I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Julana Allen, the creative force behind Souland Gallery. As the gallery manager, I’ve seen her deep commitment to the arts, both as a curator and an artist. Julana has built an exciting space where creativity flourishes, hosting fantastic events and showcasing talented artists, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
In this interview, we explored Julana’s views on the art world, her passion for supporting artists, and what’s ahead for Souland Gallery. It truly shows the spirit of our collaboration and shared vision.
Finding Balance: Curation and Creation
Violet: Julana, your background shows you’re both a curator and an artist. How do these roles impact each other?
Julana: They complement each other really well. I feel honored to show the amazing art from artists in SL, and I get to learn from them, which helps me develop my own style. It can be challenging with time zones and scheduling, but the effort is worth it.
Violet: I get that! It sounds inspiring but also a lot of work.
Violet: What do you enjoy most about being a curator at Souland Gallery, especially in creating a positive space for artists and visitors?
Julana: I love bringing together incredible artwork from different artists. It’s also about building a community where people can share ideas and support one another. The feedback I get is really rewarding.
Violet: That’s such a lovely goal!
Julana: We have amazing artists here, not just in talent but as people too. Violet Boa plays an important role in supporting us all.
Violet: A big shoutout to you! We really do have the best artists at Souland Gallery.
Julana as an Artist: Capturing Inspiration
Violet: Let’s move on to your work as an artist. You enjoy portraying Second Life in your photography. What inspires you about that world?
Julana: The creativity of SL residents is fantastic. There are wonderful locations and new techniques that can’t be ignored. It’s also about capturing moments and emotions that remind us of our experiences. Second Life has developed its own art style, and it deserves recognition.
Violet: Beyond photography in SL, you create works using AI. Can you walk us through your creative process and explain why you consider AI an artistic partner?
Julana: Sure! AI helps me express emotions in new ways. I start with an emotion or scene in my mind and translate that into a prompt using a program called Fotor. It usually takes several tries to get close to my vision. But that’s just the beginning; I edit the images with GIMP to add depth and light. Ideally, I want the final piece to convey the feeling I started with.
Violet: It’s interesting how you blend technology and emotion.
The Artistic Process: Emotion and Acceptance
Violet: I can see how this requires patience. Especially given the debate around AI art not being real art.
Julana: Absolutely! Creating AI art takes me longer than traditional SL art because it’s a lot of work. You can generate an image quickly, but it might not have the depth or connection you’re looking for.
Violet: That makes sense.
Julana: I appreciate all forms of art, whether it’s in RL, SL, or AI. As long as it resonates, I’m happy.
Violet: I feel the same way!
Violet: How does AI help you express emotions or tell stories that might be harder to achieve in other ways? What themes do you gravitate toward?
Julana: I often explore themes of longing or sadness, which can be tricky to capture in SL. With AI, I can create images with words, sometimes even drawing on poetry. I combine both SL and AI styles, although acceptance of this mix can be tough, especially on platforms like Flickr.
Violet: I’ve faced similar challenges when promoting AI projects.
Violet: It’s interesting to note that even as AI grows in popularity, many still have issues accepting it in art communities.
Julana: Recently, I’ve gone through some difficult times in SL. Many can relate to the loss of someone dear. Creating with AI has helped me process those emotions. Collaborating with talented artists is also uplifting. My current exhibition wouldn’t be possible without the help of Etemae, who inspired me with her work.
Violet: I’m really sorry for what you’ve been through. Many artists find that tough times can spark creativity. Sending love to you and everyone in our community.
Julana: Working together enhances my journey and deepens friendships.
Violet: I completely agree.
The Intersection of Styles: AI and Oil Painting
Violet: You’ve mentioned a fascination with oil painting. How do you see its qualities reinterpreted through your AI work?
Julana: I love using techniques that make my digital pieces feel like they’re painted on canvas. This often allows for interpretations based on personal perspectives, adding layers of depth and a variety of colors. Light plays a huge role in how those emotions come through.
Violet: I can see that in your work!
Violet: Your artistic journey seems deeply intertwined with emotion.
Sharing Inspiration and Emotion
Julana: Right now, we’re actually near one of my pieces.
Violet: Oh, what’s the story behind it?
Julana: I was inspired by a Lady Gaga song that says, When the sun goes down, I’ll remember you this way. I wanted to convey that feeling in an artwork. The piece is called When the Sun Goes Down, I Will Remember You This Way – and the Night Slowly Comes.
Violet: I can envision that. .
Julana: Usually, it’s a song, a movie, or a moment that sparks my inspiration. Sometimes, it’s just a fantasy I have.
Violet: There’s a deep emotion in our discussion. If it’s not too personal, would you like to share what’s behind it?
Julana: There’s a bit of sadness that I’m allowing myself to feel right now. I trust happiness will come again. We need to embrace all emotions, as they often lead to creativity.
Violet: Thank you for sharing that; it means a lot. It’s true that love and creativity often help us heal. (hugs tightly)
Julana: (hugs back warmly)
Learning and Growing Together
Violet: You’re always seeking new knowledge. How does your work with Eta on PBR excite you, and what impact do you think it will have on your future?
Julana: PBR feels almost magical! Light is crucial. I’m so lucky to learn from such a talented mentor like Eta, whose art is spectacular. Her feedback helps me generate new ideas, and I appreciate her friendship.
Violet: That sounds like a lot of fun!
Julana: Absolutely! I cherish our time working together.
Sources of Inspiration
Violet: Where do you usually find ideas for projects? Is it daily life, observations, or something else?
Julana: Often, it comes from music, movies, or experiences I’ve had in SL. Sometimes, a conversation sparks an idea.
Violet: Got it.
Julana: Ultimately, it’s about capturing the emotion I want to portray.
The Erotic Exhibition
Violet: Let’s talk about your upcoming exhibition. The theme of Erotic across six rooms sounds intriguing. What brought you to this theme?
Julana: The erotic aspect of life is real and can create spaces open to many interpretations. I don’t like vulgarity but aim to display it in an elegant way.
Violet: Great perspective!
Julana: On Flickr, I only show safe images, but in SL, I can explore adult themes. It’s a unique challenge.
Violet: Exactly.
Violet: How do you keep your work elegant and graceful with such a delicate theme?
Julana: It comes down to respecting different lifestyles and being tolerant.
Violet: That’s a solid answer!
Violet: What kind of experience do you hope visitors gain as they walk through your Erotic exhibition?
Julana: I hope they reflect on personal desires, create fantasies, or admire the beauty of the human form.
Violet: Can you share some themes that will be featured in the different rooms? How do you approach beauty in your works, especially with a topic like Erotic?
Julana: One theme touches on the D/S lifestyle, emphasizing trust and consent, while another focuses on the joy of enjoying one’s sexuality. The concept of beauty definitely lies in the eye of the beholder.
Julana: Absolutely! Art and beauty are subjective and unique to each viewer.
Violet: What’s been the biggest challenge in putting together this large exhibition?
Julana: Not going overboard can be tricky. A friend once told me that less is more. It’s all about selecting the right pieces and arranging them to create a story.
Violet: Very true!
Julana: It’s fun to add pieces so that each transitions smoothly into the next.
Future Aspirations
Violet: Looking beyond this exhibition, what goals or themes do you want to explore?
Julana: I want to keep learning and discover the magic created by other artists. I’m eager to grow and explore new ways in this art world.
Violet: You have such a warm way of supporting others. How does this approach influence your artistic collaborations, and what feedback have you received?
Julana: (blushing)
Violet: That’s not just my opinion; the artists I’ve spoken to feel the same.
(She looks momentarily unsure; such a humble spirit!)
Julana: I aim to provide a space for SL artists to showcase their work and for visitors to enjoy great art. The positive feedback I receive is heartwarming, and I hope to continue fostering that support.
Violet: (hugs you again)
Julana: You do so much for me and our community; I can’t thank you enough.
Violet: I hope you know how much joy we share—creating a beautiful reality and making our dreams come true together.
Wisdom from Second Life
Violet: What’s the best advice you’ve received while in Second Life, and how has it impacted you?
Julana: Just be yourself. Being authentic really matters.
Violet: Great advice!
Violet: What do you find to be the most unique aspect of Second Life that keeps you engaged as an artist and community member?
Julana: The people! Friends and community make all the difference. I might have tried something in RL, but nothing compares to the creativity in SL. Plus, working in SL means less mess in my real life!
Violet: (laughs)
Embracing Technology in Art
Violet: What advice would you give to artists hesitant to explore new technologies like AI?
Julana: Not all AI is good; it can be misused. But it can also be a helpful tool for creating something positive.
Violet: If you could have your audience take away one main feeling or thought from your work, what would it be?
Julana: If they pause to look deeper at one of my pieces, then I’ve succeeded.
Violet: (smiles)
Art as Healing
Violet: Have you learned anything surprising about yourself through your art?
Julana: Yes, it can be healing.
Violet: That’s a perfect note to end on.
Violet: Julana, it’s been a joy having this conversation. You really opened up about your journey and artistic process. I know my readers will appreciate getting to know the real you better.
Julana: You’re too kind, Vi. I appreciate the time you took for this and the thoughtfulness behind your questions. Love you.
Violet: The pleasure is all mine. I’ve loved collaborating with you; it feels like we make a great team.
Julana: I feel that way too. You bring me comfort and strength.
Violet: Hugs! Thank you for your time and commitment. I can’t wait to promote your upcoming exhibition and see what’s next!
A Look into Julana’s Artistic Journey and Upcoming Exhibition
I´m excited to share a summary of my recent interview with Julana, the creative mind behind Souland Gallery. Our conversation took a deep dive into how her dual roles as a curator and artist intertwine, revealing the connections between her work and her personal creative journey.
Julana talked about her joy in featuring talented artists while also evolving her own artistic style. The vibrant world of Second Life serves as a big inspiration for her photography.
We discussed Julana’s innovative approach to using AI as an artistic partner. She emphasized the time and effort it takes to turn initial prompts into heartfelt pieces, highlighting how AI can help convey complex emotions. We also touched on the ongoing challenges some face in accepting AI art within various artistic circles.
Beyond technique, Julana opened up about how art can help with personal struggles, showcasing the healing aspect of her creativity. Her commitment to nurturing a supportive community at Souland Gallery shines through, and she’s excited about the impact her upcoming Erotic exhibition will have, exploring themes with respect and elegance.
Through her art, Julana seeks to engage viewers in reflection, making them appreciate the beauty of the human form and their desires.
As she continues to learn and grow, we’re excited for what lies ahead in her journey as a unique artist and curator.
Warmly,
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