The Drax Files: World Makers [Episode 26: Absinthe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MleYk8-F1CQ

“Second Life is so multifaceted that you can’t really make a judgement as to whether somebody’s activity is more serious than somebody else's!” says Absinthe, a virtual super model: “I get up in arms when people put down Second Life as escapism!”

Yes Absinthe, who works with HIV/AIDS children in her day job, fully embraces her SLelebrity status despite the raised eyebrows of friends and colleagues when she mentions what she terms "my hobby".

Indeed there is no shortage of articles which dismiss in particular the fashion industry in this largest user-created virtual world as lonely adults playing Barbie & Ken after-hours.

But there is so much more underneath this playful engagement with avatar dolls: exploration of identity, ethnicity, class and embracing the creative impulse in all of us, those are just a few themes that run alongside Absinthe’s story.

Not to mention that her FEROSH project has brought her recognition beyond the virtual realm as this fashion compendium is available in physical print, rivaling RL publications in its beautiful presentation and style.

But let us for now simply embrace the wonderful distraction of some talented women in gorgeous dresses, accessories and hair.

The Drax Files: World Makers - episode 23

Although 3D designer loz Hyde has a creative day job - he is getting paid to breathe digital life into Hollywood blockbusters such as Terminator and Guardians of the Galaxy - the user-created universe of Second Life holds a special place in his heart: "People have tried to analyze why SL is so successful and yes, the environments are beautiful, but I am more touched by the people!"

Among his many contributions to the community of colorful avatars is the now iconic "Arcade" building, which is inspired by the Brighton Pier in loz' native England. The Arcade in SL serves as a beloved destination for many residents during the Gacha series of events.

loz Hyde runs the "Meshworx" store in Second Life, where he sells his unique furniture and buildings to a global userbase.

Most "Meshworx" designs feature aspects that originate by loz' real life surroundings in California but in a rather subtle way: loz often goes out to photograph surfaces, materials, mechanical objects as well as details in nature that tell a story.

He then manipulates and layers these images to create dense textures, which he subsequently applies to his virtual designs.

"I promote Second Life like you would not believe" he explains, by showing off snapshots on his mobile phone to colleagues in the VFX community in Hollywood.

"In SL you can do whatever you want and that is the empowering thing. If more people knew that, more people would use it!"

More info about loz's work at https://www.flickr.com/photos/8424258...