Kriss Lehmann is a successful landscaping artist in the online universe of Second Life. As a wise old Japanese gardener he is ever present in his serene shop situated on a floating island in the virtual ocean.
Jo Yardley, who is a historical consultant for film, TV and museums has done much more than opting out of microwaves, cell-phone and TV usage: inside the virtual world of Second Life, Yardley rebuilt a Berlin that is long gone.
"When you come into this world you presenting the best idea of yourself: there is a liberation that occurs there..." says Zander Greene, one of the organizers of Fantasy Faire in Second Life.
"Who says what is real and what is not real?" asks Argentine post-rocker Pupito Helstein about his experience playing in Barcelona one night and in the virtual world of Second Life the next morning.
"I have no idea why it's magic but it is!" says former Linden Lab CEO Rod Humble about the company's core product - the vast digital sandbox known as Second Life which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Finland based design company MadPea Games is churning out complex immersive adventure games and game-based learning concepts within SecondLife using the platform's vast array of tools to the fullest.
What career path will you take when your dad makes video games and your mother is a graphics designer? Of course: you most likely become a successful entrepreneur in the virtual universe of Second Life.
"We are taught early on that creativity is reserved for the 'creative types' and that they are special but it just not true: all of us can do this. That is what Second Life provides..."
"My avatar represents how I truly feel inside" says 86-year old Fran Seranade. And despite her Parkinson's condition she navigates her stunningly dressed digital alter ego with bravura through the immersive universe of Second Life.
"If you are a member of the art world you cannot any longer ignore immersive virtual worlds!" says Rose Borchovski and adds: "In Second Life I have a much wider audience than in a museum!".
"We have forgotten how to play, how to have fun!" says Canary Beck and elaborates on why the Metaverse is the place to do just that: "Second Life is like merging Photoshop with a Holodeck!"
"The students using the replicated lab in Second Life had better retention of information than the students only using the physical lab!" Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt from Texas A&M University is excited.
"Second Life changed my life", says the Italian designer and illustrator flokers: "It allowed me to become the artist I really am and turn my passion into a full-time job."
"Second Life levels the playing field", says actress MadameThespian Underhill who directs the virtual reality theatre troupe Artist Repertory Theatre in SL.
"I just like making things and see how other people enjoy them!" summarizes virtual entrepreneur Nylon Pinkney her enthusiasm about her work in Second Life.
"The anonymity in this virtual world gave me the bravery to be very very real. I was able to overcome a lot of issues by expressing myself creatively in Second Life!"
