 prims!

HOWEVER, while it may stand on its own, it does NOT stand alone in 3rd place. Exhausted from the long discussions that allowd a single winner for the Non-Scripted category, the panel compromised and awarded a Joint 3rd Prize.

AND joint 3rd Prize (@L$2,500) for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge for MAY, goes to:
TIME AS A HELIX OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES by Miso Susanowa

In the first year of the challenge Miso won numerous awards but did not feature in the Grand Finale. This year, Miso has 3 works in the Grand Finale.

Both 3rd prize winners were also actually very close to 2nd, however we did just manage to avoid all 3 getting 2nd prize, with the next creation just winning out. So, 2nd Prize (L$7,500) for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge for MAY goes to:

UNE HORDE DE CORDES by Aristide Despres

Now to the winner of the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge for MAY, following in the footsteps of past champions Snubnose Genopeak, Glyph Graves,  Atomic Gaffer, Fuschia Nightfire/Flivelwitz Alsop, Julez Odigaunt, FreeWee Ling, Bryn Oh, Nish Mip, Josina Burgess, Cherry Manga, Igor Ballyhoo, Suzanne Graves, Lea Supermarine/Jarapanda Snook, Ginger Alsop, Gleman Jun and Dusty Canning.

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the Winner of 1st Prize for the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge for MAY 2011 is:

ONE AND FOUR TIMEBOARDS by L1Aura Loire

Yes, the one and only  L1Aura Loire or Professor Lori Landay, Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at Berklee College of Music..... This artwork actually came about because of MachinimUWA III: Journeys, and was an integral part of her Machinima submission, 'Time Journey', which you can see here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpWN0ELs0jk

Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all the artists who have entered the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge. We are officially receiving artworks for JUNE, so please do send in your entries as soon as possible as the entries will close on the 20th of the month in line with the survey feedback we had. And again the survey link is here https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UWASecondLife

A big thanks and welcome back to to our DJ Eifachfilm Vacirca to whom I will be handing the floor, for the "Power Half Hour". 30 minutes of after tunes to enlight your minds and to move your stereo. Please help me look after him everyone. Over to you Eif.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Most Important Thing I have Done In Second Life

The Evolution of Understanding

I have a little more than  2 years of experience in Second Life. In this time some amazing things have happened... nomination for the Linden Prize, building of Winthrop & the Sunken Gardens, the art and machinima challenges, hosting the artwork of then CEO of Linden Labs, M Linden, Peter Greenaway being guest of honour at UWA, and many more things. However, in my mind, what I will do this Tuesday, will be the most important. I'll explain below.

Now I dont normally write like this. There is in almost all of my previous posts, an 'official sheen'. However I need to be myself if I want to convey this evolution of understanding that has come about in me through a number of things that have happened across and following MachinimUWA III: Journeys.

 
I think these days, it is very hard to get below the surface with anything, to really know something or someone beyond the superficial exterior. News, happenings with acquaintances, friends, relatives sometimes go by in a blizzard of email, facebook and twitter posts. Many times we look, we read, we post, but we do not really see, we do not truly understand, nor do we really communicate. Sometimes though something happens that allows me to break through this fog...

On the 4th of February, MachinimUWA III was launched.... entries started coming in steadily, and on the 11th of April, I received an entry called 'Twinkle's Journey', by Bay Sweetwater of North California, USA, and it carried this message from Bay. "My machinima entry for MachinimUWA III is finally done and entered. Wipes forehead in relief. What a heartrending ordeal."

 I looked at it, I remember wondering a little bit about why I didnt see the star too much through 'Twinkle's Journey', apart from right at the start, and I do remember one of my colleagues commenting to me that it was very different from all the others. I didnt really know how to relate to it though then, and to me it seemed a quaint video for kids. The comment I made on the machinima in fact referenced not the machinima, but one of the art creators whose work featured in it:

"Very nice Bay... and wow... Julia Hathor, of legend"

The competition continued, and reached its finale on the 22nd of May 2011 Peter Greenaway's talk and the winners announcements. 'Twinkle's Journey' did not feature among the winners. Bay Sweetwater however, did, as she was in a 4-way tie for 3rd place in the viewer participation event. Part of her prize was to be the book '100 Treasures From UWA' released for the 2011 centenary of the University of Western Australia.

The following day many people sent me links to various news articles and posts about the winners ceremonies, and one of the links I received, was a link to a post Bay Sweetwater had written in her blog:

"I was feeling so low all day (yes, even tears) at my little “Twinkle’s Journey” video not placing anywhere in the MachinimUWAIII machinima competition this year. (See results here, heartfelt congratulations to all the amazing winners and award recipients)."

I know through my experience over the past 2 years with the art and machinima challenges that there will always be brilliance missing out on any awards that might be given out following the conclusion of the challenges, and I always try to be encouraging with anyone I know to be feeling disheartened, and hence, I responded to her in comments as follows:

"Hey Bay, don’t feel down. Your work was wonderful, and had a lot of great comments during the Machinima review days. Full audio is linked on the uwa website. It was truly truly hard not to give everyone something. some brilliant brilliant works including your missed out, and with so many talented artists and machinimatographers out there, thats always going to happen. Chin up. Smile. Your work is wonderful"

I then reminded her that she had actually won a prize, and that there was to be a book posted to her. She said instead of sending it to her, I should donate it to a primary school. When I heard this I thought it was a rather unusual request and I was a little ambivalent as to whether I would in fact do that, or let it be, as I was busy organizing to post the book to all the other winners and it would have been so much easier if I could have done the same in this case.

Anyway, some little thing inside me told me I should contact a school, and try to honour the request.  And so it was that I contacted the principal of the North Woodvale Primary School, Greg Brice, and told him that, someone in the United States had won a prize, and asked for me to donate this prize to a school, and that I would like to donate it to North Woodvale Primary, along with the machinima 'Twinkle's Journey' that Bay had created (this will be happening on Tuesday, the 31st of May).

Having organized this, I wrote to Bay and told her this and asked if she had a message that I could convey, as I was giving this on her behalf (in my mind, it was to be a message to the principal). Anyway, here is the message Bay asked me to convey:

Twinkle always believed in herself and her dreams, and look, she got all the way to the stars! You can too. Always believe in yourselves, no matter what anybody says, and you'll find your dreams, just like Twinkle. I'm so glad you're watching my little video. You'll probably notice that you feel Twinkle in the movie, but you don't see her anywhere! That's Twinkle's little mystery. No one can see her, but she lives everywhere. You can feel her in the trees and the rocking horse and the unicorn--all the things she loves. Especially that star up in the sky that has her name. So when you go home tonight, go outside when it gets real dark and wave to Twinkle high up in the sky. I bet she'll wave back to you! A big hug to every one of you, Bay Sweetwater

Again, I thought it a rather unusual message, and found it quaint she chose to direct her comment to the kids. But I did flash a smile when I saw through this comment, that the star not being present through most of the machinima was by design, and I thought here it made sense at last as to why I didnt see the star throughout the journey.

So,  had organized everything, had received the message, and copied the movie onto a thumb drive and was feeling good that I could do this. And I decided to watch the machinima again. 'Nice songs', I remember thinking.

But I still wasn't 100% happy with the message, and I wrote again  to Bay (26th May, 11:57)  saying:

"One other thing I would like you to add, if you could, is a general message from you to them (the kids). why you wanted to give your prize to them :)"

A few hours later (26 May, 14:37), I was to write again:

"Hi Bay
Oh my... i have read it now a few times and finally really really understand it. Its perfect Bay. In every way."


What had happened was, I had watched Twinkle's Journey again, and finally saw what I should have seen before. The comments she had in the description:

"A child's journey to the stars, told by those of us who are left behind."

I was thunderstruck. I was finally starting to see.... the curious words appearing close to the start of the  in the machinima became crystal clear to me at last:

"How I wonder where you are my little star. We thought you'd gone, yet here you are. You never left us."

The words from her blog, when she submitted the machinima, came back to me... 'what a heartrending ordeal'. I could hear the sound of a million pennies dropping.

I went back to her blog, and saw another post which said the following:

"I love my Twinkle’s Journey entry. I know it’s probably not the best technically or artistically, but my heart is in it. Here’s a poem for Twinkle; no matter how far your journey to the stars, your home is always in my heart.

FIREFLY IN A JAR
by Bay Sweetwater
Spring never woke that year, no eye
beheld the flowers, no tender sigh
escaped its lips. My tears wouldn’t dry.
I hailed a passing butterfly.
He’ll carry me, he’ll carry me.

Through stormy nights and days anew,
O’er woodland green and waters blue,
I see all love come shining through.
Yeah, love itself will get me through,
And carry me, and carry me.

It doesn’t matter where you are,
My own cupped hand or farflung star,
I’ll always hold you in my heart:
My firefly in a jar.
I’ll carry you, I’ll carry you.
It was so clear now to me how Bay was in overcoming her sorrow trying to share the best memories of her little star with all of us. I was so glad that I had taken the trouble to contact the school and had looked beyond the surface.

I watched Twinkle's Journey again and felt drawn to one of the songs in it.
Emelia Sleeps, by Loveshadow. I searched for the words and found them:

Emelia 9.04.08 - 4.01.09

Emelia Sleeps
Under pastures green
Under leafy Skies
By the old Oak tree

And the windmills turn
And the toys will fade
The Seasons come
And the angels play

Emelia Sleeps
But she speaks to me
From another place
In eternity

Tells me she was loved
More than most will know
China Teddy Bears
Say it’s so

If I could trade one day
Then I surely would
Cause Emelia Sleeps
By the Blubell wood.

LS 2010 


There was not one, but 2 heart rending stories contained in Twinkle's Journey. Mirroring my thoughts that many of us look but do not see, these comments were made by someone who has listened to Emelia Sleeps,  'A sweet and tender lullaby', to which Loveshadow responded, '...if only it were just a lullaby'.

I made an announcement that Bay had donated her prize to the School, and more people started to understand the truth behind Twinkle's Journey, and had I believe communicated their feelings and support to Bay.

I had hoped that all of this would somehow help her through her grief, but it wasn't something I could ask of course. Then she posted this message in the comments section of Twinkle's Journey:

"Thank you everyone for all your kind and heartwarming comments. They mean more to me than I can say. How thoughtful of you, Jay Jay, to extend Twinkle's Journey to Woodvale school, along with the copy of the UWA book, quite an amazing treasure in itself! Btw, in addition to Loveshadow's bittersweet tune "Emelia," this video features the music of Anchor Mejans' gladdening song "Welcome Home," which opened up my heart to make this little video. A big hug to you all."

And this is the evolution of my understanding, and in my thoughts the most significant chapter in what has been my own journey through Second Life, and will come full circle when Twinkle makes the journey to North Woodvale Primary School.

Jay Jay


EDIT:
This is what happened next, with images of the occasion at the Primary School 







Friday, May 27, 2011

31st MAY CLOSING - UWA RL (and SL) Photographic Competition: A Century of Seasons

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University of Western Australia's "A Century of Seasons Photographic Competition" is being held to celebrate the diversity of The University of Western Australia’s campus at Crawley as well as other sites associated with the University. Images that reflect the seasonal, scenic, academic, botanical and/or atmospheric characteristics of these sites are sought.

Closing Date : 31st May 2011
Method of Entry: Webform on UWA Office of Development and Alumni Relations Website

MAIN PAGE:
http://www.development.uwa.edu.au/friends/fog/photo-competition

ENTRY FORM
http://www.development.uwa.edu.au/friends/fog/photo-competition/entry-form

TERMS & CONDITIONS http://www.development.uwa.edu.au/friends/fog/photo-competition/terms

MESSAGE FOR SL RESIDENTS FROM JAY JAY ZIFANWE:
The above is taken from the website of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, UWA. This was initially envisioned by them as an RL only Photo competition, however, they have now confirmed to me that PHOTOS TAKEN IN SECOND LIFE AT THE UWA CAMPUS ARE ELIGIBLE!

I am adding a L$25,000 prize to anyone whose works are selected for the calendar.

This is the message I received from the Chair of the UWA Friends of the Grounds Photographic Competition and Calendar Sub-committee.

"I was forwarded your email [as chairperson of the relevant group who organizes it] last week regarding the eligibility of photos for the virtual UWA site. Having consulted the others in the Group, all of whom attended your excellent presentation a few weeks ago, we think it is a great idea – the competition is called 'A Century of Seasons' and surely this includes the 'then', the 'now' and the future. Please encourage your friends to submit their images. I look forward to seeing them – and hearing the comments of the judges."

I am not closely involved in the running of this competition, and in fact intend to submit a few snaps myself. If any avatars feature in a photo you want to send in, please have written permission from the person allowing you to send the photo in.

The SL campus at UWA is made up of both replications of the campus grounds, as well as areas that exist only in second life. I do not have detailed knowledge of the judging criteria, but my personal advice would be to focus on areas of the campus which can be recognized against the RL campus, meaning areas like the UWA 3D Open Art Challenge Gallery, will probably have no traction (and this is just my guess). To assist the many who would be unfamiliar with the RL campus, here are some suggested areas, that the panel would recognize as being representative of UWA:

Winthrop Clock Tower & Reflecting Pond

Sunken Gardens
Physics Building

School of Business Building
The Ken & Julie Michael Building (Motorola Building)

Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery
Moreton Bay Fig Trees

Peacocks
UWA Law Building









Thursday, May 26, 2011

Twinkle's Journey to North Woodvale Primary School

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Bay Sweetwater (of the United States) won one of the prizes announced at the 22nd of May Grand Finale of MachinimUWA III. One of her prizes was to be the book '100 Treasures From UWA'. Bay had however requested that the book be donated to a Primary School of my choice.

This has been arranged, and on Tuesday the 31st of May, the book, along with a copy of the Machinima created by Bay, 'Twinkle's Journey' will be given to the School Principal of the North Woodvale Primary School (Western Australia), Greg Brice during a school assembly.

I asked Bay if she would be kind enough to share a message with the children, and this is what she sent:

"Twinkle always believed in herself and her dreams, and look, she got all the way to the stars! You can too. Always believe in yourselves, no matter what anybody says, and you'll find your dreams, just like Twinkle. I'm so glad you're watching my little video. You'll probably notice that you feel Twinkle in the movie, but you don't see her anywhere! That's Twinkle's little mystery. No one can see her, but she lives everywhere. You can feel her in the trees and the rocking horse and the unicorn--all the things she loves. Especially that star up in the sky that has her name. So when you go home tonight, go outside when it gets real dark and wave to Twinkle high up in the sky. I bet she'll wave back to you! A big hug to every one of you, Bay Sweetwater"

As per the tributes on the machinima, Twinkle's Journey is "A child's journey to the stars, told by those of us who are left behind."

"I love my Twinkle’s Journey entry. I know it’s probably not the best technically or artistically, but my heart is in it. Here’s a poem for Twinkle; no matter how far your journey to the stars, your home is always in my heart."

FIREFLY IN A JAR
by Bay Sweetwater

Spring never woke that year, no eye
beheld the flowers, no tender sigh
escaped its lips. My tears wouldn’t dry.
I hailed a passing butterfly.
He’ll carry me, he’ll carry me.

Through stormy nights and days anew,
O’er woodland green and waters blue,
I see all love come shining through.
Yeah, love itself will get me through,
And carry me, and carry me.

It doesn’t matter where you are,
My own cupped hand or farflung star,
I’ll always hold you in my heart:
My firefly in a jar.
I’ll carry you, I’ll carry you.

Thank you Bay, thank you Twinkle. Twinkle's journey now continues to North Woodvale Primary, and we hope will inspire a whole new generation.

EDIT: And thank you Loveshadow for sharing this

Tutsy & Jayjay Interviewed on MBC News: MachinimUWA III, IV & V

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MBC News May 25th, 2011 from Metaverse TV on Vimeo.


Dousa Dragonash interviews Tutsy Navarathna, joint-winner of MachinimUWA III, and Jay Jay Jegathesan/ Jayjay Zifanwe, who gives an insight into what might be in store for the future. (interview proper starts from approximately 14:55)

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Tribute By Open This End on MachinimUWA III

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Aino Baar of Open This End has sent in the following tribute to the MachinimUWA III works. Much thanks to them for their sponsorship of the event and efforts in putting together this E-Book:


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