A Beautiful Mind

Recently, Kent Kronkite asked for suggestions to include in the Art Lovers section of the Chronicle. We've been reading the submissions you've been sending in - thank you! Dawn Dewdrop suggested we go take a look at a space created by Liam O'Sullivan called "A Beautiful Mind" - we felt it was such a a unique creative experience that was well deserved of a spotlight in the Chronicle - so thanks Dawn!

Dawn told us: "Liam is a fabulous artist, writer, and poet. He's got fabulous paintings hanging on the walls of his space, along with boards he's provided for those that want to give a go at trying their hand at painting too. He's got books, where people can sit down and write what's on their mind and let their creative juices flow. Along with those Artistic venues provided in his space, are SmallWorlds items that he's added interactions allowing people to use them in SmallWorlds. On those items are poems and writings of Liam's own REAL LIFE work. He's a true artist and wants to inspire others."

Sounds pretty great huh! I caught up with Liam the other day to ask him some more about A Beautiful Mind - I know you'll enjoy our conversation. Throughout the article, you'll see a few examples of pictures and poems that have been created in the space... it's an ever changing view. Why not add your contribution someday soon?

Ruby: Hello Liam! What initially inspired you to put this wonderful space together? What was the impulse behind it?

Liam: Hi Ruby - well, initially, I had a gallery that included wall art and items with poetry. It was called 'Liam's Rusty Treasures'. While I was expanding the space, I remembered one of my first SW experiences. 'Creativity' is a Featured Space and one of the first spaces I visited after becoming a citizen. It introduced me to graffiti wall art and the graffiti boards there are open to the public. I went there often and still pop-in from time to time. After recalling the experience, I decided to pay homage to my 'Creativity' experience and incorporate graffiti boards available to citizens in the new space and changed the name to 'A Beautiful Mind'. Since I have a passion for writing, I wanted to include guest books available to the public as well.

Ruby: What kind of creating do you do in Real Life - are you an artist / poet or both?

Liam: I've been drawing as long as I can remember. I started oil and acrylic painting at the age of ten. I still actively paint because I enjoy it and continually strive to improve my amateur graffiti board art skills here. Most of my real life work belongs to family and friends. An interest in short stories and poetry started while in college. I currently write part-time as a profession.

Ruby: What do you get from creating? How do you benefit personally?

Liam: Inspiration, mostly inspiration. I generally put my experiences on a board or on paper so others can share in my experiences. The inspiration I get usually comes from the feedback from others. It makes me want to share more of myself. Personally, that's the benefit.

Ruby: What's some of the feedback you've gotten from players who have interacted with the Beautiful Mind space?

Liam: Most the feedback I've received regarding 'A Beautiful Mind' has been tremendously supportive. It's only been a month, more or less, since opening and I have a feeling that it has been well received by those that have visited. Thanks for all the support.

Ruby: What have some of the creations that you've particularly enjoyed - can you share the text of a couple of poems that you really loved, or perhaps a painting or two that you loved?

Liam: Oh yeah, already there have been so many. There are quite a few individuals that stop in regularly and leave some wonderful wall art, poems and inspiring quotes. All the creations left at 'A Beautiful Mind' are wonderful and have a particular meaning to the creators. I am glad they take the time to share. It's a surreal feeling and I think others that visit feel the same way. I try to get online, as often as possible, to get screenshots of the wall art and writings. I have posted a few thus far on the Thread in Space Showcase. I also have two murals in the space that showcase the wall art that I have managed to screenshot and all the writings left are available in the guest books. Here are some examples of some of the creations citizens have left:

Ruby: Do you have plans for creating any other interactive creative spaces? Do you know of any others?

Liam: I would like to do another interactive space in the future. However, for now I'd like to continue to get the word out on 'A Beautiful Mind' and work on some other projects, possibly a new mission since I haven't made one in quite some time now. Currently, I am working on a gallery/lounge with Dawn Dewdrop called 'four20'. It's nearly finished. I think she's waiting for some more wall art from me, hahaha. I'll be showcasing new wall art between the two spaces, 'four20' and 'A Beautiful Mind'. As far as other interactive galleries, again, 'Creativity' was my inspiration for 'A Beautiful Mind'. 'InTeractive Art' by Ting Keting is a great interactive gallery, as well. It's a fun place that you can spend hours in. I was fortunate enough to showcase an interactive painting in one of her 'InTeractive Art' spaces.

Ruby: What do you enjoy about being a part of the SmallWorlds Art Community?

Liam: I'm honored to be part of a community full of talented artists and am truly amazed at the creations that continually come from the SW Art Community. I'd like to say thanks to all the artists sharing their creations, sharing their galleries and the continued support to the growing art community.

Ruby: Any other comments you'd like to make / anything I have not asked you that you'd like to say?

Liam: I'd like to extend my thanks to you for sharing 'A Beautiful Mind' with the SmallWorlds community. I was pleasantly surprised to hear of your interest. I'd like to say thanks again to the art community, the SmallWorlds community, the developers and all the artists that have inspired me. If you find yourself in a creative mood or simply want to experience what others have shared, stop into 'A Beautiful Mind'... cheers!

Ruby: Thank you so much Liam for your time and for your generosity in creating something that gives so much to those who stop by! I'd encourage everyone to check out A Beautiful Mind - it's a very special SmallWorlds experience!

(If you have any ideas for great stories you'd like to see featured in the Art Lovers section, Ruby would love to hear from you. email  her direct on: ruby.rush@smallworlds.com)