Read here about a recently discovered 5,400 year old tree:
https://nicenews.com/environment/world-oldest-living-tree-gran-abuelo/
S.S. Podcast #3: Examining Biological Immortality In Nature
OCTAVES New Music Friday: Pre-Order & Upcoming Releases
Artemis Amenti — From The Vault II Ep **Originally composed 2018-2020
Rock / Pop / Country
5 tracks: 2020 Vision, I Am You Are, Paradiso, Ride The Earth, You Can Have My Data
Pre-Order Available Now — Official Release Date 10/07/2022
UPCOMING RELEASE: ODD CIRCUIT – HOW TO LOVE FT. KIRAN
Release Date 10/14/2022
Genres: Electronic, Dance, EDM, Progressive House
**Releases will be available on all major outlets with Electronic releases now available on Beatport**
*NEW* Art: Deco Botanical “Sugarcane – Saccharum officinarum”
Continuing on the deco botanical series, this new piece geometrically celebrates a well loved plant: “Sugarcane.” What’s especially interesting is this photo is of sugarcane growing wild in Massachusetts.It’s typically considered native to tropical regions. Please don’t flag the sugar as being invasive though! It can stay. 😆 Seriously, DNA is part sugar and salt.
In The Studio: The Process Of Mixed Media “Alchemy Sun”
“Alchemy Sun” has been a delight to work on and has inspired a patient, methodical mindset. Fitting with the title, the next stage of work on it will see it become more refined and bold. It’s already come a long way from the initial computer graphic inspiration to the canvas. Sometimes bringing a concept to life goes in multiple stages. This is the first mixed media for Studio Shangri-La and it has been a learning process of using different materials, such as Pyrite, Aluminum and of course Gold Leaf. Shaping these elements on the canvas has been a combination of sculpture and painting. What comes next for “Alchemy Sun,” symbolic of creation itself, celestial light, refinement and transformation — Is testing some new materials and finishes to create the final product. The main structure is of course in place and has been refined somewhat, so it’ll be interesting and fun to see how it further transforms.
Anchor FM Podcast #2 Quantum Biology Concepts
Self Knowledge Trio — Primitive Conceptual Painting (2018-2022)
Self Knowledge is a three canvas or panel work and each piece is 18” x 24.”
They are: Lineage, Structure & Starwash.
For more about the meaning, check the shop page where the group, sold together, is listed for direct sale. It’s also available through Saatchi Art.
This is a project mostly completed in 2018, and is now having some finishing touches with thicker texture and shine, and then of course the framing.
New Music Friday: OCTAVES Label 🎶 Promo Previews 🎶
Next up for OCTAVES Music Dance & EDM is a collaboration between Odd Circuit, Artemis Amenti and Rebel Veteran. It’s a beautiful melodic track with a progressive House and somewhat took techno flavor. Whatever labels you want to put on it, it’s got an uplifting vocal as well as a sense of humor:
https://on.soundcloud.com/vh6GBnMXyrp7tLri8
Also upcoming is a deep progressive house flavored track featuring a vocal by San Francisco artist KIRAN. The bass and the vocal on this one are really interesting, yet it’s got enough space to be used in a variety of DJ sets for example.
https://on.soundcloud.com/GDvjgo1bZVP4mcmW8
OCTAVES looks forward to the releases on the horizon! The label is available on all major online platforms and is coming soon to Beatport.
Are you a music artist who would like to be part of OCTAVES? The label encompasses many genres, hence the name. For questions and demo submissions, please see the contact page.
Studio Shangri-La inMotion Video Animations 🎞 🎨
All of the pieces on the portfolio page and more are now available as video animations or GIFs.
The above video is a short sample of what’s possible including “Arrowroot” and “Vector.” Studio Shangri-La inMotion can be digital display or longer visual sequences.
It’s a great pleasure to expand the versatility of the artworks and make them even more dynamic!
Les impatiens Slideshow 🌺
NEW Art In Tropical Pink + New Format
This is a funny title — in fact, the stuff dreams are made of. Yes, this phrase came in a dream, alongside a tropical pink 18 wheeler.
If you’d like to find out more about the composition of this new abstract, check out the fall 2022 edition of AMAZING magazine . ; )
The new format available is fat canvas that gives extra dimension, embellished with unique paint touch-ups and in the case of “Tropical Pink…” also some silver leaf.
Otherwise, the Portfolio / Gallery page is undergoing updates so that more of the current collections as well as new works are represented!
OCTAVES New Music Friday: Shambhala Duet For Classical Guitar
Listen here: https://on.soundcloud.com/pFPzVTdzaJBTergRA
This is the latest of the sheet music series, a duet for classical guitar with a rock flavor.
“Shambhala” is a Buddhist word for a futuristic “kingdom” or mindset in which good is emphasized.
Deco Bostonia Collection Has A Charlestown Moment
From top left going clockwise: Bunker Hill Monument, Bunker Hill St. details, Monument detail, industrial detail across from fire station, detail of Breed’s Hill building
As you can see, some Charlestown scenery gets the Studio Shangri-La “Deco Bostonia” treatment — a collection devoted to Greater Boston.
For more details on how to order please visit the Contact page.
Studio Shangri-La Publications: Transcription of Bach Cello Suite No.1 For Guitar In G Major
Out today on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC5JJXNV#
After 20 years this transcription of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 for guitar gets its due. What’s special about it? Well, it’s transcribed in the original cello key, which means the guitar tuning in the bass strings drops to C and G.
The drop tuning is sonorous and stirring like the original. It’s important to make sure the guitar has settled into this tuning through so one doesn’t pitch bending out of tune. A fresh pair of strings lends well to this, or even having more than one guitar in a performance situation.
This is a meticulously hand written score and many of the markings are interpretive. There’s some left to stylistic interpretation as well, and based on the performer. Such is Bach! I felt it important to publish the absolute original version of the transcription. And then the next edition will be a digitally rendered score.
The art was made with Wombo.ai and came out delightfully. Enjoy!
AMAZING magazine Fall 2022 Issue 𑁍
AMAZING is a modern publication by Studio Shangri-La that combines art gallery, science journal, philosophy periodical, and literary magazine all into one fanciful exhibit.
The Fall 2022 edition includes memes from Utopian Messages, science articles, science fiction, quotations, much art, poetry and even food.
Print copies of AMAZING magazine Fall 2022 are available now. Here’s the purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDC9GN1F?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Submissions for upcoming seasonal issues: Please see the Contact page. Authors will be compensated based on sales through Amazon KDP.
Studio Shangri-La’s Signature Deco Botanicals
The Deco Botanicals collection is getting to be extensive with a lot of plants expressed in this blend of nature & tech. The vision is biosynergy.
These pieces take already striking photos and amp them up with [more] geometry. They’re available in a variety of formats, and would even lend themselves well to NFTs.
For more info see the Contact page.
§ Publications: “Awasis” Serial Sci-Fi Novel On Kindle Vella
All aboard the inter-dimensional spacecraft!The serial science fiction novel “Awasis” begins on Kindle Vella, set mainly in the Boötes constellation as well as Earth. This utopian series involves history, technology, animals and nature.
Nature Portraits: A Teeming Collection
These are a few of the growing Studio Shangri-La collection of Nature Portraits in which the botanical is presented with personality, popping color and painterly flare. These selections above are more straightforward studies while others in the collections have been more stylized. The contemporary serene Nature Portraits and also modern tech Deco Botanicals are both collections that continue to grow with lush beauty. These can be produced in a variety of mediums and sizes.
OCTAVES Music Extra ☀️ SEVENTEEN – Darl+ing (Odd Circuit Hot Sun Remix)
Odd Circuit with a remix of K-pop favorites SEVENTEEN and their hit “Darl+ing” — this is a swervy, complex and beautiful rendition that threads in the different vocal harmonies like a tapestry, over a healthy beat and turns one keyboard part into guitar, among other features. Enjoy!
Deco Bostonia: The MBTA Series
The MBTA Series of prints is graphic and playful, conceptual and geometric photography that mimics games and ink blots.
All of these original photos that the prints are based on were taken on site at different train stations. As Bostonians are well aware, the train lines — Especially the orange — Have been undergoing upgrades lately.
Perhaps this goes without saying — this series definitely celebrates public transportation. All the signage in bold print lends itself well to artistic reinterpretation from the lens to the editing board.
See Contact page to message on ordering prints in different sizes, and in a variety of mediums — from cards, to poster print to traditional framing, or framed canvas, on to mounted glass to metal prints.
Studio Shangri-La Publications: Tria Lumina Suite For Classical Guitar
Purchase link: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/bookshelf?ref_=kdp_kdp_TAC_TN_bs
Continuing on the music publications front, this next score written in 2017 is a short sweet for classical guitar that consists of three parts.
The theme is light, creative inspiration and spirit. More to come!
Adventures In VR Part II & III: Game On! + The Conclusion 🥴
“Play to keep your mind young.”
Okay, this is a follow up post and it seems I’ve since adapted to the VR environment. I had to take it all in first. Recently, I’ve started playing games, which to my extra surprise is super fun and delightful. I’ve discovered that the controllers buzz for a simulated tactile interface in some games, which definitely helps. Still though, I take it in small doses.
What I tried recently is the Oculus intro experience called First Steps and it includes a few games, including shooting at moving geometric objects for points, like target practice. I like that I can play like that with adrenaline, the accuracy and acuity without it being violent. That virtual environment is beautifully designed. You can also dance with a robot that mirrors your moves!
I felt like a kid. And nowhere does it say that enjoying virtual reality, which is uniquely different, means you give up on actual reality. However I do believe in moderation, and I consider the effects it has on me.
I like VR because it’s interactive, much more than video or computer games; and very much unlike TV and movies, which is passive. The games can get quite physical! And the worlds are magically immersive.
So far I’ve also been awed by anything space related in VR so far, especially the space explorers ISS series. Another great view has been being underwater! All this makes great sense because those realms are less accessible to humans, especially space – but that’s changing !
Again, I should point out that I would not stay in VR as it is presently for extended periods. The contrast actually makes me appreciate my physicality — being a body — exercise and outdoor time even more, although I do appreciate that a lot anyways.
This is just an opinion to finish up: It seems like too much of this would have an adverse affect on young kids that are growing and developing. When you’re a kid it’s very important to develop physiologically, including not limited to coordination and spatial awareness, strength, and overall knowledge of environment.
I also believe that graphic violent content and imagery can have adverse effect on anyone. That’s an opinion of course, but one based on experience.
As an adult, starting to engage with virtual reality, I feel I have a solid foundation of knowledge and awareness to be able to differentiate environments and my different perceptions. I even feel like it’s causing some new and positive growth & adaptations!
This may sound a little goofy to those already initiated, but to me it’s definitely a new frontier. I’m still really impressed and amazed by reality reality !! 😁🤗 🦅
THE CONCLUSION 9/3/22:
As you can tell from what I’ve written so far I have really enjoyed virtual reality and using the Oculus Quest 2 periodically. However — And this is a big however — When I started using it a tad more frequently and trying different programs I started experiencing more residual side effects again like vertigo and a sort of sensory weirdness. I even had trouble going to sleep a couple times which doesn’t usually happen to me. The Quest 2 also some with heavy and restricts peripheral vision. Although it was a fun adventure trying it get out and I’m glad that I got to, I’ve decided that with the technology in interphase the way that it is, it just isn’t worth the discomfort and weird side effects. That said – I had some incredible experiences with it as I described before with different space programs and other immersive programs like First Life narrated by Sir David Attenborough. (By the way, I think being aboard the actual ISS would be less disorienting than the Oculus program!) Perhaps I’ll return to VR in future iterations of the technology.