In relation to Second Life, in my opinion, is an art “game” presented by Tale of Tales entitled “The Endless Forest”. In the, what appears to be, highly symbolic “game”, you take on the form of a fawn or stag (not as an option but as a non-progressive growth) with a humanoid face. In regards the face, backgrounds are cited to Muhammad’s sweet ride to Heaven or Frida Kahlo’s “Wounded Deer” painting. Though the creators on behalf of the concept artist admit they appreciate the film “Princess Mononoke” and purposely do not claim to have taken the idea from the movie, more than any of the three references, “Princess Mononoke” is CLEARLY what they stole from. My issue is not with this, though. In fact, to be honest, I don’t have an issue with the game. I love it. I think the game is completely about patience, peace, beauty, and learning to the point of deep understanding. The key term here is patience though. At first it seems neato. You’re a deer in a magical three hundred sixty degree forest. But the fancy-ness is thin. As opposed to Second Life, there is no customization. There is no chatting. In fact, there is really no control other than movement and small gestures. These are your tools for communication with others. This is why it takes patience. … and it’s nice to take a break and, though exploring is really something that doesn’t last too long on your average day in the Endless Forest, you can definitely wander for a while and appreciate it as art.

It’s something that takes a long time. It’s something that cultivates new ideals of what communication is; what purpose is. Really it gives a space to think in visual atmospheres. Apparently the game has and will develop (and evolves according to input from users to the creators). I’ve had it for over a year now and it’s really not done anything outside a few events. But, the results are much more likely to render than waiting for a coming of Christ or Armageddon.

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About an hour ago I was overwhelmed and even went a bit flush when music that I was listening to and a book that I was reading clicked with each other as two very powerful, moving pieces. … That seems like a poorly structured sentence, but it’s really the only way I want to say that. I’m interested if any one else has experienced that OR had a taste experience (which I’ve had on several occasions). Please leave your experience as a comment or email me, ambntrvltn@gmail.com