Three UK artists - Alanah Wildcat, who is a nature and wildlife photographer, Pigment Pye, a machinimist who used to teach filmmaking on the Teen Grid, and Shiny Shabazz, a photographer and real-life filmmaker – have recently set up a sim as backdrop for their creative efforts in filmmaking and photography called the Land of Angels. (SLURL ON LINK)

Inspired by the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway, this relatively new sim holds many small places reflective of artistic effort. The group not only uses the island to showcase their work and make films, but to promote the work of visiting artists as well. Because the island itself is used as a backdrop for filmmaking, there are times when the appearance of the sim is in flux, and since the team is currently in production for a commissioned work they may not be as chatty with visitors as they'd like – but visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and enjoy the sim at their leisure, asking for respect of the privacy of those who hold private residences on the island.

Upon landing at the Land of Angels, you are presented with a notecard explaining the various spots on the island and what they are for. Your tour begins at the Ancient Tree, the central lagoon and landing point for the island. From there, you can take the teleporter on the dock to any of the other destinations in whatever order you'd like.

My first stop was the Angel Gallery, high above the island, where resident and other artists have their work on display. Several levels along walkways allow the visitor to view all of the art at an easy pace in a relaxing and colorful environment. After this was the
Dreamliner, a steampunk-styled skybox with a theater designed to showcase the artists' film efforts, but sadly the server lag is bad enough that the menu system is often unusable (the artists are currently working on a solution, but URLs for viewing some of their content are made available at the end of this review).

Next was the Grotto, a lovely constructed tidal cave for relaxing and resting one's weary mind. I followed this with a visit to Heaven, a combination water garden and walkway, complete with clouds and harp. A quick stop by Shiny House, just to see how the artist lived, before visiting Shipwreck Cove, featuring a lighthouse and a dolphin
frolicking in the sea.

At this point I took a break for a swim in the lagoon, and discovered that the landscape under the water was as interesting as it was overhead. It's possible to swim underwater a fair distance, and I found a few objects – such as a tropical fish resser – hidden here and there along the route from the lagoon to the open sea. I noted that their work on textures for the water was much better than the simple scrolling used for waters elsewhere, the sea seemed to literally churn in place at different spots along the shore, and at the entrance to the lagoon.

On to the Snow Tower, where a miniature train set and a most unusual display of ridable mouse were to be enjoyed. The old church is visually unusual – one doesn't see dilapidation done quite as well in SL – and the gazebo serves as a friendly environment for gathering and conversation by the oceanside.

The trampoline bar was a small disappointment as I didn't find the bar – only the trampoline. Also, I leaned from speaking with Shiny, the school for filmmaking, not mentioned in the notecard upon arrival, is now situated above the sim, and can be reached by typing "school" into the teleporter.

This is not an action-packed sim with a million things to do. Rather, its a quiet, pretty place away from the bustle of the mainland where one can relax, enjoy the scenery and perhaps meet some dedicated SL artists doing their own thing. All are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the island.

More information about Shiny Shabazz is located at http://shinyshabazz.blip.tv/#468897

Information about Pigment Pye can be found at
http://www.mediaprojectseast.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.esnips.com/doc/fec4b802-5ddd-4fda-9676-a2597866c411/Drunkart