Defying Gravity

by Metaverse Press | February 7, 2010 | 4 comments

Her work is about human connection.

Now that could be said of most artists and their work. But for Genevieve Silvercloud (Gen Montreuil) connecting to the world through her art was her doorway out of the social isolation and eccentric behavior of Asperger’s Disorder.

In our interview she openly tells me, “Asperger’s is high functioning Autism. I spent all of my childhood alone. Things I did upset people. I began to study people intensely trying to figure out what was so different and not likeable about me. When I discovered hair and make up and applied my artistic talent to it and my ability to perfectly mimic any image, or persona, well it made me an over night success.”

Success is indeed the word. Her work has appeared in print, in film and on television. She has had a very successful hair and make up career but began her multi media images a few years ago, around the same time she was diagnosed with Asperger’s. “It wasn’t until two years ago that I was diagnosed, right around the time I began seriously painting. My ability to sit for HOURS and stare at an image and my one track focus turned out to be a huge asset when it came to doing photo-realistic images which I then abstracted.” These fascinating images are comprised of layering water color, pastel, stone sculpture and acrylic paint. In some cases the 3D effect of these images makes them literally jump from the canvas, as if to pull the viewer gently into her world.

Genevieve came into Second Life on the encouragement of a Facebook friend. Her original intent was to network with her skydiving friends and do some Inworld Skydives in Second Life. From this her skydiving gallery was born. Genevieve says, “These images contain all the joy within my soul and capture much of the freedom of human flight.” Drop by the gallery and see for yourself. And if you see Genevieve, as she is often there, be sure to say hello. She is an absolute delight.

Visit her gallery in Second Life by teleport here or at her website here.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Based on an interview with the artist January 2010 by staff writer Dilana Llewellyn. For coverage on the Arts and Theatre in virtual worlds, please contact Dilana in world.