I really need to get a better grip on the timeline. On Friday, July 14, 2006, Ravenelle Zugzwang hosted a showcase of her art at the Bluffs Art Center @ Lappet (62, 236, 101). For the longest time, I've been saying that one of the kewlest (and most understated) benefits of Second Life is you can personally contact the creators of the stuff that makes you go "YAYZERAMA!" inworld.

This art walk brought back memories of when I was a young piano student, training under Dr. Dale Reubart and also getting to know his wife, Francine Gravel. They were very classy, and certainly had no shortage of cultivation nor appreciation for the fine arts. Francine would show me her oil paintings, rich in color and emotion, and take me to the barn she had (in addition to the main house), which was where I had my first experience with a Wacom graphics tablet. It would not be until many years later that I'd get one of my own. Also, I'm reminded of going to Thailand and visiting some of the hotels and condos, where there'd be some nature walks with the most beautiful floodlights at night. One of them happened to show all manner of Buddhist torments if you didn't lead a virtuous life, but we don't have to talk about that.

Bringing me into the present: it's always really pleasant when you enjoy an artist's work, and find out they're a really nice person too. This is certainly the case here with Ravenelle; and I liked her running commentary on her pieces. I can relate to it because I like to explain more about where I'm coming from, but at the same time leave enough flexibility so the enthusiasts can come up with their own interpretations. There's a gentle pillar of old-fashioned manners in all of this… maybe it's why it warms my heart so much.

In Rav's own words:

"You are all the most awesome of the awesome. Thank you for coming to my showcase at the Bluffs Art Center on thursday and friday, I enjoyed sharing with you.

The exhibit will be up until Aug. 15, please drop by the center and experience the show at your own pace.

The location to the displayed sculpture if top in my picks."