ISHTARS KISS

Christmas Time

2011-12-26T23:11:00.001-06:00

Christmas Time, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

There are many different ways a person can leave a mark on our lives.

They may teach us a lesson, give a friendly smile, or acknowledge that you are there.

Each time this happens, they leave a fingerprint. A marking showing that they were once there in your life.

This holiday I have been thinking. Thinking back to those that are still with us, those that have passed. Of Him.

I can still feel their influence. I can see their fingerprints. How they have changed me for the better.

Now I can look upon the new fallen snow and smile.

Look at Me Number 2

2011-12-01T22:21:00.001-06:00

Look at Me, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Look at Me

2011-12-01T22:18:00.001-06:00

Look at Me, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Sometimes at night we stop and wonder are we alone, is our special someone out there. If i wait what will happen? When I first created this image these thoughts were running through my head. Its a cold winter night, what else is better then sharing your love with someone.

Botgirl's Identity Circus: Lessons From Schrödinger's Art Studio

2011-11-26T13:51:00.000-06:00

Botgirl's Identity Circus: Lessons From Schrödinger's Art Studio

Babylons Apple

2011-09-15T19:43:00.001-05:00

Babylons Apple, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

I want to create for a living. To do that, for the past few years I have been attending online classes with the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh to get my Associates in Graphic Design. Before I finally dived into going back to school I had the belief many adults have. Am I to old for this, Can I do this, Why am I doing this?

The last question is something we all ask. Why am I doing this? It’s the question any artist will ask themselves at one point of their lives.

Lately self doubt has been hitting me. Can I finish this assignment on time, why am I going blank on ideas, etc. I am trying to fight this off and have a purely creative mind set. As part of this I wanted to display something I created for class a few weeks back.

Art, Humanity, and the sanity of the mind:

2010-07-08T22:04:00.001-05:00

I know I need to update this blog more often. Lately I have had trouble in creating new ideas or creating new projects for myself. I have always loved seeing how one of my ideas may develop or turn out. Since I have started going to the Arts Institute Online, I have noticed how my work has improved dramatically and I am approaching new ideas to create. I love this feeling, but I have also have had artist block for months now. I’m thinking this is also related to my trouble sleeping lately. For the first time in months I finally had a restful sleep and dreamed last night. For anyone that knows me you can imagine who was in my dream. It felt so good to actually dream. It felt like being freed from a prison. Unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t imagine the hellish experience my sleep has been. Nights of no rest, the feeling of being totally and completely disconnected. I would not recommend that to anyone.

I know that these nights of no sleep have affected my artwork. If I am lucky enough to have broken the cycle, I hope I can get my idea flow back. When you are going to an online art college to get your associates in graphic design and you have idea generation problems, it can be very difficult.
I love the school; I’ve felt more alive than I have felt in years. I can really see myself working in the graphic design field or moving across the country to get a position. I am determined to use my talents in art to advance and better my life. I will not let depression or life in general hold me down anymore.

I am going to stand as defiant as my avatar in the above picture. I have too much to lose to fall back now.

Now to the art portion of our blog entry:
Even though I have had artist block, I have been reading my text books for my classes for ideas and inspiration. I think I’ve found something that can work for me:) . I need to mull over the idea at this time, but I need to focus on the main Second Life Relay for Life fund raising event that starts next week in Second Life on July 17th. I am the Photography chair for this Relay Committee and I have looked forward to this for 6 months. I cannot wait to see what ideas or designs will be this year. The amount of talent and hope given in each build really can inspire any artist to achieve more than possible.

My current status of my school courses

2010-05-14T23:58:00.001-05:00

I wanted to let anyone that reads this know that I am still here. I have finished my Life Drawing class with an 85. This class was pretty easy but also extremely difficult. I have always have had problems in creating and drawing human beings and the proportions involved. This class was perfect. You learn about the various body parts, muscular and skeletal systems in what makes the human body. One of our text books (The Atlas of the Human Body) is the most detailed text book I have ever seen. Each bone and muscular system is detailed and drawn perfectly. I still need to work on my drawing style, but I have a better understanding on the human body.

My next class currently is Conceptual Design. This class involves the creating of advertisement ideas and learning why certain ideas work and what does not. I have always been fascinated about this subject. Conceptual design is used in everything ranging from magazines, gift bags, or even the end caps at the grocery store. When you look at this from a layman’s perspective, you often do not think about this. If you really think about it, we have design concepts stand out in our lives all the time.

The most successful design I remember from my early teen age years was from Altoids in the mid 1990’s. To advertise their cinnamon Altoids they used a model named Sindy. In a simple advertisement/design the box was simply red edges with a green main border. In the green border was the most extremely gorgeous model I’ve seen. The TV ads were simple and drew your eye to the model but, they left you remembering that it was Altoids

I someday want to design or create an idea like this. To an artist like me, this really leaves a mark in society, where even ten years later, someone will remember your add campaign.

A great weekend with a great friend

2010-02-15T00:38:00.001-06:00

--Note: This is a personal entry not gallery related--
I officially am feeling old and loving it. My Best friend in the world (I shall use her second life name: Daisie) turned 30 yesterday meaning that this year I will turn 32 years old. She is one of the craziest and funniest people that I have ever met, and can make alot of things fun. Yes when we start talking it can also make a sailor blush (I think i saw that a few times at the theater and restaurant) but when you get to like minded people/artist together then things get interesting. For her birthday this year we got to go see the new movie Wolfman (yes its a remake). I have to say this was a pretty neat movie & they pay homage to the original movie well (the make up keeps the original look but adds so much more to it). Artistic wise this movie is also a very dark and bloody film. To suit the mood of late 1800's England, blue and dark filters are used along with varying shades of grey. The main characters estate looks stunning and I would love to take pictures there (photographer in me talking)

Later we got to have lunch at a local restaurant "On the Border" and just relax. After 3 months of straight overtime, it felt good to let my hair down. I really love getting to treat Daisie for her Birthday each year. When you live with a 2 year old going on 3, you need to be able to cut loose and not have to worry about having a good time (which she did).

It feels great to get to have fun like this. When you have school, work, and more work, your artistic battery will run on empty. It will amaze you how good you feel getting to relax and be human or be free.

Happy birthday Daisie. You've been such a big influence on my life, I don't know if I would be where I'm at with out your support.

The use of iPhones and the ipad in future graphic design

2010-02-03T14:45:00.001-06:00

I will admit thar until I first got my iPhone for Christmas, I never really cosidered how they can be used in grapic design. When you first look at it, to be honest it looks like a toy. In some purposes it could be cosidered one. The average person may use one for games or the apps alone, but I've been finding better uses fort phone. Ive found that it is great for demonstrating new artwork or for various experentation.y coworker have a better understanding of my artwork as a result. Now I have fallen in the realm of photo experentation. It may carry a 2 gig camera but I have had some great results(see thr attached photos). Now jow will this affect graphic design. That will be part of my next blogging post tonight

2010-02-03T14:37:00.001-06:00

Completed Advertisement for If the Shoe Fits

2010-01-10T21:53:00.001-06:00

Recently i have finished an advertisement for a friend of mine in second life. She runs a great shoe store called "If the Shoe Fits" that sells various boots, high heels, etc that has been in business for a little over 2 years. When I first saw this new boot set the concept of a dance club. In many clubs you will see women dancing to the beat with various foot fashion. In this case I went for the Cowgirl Hipster look to match the boots. The reason that the model has a tiger skin, is that you will normally see these types of advertisements with a human model. To be able to stand out against the background properly & bring your eye to the advertisement I wanted to go for something different and alluring.

Winter Break and a New Advertisement

2010-01-03T18:10:00.001-06:00

Currently I am on Winter Break from the Arts Institute Online. I have to say that going back to school online has been a learning experience. This is a new style of learning and teaching but I am really enjoying being back in school. I have completed two classes as of now and on January 12th my next class is drawing in Perspective. This class may be a challenge for me, due to the fact that I have the hardest difficulty in drawing off a computer on traditional media. I will admit in the past it has been difficult to draw something beside abstract artwork.

During this break I have been working on an advertisement for a friends shoe store in Second Life called “If the Shoe fits”. Currently I am 75 percent complete with this project and in the process of composing the final Image.

I also now have a twitter account for my gallery Ishtars Kiss. Currently I am using this account to get messages from my school but will also soon use it to release information on my gallery and the various live music events I handle online.

Merry Christmas to all

2009-12-22T07:09:00.001-06:00

To anyone that reads this blog I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Right now I am officially on my three week vacation from school and I can relax finally. Each day for the past two months, I have had an hour and a half of overtime and school once I get out. With this vacation I can finally relax. One thing I use to relax is Photoshop and I have created a Christmas card for this Year. This was created for the online night club I work with in Second Life. Enjoy

School update and more

2009-12-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

I have been remiss in posting to my blog and I do apologize. Currently my work schedule is Monday through Friday with an hour and a half of overtime mandatory per day. My work schedule has been hectic, but I am making overtime (time and a half). This is a good thing, but with this much overtime and work, it can really eat at your soul. I am trying to not let this get to me though. For those of you that read this blog, I am now a part time student with the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh Online. This is a great school to get associates in graphic design. I have recently completed my second class and should be getting my grades shortly. Since I have come back to school, I have felt like I have more of a direction or purpose in my life. I can actually stop and think of what my goals will be (join the graphic design industry and promote my artwork). With the support that the school offers, this will be my best chance at locating a job in this field. With my studies, I have found that I am thinking more of the future and what may lie ahead. 10 or 20 years down the line, will we still have books printed in paper. Will the current developments with the Internet slowly cross over into print media? I found a great article on the Popular Science website dealing with the future of magazines. Please see the following video:

Mag+ from Bonnier on Vimeo.

With recent developments in E-Ink and E-Readers (see the Kindel and the Nook) & how technology has been leaping forward, who can say how our books in the future may look or read? Since I will be a graphic designer, I need to think ahead and try to plan for the future. What will it be. What will we See. Who can say.

A 2nd chance at Life means?

2009-09-22T21:37:00.001-05:00

When I first graduated High School I was still in the state of mind that everything could be solved by computers. This was in the hay day of Yahoo back in the ancient megabit era of 1996 (Yes that means I'm 31 now). I really didn't have an idea of what I wanted to do, so after a consultation with a counselor at my local college after many years I got an associates in Information Management Technology in 2001.

This was shortly after the majority of these types of jobs went to India. You can imagine my disposition at the time. Shortly a few years after I started doing my own artwork (Pencils and Paper) a friend of mine was taking classes in Graphical design at the same college. Through her I discovered what more you can do with artwork & there was a thing as a Graphic Design field. With a little more research, I found out that you could do magazine,Internet , & many other types of advertisement. Oh sure I've seen advertisements, and have even kept really neat looking ones, but had no idea you could even make money on your work. Soon I began taking classes and learning more about Photoshop, typography, artistic styles, linear & radial artwork, etc. Frankly it was the best classes ever taken. It was all great until one day I got a call from financial Aid.

"We are sorry but due to the previous classes you took for your first major, you have reached the financial aid cap for the state of Texas and no longer qualify for financial aid" - paraphrased from best of memory.

I knew I could take loans, but my financial situation at the time, I didn't think I could do it. And the Idea of debt scared the daylights out of me. Since that day in 2005, I always regretted not finishing those classes. One of my best friends, who I consider a blood sister ( Love ya Tracy) gave me the idea of looking for an online college to finish my Associates in Graphic Design. Well after a few months of trying I've found one I really like. It took so long because when you type online college and graphic design in Google, you get a lot of shady sites.

The school I found and choose is The Arts Institute Online Pittsburgh Division. From my talking to their representative and researching their online website, I've found this school would be a great choice for me. I can still work full time and take the classes part time. Now you may be asking, how will you afford this. I hate to admit it but I'm going to take the student loans. Yes I know I'm paying my current debt off still, but I think this might be my last chance at a change in life. I love art so much and want to do Graphic Design even more. How will it go? Who knows. But Its a start.

Japanese Light

2009-09-02T22:40:00.004-05:00

During this years Second Life Rely for Life Campaign I created a series of ten images to sell for various art auctions. These were sold to raise funds for the relay. The original images were mounted in a film strip style and will not be resold in second life again. When i was wandering around second life, the insperation I found for this set at a sim called Japan Dream. For those of you that are not versed in second life, A Sim is a area created in the game space by a user to represent a particular idea or space they want to show. This Sim was created to represent a 1950's Japan sea side town. The creator of this sim clubkenjin Loon definatly put time and dedication into the creation of this enviroment. This shows an example of what second life can be about. How art can come from the simpelist things.

I had the most doing this set. Going around this area, seeing all of the cultural images of the time made me smile. Reminded me why I wanted to become an artist. Please be sure to visit and check out this sim. I have provided the Land Mark at the beginning of this post.

ur⋅ban⋅i⋅ty

2009-07-29T22:16:00.001-05:00

–noun, plural -ties.

1.	the quality of being urbane; refined courtesy or politeness; suavity: He was the last word in urbanity.

2.	urbanities, civilities or amenities.

3.	the quality or state of being urban.

.. One of the many things I will be talking about in this blog is the Live Music Scene in Second Life. For the past three years i have managed various clubs in second life. For the past two years I have been the manager at a club called Urbanity. Owned by Keth Mommsen and Josi Nebestanka, Urbanity is a club all of its own. An outdoor environment, we specialize in bringing high class entertainment to all of our clientele. We also specialize in greeting and making sure that people's of all types, race, creed or avatar type have a safe and secure environment to frequent. Mainly in Second Life you will run into clubs that do look good but sometimes you feel something missing. We try to maintain that whole experience. If your looking for that type of club or environment that will allow you to relax or even propose to your certain loved one, we do it. Urbanity is set on Eros Cove along with the Ishtars Kiss Art Gallery, we also present high quality clothing at Eros Fashion and Casual Elegance.

This Week makes officially 2 years since we have been in business. With a friendly staff and great events, this week will be one musical blow out that has never been seen before. See you there ...

Why i am a Neko Part 2

2009-06-27T23:16:00.001-05:00

I just saw this on the Virtual Neko blog and this explains the phenomenon of Being Neko in Second Life a whole lot better then i ever can:

Virtual Neko Blog

Japanese Light Photo Series

2009-06-27T22:14:00.002-05:00

Over the past few months I have been working on a series of Images called Japanese light. These were taken at the following Sim Name: JAPAN DREAM KENJIN

When i first saw this Sim it really stroke a note with me for the detail and artistic beauty I saw in it. Over the period of two months of working on each individual picture. When you are a Photoshop geek you know your dedicated when you work on a series of ten images all in a row with no break .

The first 5 of this set have already been auctioned off in a art auction I have held at the club i manage called Urbanity and the last 5 will be sold off in a special art auction at the main relay for Life fund raising event.

Each image will not be reproduced in second life in this film strip style again. Only one of each will exist. I do not know for sure if i will sell full sized images of this set, but for now the film strip style will be the only version that exist.

The Auction for relay for life will be held on July 18th during the main relay for life event.

100 Word Story: Cybernetic Delight

2009-06-20T22:39:00.001-05:00

Hmmmmmmmm. A moan escapes my lips as electronic fingertips
caress the flesh. Our cybernetic implants connect.

Just a few years ago, who would even think about cybernetics
and sex. Our minds connect. Computer code flashes before my
eyes, then, Oh I can feel it. Through his body, I can feel him
holding me. Ummmmm.

Oh the fun well have. He can hear my thoughts. He closes his eyes.
A taste of lips, the feel of muscle and flesh. Basic body chemical reactions intensified a thousand fold.

Electrical impulses, Ecstacy, Primal animal Instinct, who knew lust and cybernetics could do this.

Today’s Tomorrow

2009-06-05T20:48:00.001-05:00

Number one reason why I love second life. There are environments or areas I simply can not create in Photoshop. Even after a months work i could not come close. This is my latest Piece Today's Tomorrow.

3 days of edit time. Many Many hours of getting the glow just right.

A scene like this makes me thank the gods i took the plunge into second life. There are so many different ideas and expressions made every day it brings joy to me. As always please let me know wha tyou think of my latest art piece. And yes I will still leave my watermark in for security purposes. Many many hidden water marks.

Why I am Neko in Second Life

2009-06-05T20:30:00.001-05:00

There are to many definitions to what Neko can be. Just try looking up neko on wikipedia and you will see a whole list of definitions. In Second Life terms Nekos are Cat People. It is hard enough to describe but take it like this from my own definition.

Have you ever seen a person in real life move in such a way they are animalistic. Head drawing from side. Senses feel a bit more hyper then they should be. The urge of feeling animalistic wanting to express it self. In some circles this develops as Furries. And no its not all that Damn CSI episode. Most dress to express the inner feelings that it is hard to feel in their original forms.

When i first started in second life I was the normal human but then started finding different avatars to suit my moods. Lions, Dragons, etc, eventually starting to alter my appearance. Cat eyes. Gods that day i got those it felt so powerful. What pushed me to go more fully cat like was an Incident between a woman who was my best friend and her stabbing me in the back. But that is old drama for another day.

I pretty much jumped into it full force. Purchased my first neko skin and ears and tail and have worn them ever since.

Now What i said about Animalistic self and expression isn’t everyone. Some go neko for a change of pace, others just to experiment. This is the same for Furries in SL also. Its something fun to do. Others just need to express that side of them selves that they really cant in RL.

Now there are the people who think if you go Furry then your some sort of sick pervert. This is not the case. For some its an expression of their inner selves. Others Just for Fun. When you stop and get to know the person, you’ll find this out.

Drama in various games in second life

2009-05-25T20:50:00.001-05:00

For the past year there has been a popular game in second life called Tiny Empires. After what I’ve heard over the phone in the past few days I have to say what the hell. I know this blog is for my art gallery and related events but I just have to say this.

My Second Life Sister Dani and I both play Tiny Empires and it can be fun. Its kind of like a Medieval Kingdom simulation. You purchase land and try to start up your own empire. A lot of people in second life play this game and it can be neat. But My gripe is the damn drama. People its a game. Just because a person changes being under one liege or another dose not mean the end of the bloody world. It is a Game People. Meant for fun. You are not in a real empire. No one is going to lose their bloody Life. Geesh.

Sorry I just had to rant.

Hundred Word Story: Free to Be

2009-05-24T10:33:00.001-05:00

Topic this week: 2 Very crazy topics but I choose the part Elvis Drives a Bus

Can be heard at : 100 Word story challenge

“Its over, Its finally over.” he mutters to him self with relief.
Sure things were great at the beginning, the money, women,
the power. As with all stories, all good has to end.

Drug use, long crazy nights, movies that never really taxed or
let him grow. He was self destructing.

Over 5 years he saved the money he needed. Paid off the
appropriate people. Soon everyone would think he passed away
tragically.

“Its time” he says. Elvis Drives a Bus. Who would think it.
Driving into the sun, his last thoughts:
“Your finally free of your past. What next”

Hundred Word Story: 5 min till Impact

2009-05-08T19:38:00.002-05:00

Topic this week was Telescope for the 100 word story contest:

“5 Minutes till Impact” I say with tears in my eyes.

We’ve known about the end of the world for months.
All the Zealots and Mad catholic priest added to the mess.
Total societal shut down.

I’ve been locked in my highrise apartment building for months.
I had the supplies but I was alone. Until I found her in the next building
with my telescope.

Those last few months we would share written messages through glass. It made the loneliness lessen.

30 seconds, she’s crying.
5 seconds, the sky burns a bright red.
One second, I never asked her name.

100 Word Story: Horrid Red Boots

2009-05-02T23:32:00.001-05:00

This is a story I have submitted to the 100 Word stories podcast. Please excuse any cursing in it. This was added for comic affect :)

The topic for the week was Knock Knock

“Lock the door he’s almost broken through” Yells Clyde slowly shaking in
fear. His ultimate end was just around the corner.

Oh sure it was a harmless prank. No one really liked the new guy in town.
So round in the middle. Those horrid looking red boots he always wears.
Who would think he would go so far. Just for spray painting Puc Man
on his mail box shouldn’t cause this.

“Knock Knock Knock, I know it was you Clyde. Look at what I did
to Inky and Blinky. Yum Yum Yum. Your next. No one Fucks with
Pac Man.”

Status of current art work and why I go by my SL Name

2009-05-02T23:26:00.001-05:00

Currently I have almost completed my ten picture series i plan to auction off for relay for life. Only 2 more to go. This series means a lot to me. Not just the hard work I have put into the ideas but the reasons why I am doing this.

1) I am the official photographer for the second life relay for life. Over the past two years I have put on many events and taken many pictures to support the Relay for Life. This year I am still taking pictures but have not pushed my self to get pictures for every event. My reasons for this are simple. Last year i pushed my self to the breaking point to be able to cover almost every event. This caused me to feel kind of ill and if i continued that pace I do not know what would have happened. This year I am taking an approach of covering when I am able to and if i do not get to catch it, I will not worry or be upset. This is part of my new mantra :)

2) I have two sisters who both have had cancer in their families and lives. They are not blood sisters but i consider them my blood. My Friend Daisie (Second Life Name) who i have known since High school and is the best friend i have ever had. Her family has a history of Cancer in her life. My Friend Danielle (Second Life Name) I have known for a bit over 2 years since i first logged into second life. When i first met her she was a damn friendly and bright person to get to know. With how cancer has affected her life over the many years, I really want to move to New Zealand to help her out. I would never do this for anyone else

Now I have been asked why I do not reveal my real life identity or how i have Chosen it. Especially why I go by Ishtarangel Micheline. In real life believe in the goddess Ishtar of Babylon. Also Known as Innana or Astarte or many other variations. The Angel comes from my belief that there are beings of some type that do look over us. Micheline was the last name available at the time i created this account. But it does strike as a pretty name to me. Over my three years of Second Life this identity feels more like the real person I have always wanted to be. Per previous blogs, it is known I have struggled with Depression my whole life. Since I have found out what really caused it, I have been in a mode of self discovery and insight. With discovery comes changes and for me the Change to being referred to as Ishtar feels more natural. Like it is the true part of me that I never accessed till I realized it.

Ok I am done talking. Once I finish this set I will post preview pictures of what this will look like. And currently I will also be working on an advertisement for Eros Fashion.

31 Years old and Lost in Lubbock Texas

2009-05-02T22:37:00.003-05:00

On April 29th 2009 I turned 31 years old. The following day I got to have the best Belated Birthday parties i have ever had and fun.

With the day i had i defiantly needed it. Earlier that day i had the fun of knowing how far it is between Lubbock Texas and Amarillo Texas. a little over 100 miles of straight driving to see a Councilor for a mental condition i have. I will not mention what it is here and only the people that know me in RL know what it is. In all my life I have not driven past Canyon Texas which is a little over 20 min away on Interstate 28. I have to say I have never seen so much living farm land and dead land all in one setting and polluted sky. I was really hoping that driving out in the country i could actually see a real blue sky. I mean the type of daytime blue at 2pm that isn’t obstructed by the Pollution our species is well known for. I had no such luck in finding that type of sky. I guess it’s now is a myth or fairy tale of the long lost past of America.

I did get the pleasure of seeing a few smaller towns i have heard of before and amazed by how small some where. Happy Texas only took 5 min to drive through and that was it. But there was some damn pretty land. Now when i got to Lubbock that’s when all hell broke loose. I know i have never been in another big city and its the 2nd biggest in my area of the country. I have to say this. Who ever created the layout of the city streets in Lubbock was a madman who should be shot and their entire blood line shot. I couldn’t tell north from south and where the logical progression of a street should be did not exist. What did not help was that the woman at the doctors office could not give a proper set of directions and did not know the city well enough. I did make it though. And until i can figure out what is causing this, I think i will go back. I would tell you in this blog what it is, but its very private and I know its the cause of my depression in my life.

Later that night I got to log into Second Life, and got the Surprise of my life. I work for a club called Urbanity and have made some damn great friends there. As a Belated Birthday gift they threw one hell of a cool party for me and got two of my Best Performer friends perform. Freestar Tammas and SRV4U Conacher. These two are some of the best power house performers in my opinion in all of second life.

Just getting to see the time and effort that people who i consider family went through to do this, that really shows how much they care. I know i have not really liked my birthday in the past, but not any more. This is the year that i finally got out of my depression hole. My not not understanding why i am the way i am. Knowing what factors caused my depression and my hating my body, I now can work on fixing my life. Having a great birthday like this really gives me hope that things will be better.

Japanese Light & Relay for Life

2009-04-19T00:53:00.002-05:00

There is a section in the second life search called the Showcase. It was designed to show off the portions of Second Life that really show what artist have created and to give them the spotlight they should deserve.

I found a great SIM called Japan Dream Kenjin in the showcase that has inspired me to create. The amount of detail in this area is really amazing and really should be shown off.

Currently i am working on a series of ten pictures I am calling Japanese Light. I know its a simple name for a series but it works. I’m finding that I am getting so many ideas from this set that I actually feel damn good about this set. Once i get a set of ten images done I want to auction off what i call the film strip version to the relay for life. For an idea of what I am talking about see below.

This year I am taking a more stepped back approach for taking photo graphs for the relay for one main reason. It was starting to affect my health. I am the type of person who in the past once they set their mind to something they they go at it full guns blazing with out a single thought of how it will affect later on. Well I fought tooth and nail to try to get photos for all of the events for relay for life last year. Well i did that task to the best of my ability, but i realized something. I’m taking something that should be fun and being extremely to serious about it. I would go to an event, take pictures and not really participate. Well I decided this year I am not going to do that anymore. I need to step back and evaluate even my second life.

So here’s to the relay for life. Let us find a cure someday for this craziness known as cancer.

Roman Holidays & Relay for life

2009-03-19T20:04:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back one of my best friends in Second Life. Katrina Mornington contacted me and asked for a commissioned art piece. Specifically she wanted to have a piece of art that shows this great tattoo she created a while back.

Katrina is such a unique woman who I am glad to call my friend. When i first met her as a neko, ummm I have never met someone who can be so free and honest with them self and others. Talking with her, she is one of the smartest women i have ever met.

Well currently we are in the relay for life fund raising season and a picture taking we will go. Picture, picture and more pictures taken. I know it can be a bit overwhelming to me. I do have volunteers that are helping take pictures, and gods this helps out so so much. But you get so use to taking pictures for events and covering them, its hard to step back. I am doing more stepping back this year, due to the fact that this years relay will be much bigger then the last two years. I have finally let my self realize i cant cover it all. Even though i am such a perfectionist. I have to tell my self, I’m only human. Bwahahah. Neko now neko for ever. hehe

Creative muse gave me a poem

2009-03-10T22:02:00.001-05:00

There is something that means very much to me. Until I am ready to talk about how it affects my life, this is what you will get. I am a supporter of Transgender issues and this poem came to me suddenly tonight: Titled: Release of Dreams

The release of dreams is a powerful thing.
In her sleep she can see the truth before her eyes. Light
is sweeter, the air is cleaner. She is free. Able to live the life
she should have been. The body she should have felt.

It always starts like this. Though the night joy has become real.
But it has to end. The Darkness Begins.

She is standing on an edge. Real life takes her back.
Never can she be real. Her body screams. Eyes awaken to her
true form. Male or Female or Both.

Is she Transgender or something more.

Run Run Spring is Attacking

2009-03-10T18:01:00.001-05:00

This is the time of year I always look forward to. The sunlight changes to that just right angel, the trees are finally in bloom and flowers exist in our world once again. Yes I know this is melodramatic but when your an artist you like to see as many colors as possible

During this time of year I try to get out as much as possible and explore my local down town area and watch the cops watch you.

During this time of year since my artwork really does increase I feel so alive. Like the artistic muse finally came back and said ok your ready. Well I think I'm ready.

I cant sleep

2009-03-01T02:33:00.001-06:00

A personal moment, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

My artwork is my only true way to express how i feel. Lately its been going more toward an erotic art type movement and im not really sure. Why. Hell I think i may know but i just don't want to say yet.

Currently its 220am. I should be in bed. My creativity suffers on the weekends since I just want to stay up and not sleep. Currently i am working on more then a few projects.

One is the 2008 relay for life Commemorative book. Its something i feel needs to be put together and given out as a special treat for all those who have given their time and energy to a good cause. Right now i have 70 pictures choosen and need to choose 30 more. Once i get that done I can finally weed those down to a more manageable number to upload into second life. Sigh so many picture. So so many pictures. Over the course of one year over 6 thousand pictures to weed through and see what would look good or what represents this or that. It is a overwhelming job but its something I feel needs to be done.

I am working on a series of photos i have taken in a Japan inspired sim. All In one way or the other are inspired by different forms of light. I have always liked in real life how just one angel can change the perfect shot. How light reflecting off window shades can change a room completely. This in turn will represent that, in that artistic sense. I don't know how many i will do in this series. 5-10 tops.

Ok now the reason i cant sleep. I am a person who dreams. A lot of good dreams or something. They serve as my escape from life in a sense. The dreams don't have as much as they did in the past. Ever since I've had to rebuild my life from my mom passing and the first person I ever really fell in love with passing i cant remember what i dream. Small fragments of conversations or images are at the fore front of my brain when i wake up but nothing of real value.

I will fight what ever part of me is causing this and someday win. I wont let the bastard win. I spent 28 years of my life fighting and clawing my way out of the pit of depression to see an actual life. I will not give up on that.

One of the main joys i have in the world

2009-02-14T22:59:00.002-06:00

Events at Urbanity , originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

As i have said earlier I am goign to post at least once a week to this blog. I know I set this up to display my artwork and what I do for relay for life, but there is a reason for this madness. A month ago i got an email from my Aunt in New Mexico (love ya liz) asking if i was ok and if anything was wrong. I use to post to my journal on deviant art but i haven't posted there since October 2007. As anyone who knows me in real life i had alot of problems I had to slowly get over.

But finally I am back to my regular self :). I am back on the regular Paxil medication for my depression and am finally producing art on a regular basis.

Today's journal I wanted to show off one of the many things that keeps me sane and that i love. It is working with live music in Second Life.

Over the past two years I've worked with various artist and clubs. Its just amazing how much musical talent there is on this earth. How you can put feelings and ideas to song or musical note. It really amazes me. I originally started working with live music by providing security at various events (I.e. Internet trolls aka griefers thinking its fun to mess with a persons experieince). Over time i started working as a host and eventually comign up to a manager position at the first club in second life i worked at.

During these past two years, I've grown to love working with these great acts. From New Age instrumental, the Blues (which is my main love), to meeting some damn great female perofrmers (Freestar Tammas and Juel Resistance to name a few).

The current club im working at Urbanity has been my home for about a year and a half now and and consider everyone that works there family. Im just glad as hell they put up with my nerotic attention to detail. So far we are one of the extremely popular clubs in second life for the great detail we give to each DJ and live act and to how we treat staff and our guest's. One thing that sets us apart from the other high class clubs in SL. Anyone is welcome. From Furries, Nekos, Kid avatars, and all types. Treat a person with respect and how youd like to be treated and we will do the same in kind. If not then like we had do to a few days back, your gone and will never come back to the club. :)

Ok i think im done bloging for the week. Hehe. Night.

2 weeks and more art slowly coming

2009-01-28T21:45:00.001-06:00

Events at Urbanity , originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

I know my artwork sometimes comes out slowly through the pipe. But it gets there. In these past few weeks its been a little difficult to get some things done with how my RL has been lately. I was to have my performance review today but it got delayed for a day. All day i felt nausia due to my nervousness of it all.

Over the past year or my year of hell my work was majorly affected by it. Part of it was being stuburn as hell and not wanting to see my life was at a downward spiral I didn't know how to pull my self out from. Other parts were butting heads with my boss at work and not wanting to consider she may be right about my personal life. I see now that i was only contributing to my spiral. Of course also when some things are said badly by your boss to you and you get depressed under the drop of a hat that can get you as well.

Yes i know i type run on sentences sometimes. I do have a release which is second life. Where i primarily get my new art ideas and also help run a club called Urbanity . It is the one thing that has kept me sane.

I would talk more into my personal revelation on why i got so depressed and what got me out of it. Well two things were part of my depression. My mom passing away and my sl husband who i fell in love with in rl passing away. Two people that i cared for greatly and having them in the prime of their life taken like that, it can really screw your mind up.

Once i finally was able to get out of this depression i came to the revelation why i always got so depressed in my life. One is the fact i finally stopped surpressing and denying to my self that i am Bi sexual. Sure i typed it in my profile and all. But theres the fact of accepting your Bi Sexual as well. There is another revelation but I am only leaving that for my perosnal family and friends who know what i realized after all of these years.

Lets say that now i know that my denying who i was all these years affected my mental and physical health. I am determined to make a change. The bastard cant stop me now. Not again.

The return of Ishtars Kiss

2009-01-07T22:30:00.003-06:00

Ok i know its been about 7 months since i posted here. Part of it was thinking I didn't have anything to post. The other half was the depression I've spent months trying to get out of this and finally am able to see some sort of light.

Lots of things contributed to it all. My Second Life Husband passing away was a start. It took me a few months to get out of that darkness only to get into another hole. Ive been having alot of trouble at work with trying to get my statistics for my self to where they should be. After months and months of hard work I think i finally have pulled my self out of that part of it. The last part had to deal with my medication it self. I thought I could save a bit of money by taking the generic of paxil. For a while it was doing pretty damn good and i felt the same. But what i didnt realize it wasn't 100 percent generic copy of paxil. Due to this i got in such a depression when my counselor saw me. She was scared. Had not seen me this depressed since i went to see her when my mom passed away.

But now that im finally back on the regular medicatoin "Generics be dammed". Ive had a few personal revelations. Some I can say here. The others more of a personal nature that only people that know who i am in real life know.

The club i work at in second life is going through some positive changes and even new brand spanking buildings. Droooool. I still havent sold any art pieces in months but when you do art in Second Life, you dont expect to turn a profit.

But Overall in real life im finally starting to feel like my self again. And i will post more here on a regualr basis.

Relay for life western weekend event

2008-05-18T23:19:00.002-05:00

BBA Hotshots Western Weekend, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Of all the various events in second life ive covered for relay for life i have to say this one was one of the best ones I have had the pleasure to cover. This Saturday and Sunday the BBA Hotshots put on their western weekend to raise monies for the Relay for Life.

I didn't get to cover all of the event this weekend but from what i got to see it was a very well done event. There are two sims Central Texas and West Texas that this covered. Total they had various events such as pie throwing, horse riding, skeet shooting and even horse riding. All of these were so so neat looking, but what blew me away was the raft ride between both Central and West Texas sims. Ive never been on a raft ride in real life but this was a blast to do. At one point the raft capsized into the water and it was so funny. I just wish i got a picture of that moment.

Just seeing all the work and detail they have put between both of these sims really shows the potential of something like second life. Showing you the possibility of the human imagination. Using your know how and imagination to help raise funds for cancer research what more can you ask for.

What was a great topper for both nights was getting to do line dancing and listen to country music. I met some great women here who know how to put on a great event. My hats to you all for the great event and good time i had covering it.

when you lose a bet.

2008-04-27T10:59:00.002-05:00

Relay Racers 1970s Prom through the decades, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

For a while i thought it would be fun if i made a bet with my friend Chelle Moore. Shes one of the nicest people ive met in second life. Last year when i started taking pictures for Relay for Life by accident i would take pictures of her bald. If it wasnt on purpose heeheh or when her hair would not res while at an event.

For kicks i made a bet with Chelle that if they made more then a certain amount of money for Relay for life i would go human for a week. At first the amount was to high so last night i made a bet if they made over 50,000 linden dollars in this case a little over 100,000 linden dollars (Around 380.00 u.s. dollars). It was a pretty fun event and i love how they decorated the gymnasium for todays prom. I have to say ive never been to one when i was in high school but i have to admit, this was pretty fun.

Of the various relay for life events i have to say this is the most fun ive had. Whoo hoooo.

Well if your in second life for the week ill be human you can verify i keep my word. Now you may ask why am i still wearing the dragonfly wings. A dragonfly is my totem and holds special meaning for me. But my SL body will be human for the week. Now Chelle my turn to try to take a spontanious picture of you bald for this years relay. Hehehe

Relay Roadies Relay Live Event

2008-04-20T12:09:00.002-05:00

Relay Roadies Relay Live Event, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

If you've never been to a Relay for Life event in Second Life you do not know what you are missing. Every week various teams that have formed to raise money for the Relay for life have had various events. If it comes to live music, community fairs, or art exhibitions, there are many different events to see in Second Life.

Last night we had a major fund raising event at Urbanity where i work in SL. For 6 hours every half hour we would have various performers play live on stage to a very big crowd of fans or music lovers. Of courseI am a little biased in this case since I am on the Relay Roadies team and this was one of our events. :-)

If you missed out on the event. Let the following pictures tell the story. Till next time.

2008 SL Relay for life so far

2008-04-09T07:31:00.004-05:00

2008 Salsa for Hope , originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Well its been a few weeks into this years relay for life but its been going off with a bang. Of course theres the occasional SL hiccups or it acting up very strangely (you try not to laugh when you see a microphone stand up someones butt)

Beside hiccups this years relay has been great and my first full year of relay as well. Last year when i began taking pictures it has already started but for seeing it from the beginning, wow.

Last night i went to an event sponsered by the Relay Hope team that was a salsa dance night. Seeing a wide mix of people in their avatars shows the hope we all have for curing cancer. One part really hit home. I didnt realize this at first but the team Captain Alexandra is the Second Life sister of Stori Knopfli. I never got to meet Stori last year since she had passed due to her cancer, but from all the stories I've heard of her, she is an influence.

Its hard to imagine a person you've never met as an influence of why you volunteer to Relay. I mean i never got to meet her or say hi but, its hard to describe. Her spirit does live on in the relay and the family and friends she left behind here in SL.(Yes I am using SL or Second Life - the copyright rule changes cant stop me from using them)

One part that always gets me is seeing child avatars. I know they are piloted by an adult somewhere in the world but, one of the pluses is that you let your inner child out. What i mean by what gets me is that it reminds me as a whole that anyone could or can get cancer, from your smallest kiddo to bravest adult out there.

I do know a few people that have cancer or have had it. For you i volunteer my friends.

Current artwork and commissions

2008-03-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

Sunset Memories, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Currently I've been working on two sets of pieces i have been hired to work on and doing relay work.

One of them is for Eros Designs. For the next issue of Second Style Magazine i have created an advertisement for their latest line Amorus. I will be displaying this once it is published

My second set of pieces i was hired to create ten pieces for her that have her as the main model displaying various clothing she has created. Once there done, well be displaying these pieces in an art showing whooo hooooo. This feels so good being hired to do artwork for another person. "YES YES YES"

Relay for life Kick off 2008

2008-03-16T20:16:00.003-05:00

Nuala Maracas, Trader1 Whiplash, Jenn Hienrichs, Fayndria Foley and 57 Miles, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

The time is apon us once again to raise funds for the relay for life. Yesterday i went with my team (I finally have a team helping me whoo hoooo) to take photos of this event. Now ive seen large auditoriums in sl but this was the largest ive seen. It takes up 4 sims total. For this event use of the space was provided by the group both Jenn Hienrichs and 57 Miles pictures above are in.

During this event we were given speeches by various relay for life officials such as David Jacobs and a speech by a cancer survivor Spaciva Ivanova.

For this years relay the entire Second Life Relay for life is being considered its own team due to the amount of money we have raised. "Go relay"

Highlights included the snail race trophies that will be given for first through third place and the winning kiosk designs for this year. I would type more about this, but the pictures we have taken for relay explain it all. http://www.flickr.com/groups/slrelayforlife/

Relay for Life Kick off Event 2008

2008-02-18T23:02:00.003-06:00

Relay for Life Kick off Event, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Is that time of year again for the relay for life to officially start up once again. Whooo hooo go relay. Ok had to get that out . Whooo hoooo. Ok all out in the open.

This years relay kicked with a great start on ACS Island in second life. I have been impressed in the past with various builds around second life but the auditorium really impressed me alot. Since Windlight came out, I've noticed slight changes and details in how things look. In so many words. They look so great. Light sources are represented properly, shadows are cast and even real neon glow. In the Second Life before Windlight it was not possible to do this. If you don't belive me just look at the picture.

In case you don't know what the Relay for life is, this quote from their website at http://slrfl.org/ explains it all.

"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life began in May 1985 when a colorectal surgeon ran around a track in Tacoma, Washington, for 24 hours, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. Today Relay For Life is held in more than 4,600 communities in the United States and in 23 countries across the globe. To date, Relay For Life has raised more than $1.5 billion to help the Society accelerate the progress against cancer by saving lives, helping those touched by cancer, and empowering people to fight back against this disease."

I've been taken photos on second life for a little over a year now ever since i first created my art gallery. I was first approached by Fayandria Foley the co chair of the Relay for Second life those many months back before the 207 relay took place to take photos. Back then i had no idea what the relay actually did or what impact they had. Basically i approached it as a newb. Slowly over the months i started discovering what each linden (the dollar currency in second life) earned brought so much to actual real world money. Reading more about what the relay represents, i was hooked in helping anyway i can.

I know i can participate in a actual real world relay, and you may be asking why don't you. For me my participation in here means the world to me. With the time and energy and creativity each person gives in second life anythings possible. I want to see that possibility. With each contribution we can provide, we can help in our own little way.

I'm tired of seeing little kids die to young because their cancer got out of control. I do not want to see grown men and women be ravaged by a mere bad programming in their cells to cause cancer. I do not want to see another tumor in my dearest loved one. I want the light at the end of the tunnel to shine on us all and take cancer away.

I'm not sure if I've made any point about why i support the relay or why you should but please, join us all on March 17th as festivities begin with a Relay for Life fashion show.

Advertisement photo shoot

2008-02-13T21:22:00.007-06:00

SDB Advertisement, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Recently I've made a new friend in second life who has an ability i really admire. He can create some of the best shapes I've ever seen. For those that have not been in second life, everything right down to your skin and hair is customizable. Don't like your shape, do you look like a nerd or a common newbie off help island. If so don't fear. You can create a brand new look like that.

But lets say you have created a look but are looking for something a little more, lets say has umpa. Want to look like a greek god or a goddess. Then my friend you can buy a shape. I met Sixtynine Loon while hanging out with my second life sister one night and got to know the man. I have to say just talking to him, i can see all the creative energy and ideas just flowing from him. Specializing in creating skins and shapes, once you get one of his custom made shapes and skins, you know your going out in style. From a recent conversation i had with him, in some cases a skin can take up to 7 hours to create.

Skins are one of the best fields in second life but to show you have the right stuff and know people will knock down you door to get it. You know you have something made. Shapes are another story and a bit harder to create. You may ask "Well i can move the sliders in the shape creation to do what ever shape i want. Why should i buy one." Here is your answer. You can create a shape of your own and be who you want to be, but sometimes you want a change of pace, you want to look like someone else. Get that special "ohhhhhhh" when people see you walking down a sim. If you want to get that feeling then you purchase a shape.

From my conversations with Sixty, shapes are a pretty time intensive process. You work with every small detail, make sure cheek bones line up just so, abs looking proper and not like breast, or even breast looking natural and not floating up into the sky ("Dont say you haven't seen that in second life. We all have in one way or another"). After we did our first photo shoot i mentioned to him that his cowboy shape (Scroll down and youll see) looks a lot like Patrick Swayze. Apparently i wasn't the only one to tell him this.

We are still in the process of taking photos for more of his male and female shapes but be on the look out for SixtyNine Loon. His shapes and skins are ones you'll be willing to sell a kidney for.

I have seen the gods

2008-02-04T23:17:00.001-06:00

I have seen the gods, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Ok i know its an extreme title. Ever since i was little i always loved the idea of space, that outside our little planet earth there maybe other life forms. Entire worlds that no one has ever seen or stepped on. Or maybe more. We don't know.

I really got into reading about space as a kid. Just seeing how the original rocket jockeys took all those millions of pounds of thrust and their lives in their hands to prove we can leave this world, we can enter the open space we see every night and touch the stars. For some of those lucky few they developed a type of space madness to where they didn't want to leave. The so overwhelming affect of basically touching another part of the gods creations, this one act fundamentally changed their very souls and their reason for being.

I know this may sound to poetically overdone but, the simple fact is they are not the same. I don't know how to describe it all but, gods if we could all feel that way, we could finally see a glimpse of the mind of the gods them selfs. The very beauty of it all. Standing on the moon and looking back at Gaia. The birthplace of it all for our human race. Wow.

If you are reading this, you may be asking or thinking "OOOOOK WHAT BROUGHT THIS ON". Actually two simple things. Over the weekend i was contacted by a woman that really likes my art work and asked if we could do a showing of my work and a few others. Hell i even was offered the chance of modeling. She mentioned to me that she would like to have a image for some clothing that is space inspired and would love to see it on the moon. It took a while to find it and a friend of mine (Yxes thank ya so much) gave me a landmark in second life to one of the NASA sims.

I have to say once everything loaded on my screen my jaw dropped. Sure its only part of a simulation. But when you've had dreams of something like this since you were a kid, you have to smile and go "OH WOW". Maybe a little drool if your a die hard fanboy but you understand. Also even though its not in person, a representation of Neal Armstrongs footprints on the moon will make you smile.

Now how is this related to art. Art is how you see it, it makes your soul feel alive and impacts your very being. Ive had dreams of standing on the planet Venus, looking out over that yellow colored landscape and just taking in the beauty of it all. Like i said in a previous entry, to me once you make an impact, you have art. It may not be an impact on someone else, it can impact your very life. Your soul. As long as it is something that speaks to you, it can be artwork. Be it a cherry tree with its leaves falling downward, or even those first steps on the moon. Art is living, art is alive.

What exactly is art?

2008-01-31T12:13:00.001-06:00

Real life or second life, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

This has been a question that has been asked through out the ages. Be it the common man on the streets or someone that works for a high powered gallery.

I'm here to say i have no idea. No one does actually. Now i'm not known for having the best memory (anyone can verify that just ask them). But through out the years of real life and my second life i've seen so much. Back in the 90s in New York city there was an artist who's work appeared in an art gallery. Basically if i remember right it was a big container of piss with a Jesus on a cross in it. I mean i know it was kind of crass but when you look at if from a different prospective, your like oh wow. Look how the light is shining through it. One of the best images i saw of it was a side angle. The light was reflecting just right through it onto the jesus in the liquid.

It looked so wow. Of course once this was released you then had the mayor of New York and all the catholic leagues you can think of causing a shit storm of bad press. Oh how can they do this to our lord and savior. Oh why why why.

Its made me wonder, has there ever been a piece of artwork in second life that has gotten this type of press. Or even in real life since this occurred. Only thing i can remember is Mary Magdilene in elephant poo. What i'm trying to say that art is art. There is no definition to it. What looks good to one may look like utter crap to another human being.

I think what brought on what is art, is my recent trip to my local art museum attached to the college. I didn't find any of the artwork bad but it started me thinking. Just seeing all the oil paintings up on the wall and varying art styles was so wow. I cant remember the name of the artist but there was a series of pieces called the bull. Various art strokes put together to show a bull running or even in a bull fight. One of them was so unusual took me a few minutes to see the bull it self.

On the second floor they had very fine Japanese prints from the 1400s up to at least the 1800s. My gods how beautiful these pieces looked. One was of a Japanese woman getting ready for her wedding and other women getting her kimono onto her. The detail of the piece looked so amazing. This made me wonder. I know some of these pieces from Japans past were done as reminders, memorials, or even a few i saw as a version of a travel guide. When the creators did this, did they expect their work to be seen as art hundreds of years later.

I guess what i'm implying is that when you see something, look twice, it might be a work of art. For example, the picture i attached to this blog entry. How surreal does it look. To some they would say what the hell is going on there, you have the colors and textures horribly wrong. To others, they would take a look, maybe stop and look again. Think for a second. For that split second they process what there seeing. In that moment of time you make that impact, that moment of truth to them. Is this art or is it not. They may not remember your name or where they see it but years later in that small portion of their mind that records each human beings experience, you still exist. Your artwork has made an impact, for the better or worse, it made an impact. You have now officially become an artist.

"Im still stuck on this island waaaaaaaaaaa" "Wait nude bathing on the beach, a cabana girl and boy Whoooo Hooooo I'm staying"

Gallery to be open soon

2008-01-21T23:14:00.001-06:00

Tropical moment, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Ive been doing artwork via the computer for over two years now. In that short period of time ive come to appreciate various artwork around the world and in second life as well. When i first came in world on my res date i didn't think of bringing my artwork into second life. It was a slow process and I first opened my first gallery at the old Mcdunnoughs Speakeasy on the samoa sim around 4 months later.

I haven't looked back to be honest. I know this blog is really relating my own experiences on my artwork but i figure sometimes a person just needs to get their thoughts down to paper. Or in the digital either so to speak.

Since i first started my gallery i have hired many models for various art pieces and have expanded to taking quality photography in second life. Soon once i have it set up im opening an ebay store to sell physical prints of my work. I have no idea if anyone will by actual prints but well see. I have a decent printer now and have experiment with photo paper. Now the next step is to try to make money. Whooo hooo.

Currently i have reestablished my gallery on Eros Island and we should be open in the next few weeks. Pictures in this blog entry is my second life sister Danielle Munro. One of the few people that knows the real me in rl and i have talked to in skype. I have to say shes one of my favorite models not just because shes my sis. Since I've gotten t o know her, I've found shes one of the most caring and strong women I've ever met or ever will meet. Shes had a few incarnations in second life but each time her avatars have shown the real her. Now i know when she reads this shell call me a goober. All i can say is ehhhhhhhh :P

But stay tuned, in the coming weeks we will be showing various things were doing with the new art gallery including the modeling floor thats been built, the various modeling portfolios done, and more. Till then. see you all on the flip side. Ill just be resting on this here island.

Jaquelyne Desmoulinis 1st modeling session

2008-01-19T18:04:00.001-06:00

Jaquelyne Desmoulinis 1st modeling session, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

One of my best second life friends Midori Murakami hired me for a modeling session today with her girlfriend/partner jaquelyne Desmoulins. I have to say with all the months of doing modeling sessions in second life for my art, this one was the most fullfilling and fun total.

I was suprised to hear this is the first time shes ever had a modeling session. People say you need to have great looks to be a model in anything, art, music, etc. I say to hell with that. To truely show off who you really are, you need to be free, show your personality to the world. Tonight i saw that nirvana as a soul flashed its energy live.

With a res date of 2005 shes a very special woman who has the self confidence to match, while talking to her about second life and her girlfriend, just the way she described her, i knew Jaquelyne has a very poetic soul. With previous experience in Multiplayer Online games, shes whats considered a pro noob showing off alot of experience with each new venu.

Discovering her true self with her love Midori Murakami, she will only be submissive with her alone. In this relationship they both have found a side of them selves they both have fallen for.

Its modeling sessions like this that make my day. Just hearing the reaction in their voices (ok typing in sl) and feeling how powerful a woman can feel knowing she is modeling and the soul attraction for the moment is so intoxicating. As Jaquelyne has told me this has made her day and week 10 times over all ready. Like she said and i agree " A picture says more then a thousand words". Here are your thousand words.

How do i pay rent for my gallery in second life

2008-01-18T22:56:00.001-06:00

Etherian Kamaboko live at urbanity, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Ok one thing you learn in second life, you may be able to get alot of freebies but to get the better stuff in this new land you need to be able to pay the piper. Or in this case pay for better clothes and renting land.

Like in real life what helps is ya got to get a job. Since i first got into second life i have been working with the live music scene. Gods its great. Hearing all this talent around the world performing live on virtual stage. You can have lots of exposure and get your music across the digital either. Ive met lots of great performers in here that should be performing in real life for a crowd of thousands. There are some that are professionals in real life but move here to try it out and love it. There are others that are rare talents that i would love to see on the big scene live. Cover of rolling stone, etc, i can see it.

To stay in the live music scene in second life i try to get a booking position for talent or in this case im the manager at Urbanity. One of Second Lifes newest and best clubs for any performer to play at. Do you want blues, hard rock, heavy metal, goth, grunge, folk music, hell theres even flute music. All Musical types are represented here in second life. United we stand in this digital domain. Freedom of expression, freedom of artistry, freedom of the song.

What dreams may come

2008-01-17T22:23:00.001-06:00

What dreams may come, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

I'm not sure if anyone in my gallery group or anyone in Flickr even reads my journal. Sometimes i wonder if this is just for kicks or something else. But when i do a picture like this it reminds me why i love art so much.

Since Windlight has come to second life many different possibilities for modern art slowly became possible. This is a picture of a random couple i saw in second life. Here is a poem i came up with to fit the image.

What dreams may come of this life of ours.
What might be possible we may see.
Through light and shadow we step through the barrier
and see what our souls really hold.

What dreams may come of this life of ours.
We stood there on other sides of the world,
seeing each other through digital eyes.
I feel, i touch, i stroke your cheek to say my love.
I hold you to my chest, feeling your love, your stars.

What dreams may come of this life of ours.
What questions will we face in the days to come.
Will the dream last a life time or may it be fleeting,
a digital moment of loves first kiss.
Will that dream show the soul i came to know, will
it let me hold you tight. Will it ...........

What dreams may come.

Model: Sofia London

2008-01-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Model: Sofia London, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

This session was a little different today. About two weeks ago when i was at Clouds nightclub as an incentive to try to get more people in i gave away a free modeling shoot. A very cool looking furry won it and gave it to his friend Sofia London.

After a few days of trying to wrangle a shoot together (minus me having to make last min arrangements to host at a club i work we finally got to have our session today. I certainly had fun with todays session. Which by the way was one of the last at my old location on the Incubus sim.

One thing i have always liked about a modeling session is chatting up the model to get to know them better. Now you may ask why hire models if your only using them for your artwork. Heres two answers for you. 1). Every woman needs quality photos. You can show them to your friends or heck, its plain fun. 2) You never know. What i mean by that is you never know when you will need a high class photo to impress a client, friend, etc.

Now when i give the 20 pics i take to whoever wants a session they are unedited. Reason for this is that in some cases if they need to use these for a contest or heck even employment, they have been told they want unedited photos. 2nd minor reason is that since i have a 8-5 real life job during the week and when you have a piece to work on with about 4 hours in a night you need all the time you can get.

Sofia London is a second life clothing designer who has recently gotten into the clothing business. While taking her pictures i saw how such a one of a kind look she has, i was very impressed. One really neat thing i learned from her is that she has the cutest lollico doll. Makes me want to get my own. Wheeeee.

From talking to her, she surprised me that shes been in the clothing game for a short period of time. One neat thing is that i got a really nice outfit from her. If your in second life id say she will be one to watch either for her clothing or for being one great woman to meet. Also check out her 1st life tab. Very cute. :-)

Click me for other modeling shoots uploaded on flikr

Latest Finished art piece

2008-01-11T18:07:00.001-06:00

A touch of silk black and white, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

I have to admit when i get an idea for an art piece i have no idea where it will lead to. Well this one lead me to experiment with black and white for the first time. I was surprised with the result.

With how powerful my computer system is with 2 nights worth of editing this has really paid off. Just seeing the models reaction to the finished piece is worth it all. I am also attaching a link to the colored version of this finished art piece. Enjoy.

Ishtars Kiss at Flickr

Meet one of the most attractive women in Second Life

2008-01-09T13:15:00.001-06:00

Meet one of the most attractive women in Second life, originally uploaded by IshtarsKiss.

Ive known Midori Murakami for about 3 or 4 months already and have found her to be a great friend. When my gallery officially opened in second life i met her at my opening with her very long locks of hair. Very very long locks of hair to. Just started talking with her and we hit it off pretty good. I knew i had to hire her for a modeling session.

Needing photos for a lingerie contest in second life i figured this would be the best time to take her photos. What ive always liked is that in a session you learn alot about the person your taking pictures of and vice versa.

From an age of 14 shes been living in the united states after moving here from Japan. I think we hit it off pretty good and basically were taking photos and talking for about two solid hours.

Now with my area of the gallery set for modeling we have it set up that each panel will display an image ive uploaded. When you have to many pictures, it can be a headache but when you get that special one you can create gold. The background in this case creates a distorted 3d image but once its touched up in photoshop things are alot different.

Now if you dont use second life you may ask why hire someone to model for you or why model. Is'nt it just a program and why cant you move your limbs around. To simply put it, you cant move your self in second life like you can in real life. You need to have animations that are created with outside programs like poser or such to be able to move the person the way you want.

The advantage of second life is this. Do you want a model for your artwork but cant pay way to much money. Do you want to have them hold still but your camera or pen will pick up their suttle movements. Second life allows you to model your self or get who you need right off the fly for what ever project you need. Say you need to have a smaller sized woman or a runway model of a man in the fly for an advertisement and such. You can create who ever you want and use them instantly. Don't have the time to do that, then hire a person.

What i do for my artwork and models is this. I take their pictures and charge a certain amount of in game money for my services. If i see someone id like to model in my work then i hire them. Once i have finished what ever work or piece i need i give them a copy of that piece and get their verbal permission (in this case open chat) to use that art piece in my gallery and on my website as well).

For 10 pictures i charge 300 linden, 20 pictures i charge 500. Any custom photoshoped pieces i have not created for my artwork then i charge 1500 linden.

What second life can do for the modern art world is still to be said. But it is slowly contributing and making its impact. More on this to come.

Modeling shoots in second life

2008-01-06T11:19:00.000-06:00

I love second life for more then one reason. When i first came in those many months ago, i was curious about this thing i have been reading about. Wasn't sure if i should come inside and the way the website was made up, i was thinking i had to pay a monthly fee. There is no monthly fee unless you have the premium account.

Anyway months passed and i realized that i can use an avatar as a model for my artwork or hire other people to model for me. So with a simple verbal agreement (in second life verbal is typing in open chat) ive hired various models over the months for my artwork. This blog will show off more of my artwork in the weeks and months to come. This will also include various volunteer work for relay for life.

Today i had my first modeling session with a woman i met a month ago. Her name is Emika Carter. Needing photos for a modeling contest in second life we pretty much started early this morning. The thing i love about these modeling sessions is finding out about the person i've hired and their personality. I can see why real life photographers love taking a human beings picture. Unfortunately second life was having trouble with certain servers (which you get use to) and had to boot everyone off to fix. We didn't get to finish our session but i hope to soon.

Back and roaring for action

2008-01-05T23:45:00.001-06:00

I originally wanted to have this blog to post and show various relay for life events i went to last year but due to real life responsibilities and various events i was not able to. But now i have decided to work on this blog on a regular basis. This will show the various events in second life ive done and also display the artwork i have posted on various websites and in second life. So heres to a new year and yehaww.

Flickr

2007-12-08T00:12:00.001-06:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Relay for Life Events and Pictures

2007-06-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

As many people know in second life i am a supporter of relay for life. A couple of weeks back they had a real big carnaival event I wanted to show off pictures for. I know this is late but this is the first chance ive gotten to post.

Anyway this is the biggest event ive been to in second life. A carnival event taking up 4 entire sims. There was a lot to see there, carnival rides, gypsy caravans, race tracks. Even a live music stage.

But of course my old enemy came into the picture. The dreaded lag time. If you use second life youll know what i talk about. Try to walk one place and you take 5 min to get there. But this is one of the best events ive seen yet. Shows the dedication of everyone to help stop cancer.

Of course one of the people that helped put this event together is my friend and relay co chair Fayandria Foley. If you know her, you know she puts her all into the relay. Even guaranteed to put up some of her own lindens against how much was raised this night. She is such a strong person and i am glad to know her.

Now at the event there was a mess of stuff there to try out, Giant falling dominos, a fun house, even a gypse camp. I really wanted to take pictures of people in most of these areas but with the amount of scriped objects in the area and how many people were attending, my computer would res the area but not the people.

Well here are more pictures of the event.

Relay for life photography

2007-05-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

Why do i support the relay for life in second life. There are a few reasons but mainly its because of this wonderful woman. Fayandria Foley. When I first came into second life i researched everything i could find. Website articles, SL newspapers, etc. Then i found that there was a version of the real world Relay for Life and found that they had raised a damn good amount of money from donations from various people wanting to support a good cause.

When I read about this i told my self, wow, i didn't think that was possible. While exploring second life i ran into Mcdunnoughs Speakeasy and met fay for the first time. Such a great and wonderful personality she has. And one damn smart woman. Eventually i found out that she is the co chair for the Second Life Relay and that her and her partner Jed have been contributing to this great cause. This year there will be a little over 40 sims if i remember right that are being developed to support the relay and have this as an all day event. I was damn impressed.

After getting to know her better i found that they needed someone to take photographs of the various relay events that are taking place in second life. I immediately volunteered for the job. But there is also another reason I volunteered for this event and this strengthened my resolve to help out the best i can.

Toward the end of march i went with her to an area i think was called Camp Kawabata to take pictures for the event . Well this was the first time I have heard her speak officially about the relay and relating to the personal events in her life. You see a while back she was diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma i think is the name). This changed her life so much and was reflected in her speech .

Just hearing how impassioned she was about this great cause completely won me over to help out as much as i can. She is a great lady that has taken on such an overwhelming cause. Taking on organizing events, talking to sim owners, making sure every detail is in place for the Relay event that will take place on July 28th this year. If you see her be sure to say thank you for supporting a good cause. Thank you for helping fight cancer.

Why i like second life

2007-04-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

Months ago i had heard about a game universe called second life. Ive read about it and seen the web site but i wasnt sure what to do. So i saw my computer barely makes the requirements to run it and decided to give it a shot. Once i got in i was scared as hell at the learning curb you have to overcomb to even walk and talk but once i did, i saw how easy it is to talk to people and interact with everyone across the world.

Of course as in any world you can run into nitwits that just want to cause trouble and grief. As security and now a general manager at Mcdunnoughs speak easy we have run into some real nice people and also some people that just want to cause nothing but grief. Those type of people dont understand that when you come into something like this you want to just have fun and grow in your experience.

Since i joined i have grown alot and have met many great people. Hell my best friend ive talked to over the phone there. I have created my own art galler called Ishtars Kiss. Hence the name of my blog. Stay tuned and i shall post more information about my art and my life in second life

Brand new blog from IshtarKiss

2007-04-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

After seeing how easy dixie star has been able to post her blog into this web site i figured this is something i can do now. Now i can saw ha i finally found a blog easy to use and looks easier then myspace (the horror just to put an image in your blog there uggggg)

Well anyway this blog is for my gallery in the game world Second Life. I can finally say yes look i have a gallery. I really want on in real life so bad but i can only produce so much artwork at a time. Look her for further info on my gallery and for Mcdunnoughs Speakeasy (a club also in second life) where i am a general manager.