No more lurking...

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Tue May 06, 2008 12:59 pm

I am officially committing to BM '08. There, I said it. And I mean it. Very excited (and somewhat overwhelmed -- I don't even own a tent. Or a sleeping bag. But I'll figure it out.)

I'd love to bring some art for the playa but fear that a) my ambitions are bigger than my wallet and b) I have so many other logistics to worry about that this may be too much for my first visit.

Any thoughts?

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Tue May 06, 2008 1:33 pm

BM art is largely about being big and unique. It doesn't necessarily need to be polished. Try to find ways to get the effect you're looking for with materials you can salvage and transport easily rather than using fancy materials that are bound to get trashed anyway. The only real concerns are that it will fall apart and become moop, or that it will look climbable and someone will get hurt when it collapses.

You don't NEED to bring any art, but if that's what motivates you I say go for it. Even if it becomes a miserable failure you'll get a much better idea of what work and what doesn't. Keep it cheap, big, and always factor transportation into the costs. Write up a plan and look for local burners to help out. If you don't get it finished in time, just come and have a ball.

If you hook up with an existing camp they will have a lot of the logistics worked out so all you need to worry about is your own personal needs.

ragabashpup · Post by **ragabashpup** » Tue May 06, 2008 2:39 pm

The first year can always be a trial run as well since you don't know what your are getting into. No one does. There is so much to do and see that you may even forget to set your art up if you bring it out

It can either be expensive or inexpensive to go. Start yard saleing and looking on craigslist for camping supplies.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue May 06, 2008 6:38 pm

Small art is okay too. A roadside alter is okay too. Table top and objects. Be aware that you're likely to lose some objects and gain some others with that particular for instance.

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Tue May 06, 2008 6:59 pm

Thanks -- all very helpful.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:09 pm

Great name.

I found art on a give and take fence.
It doesn't have to be big.
One of the best pieces I saw was a circular dream piece of burning man.
You had to go under it to go inside.
As you turned, it went from day to night to day again.

I have a hand blown glass piece sitting here about 10 mm tall.

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Wed May 07, 2008 10:51 am

P.S.

I don't know if I gave a proper introduction in my initial post so if anyone is interested, here are a few tidbits about me:

I am 31; I'm from Chicago and live in LA. Moved here from NYC.

I'm currently taking a year "off" to write a novel. Although terrifying in some ways (I'm using up all my savings to make it happen), it is incredibly liberating to pursue something I am truly passionate about.

I love meeting new people and having new experiences, especially of the creative and "out of the box" mentality. Hence, Burning Man. I don't really know why I haven't gone before -- I guess I just wasn't that aware of it. Now I am!

Although I'm trying to recruit friends to come along (this is harder than I thought), I'll probably also check out the regional boards to find out who else in my area is planning to go and might be interested in pooling resources. I'm considering joining Stag Camp (if possible) but definitely need to do more poking around.

Anyway, I thank everyone in advance for the questions I'm sure I will continue to have throughout this process (yes, I'm reading all the first-timer info) and look forward to meeting up come August...

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed May 07, 2008 11:12 am

There are at least two novels written for the playa.
The Man Burns Tonight is a great way to get the feel before the event.
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=11375

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Wed May 07, 2008 11:49 am

Thanks, I'll definitely take a look. My novel isn't about BM (although some of the philosophy behind it probably applies) and I won't be trying to hustle it on the playa -- I really am going for the experience. I only mention this to be clear that my intentions here are not commercial in nature, which I gather is one of the great BM sins

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:44 pm

I second Gyre: great playa name!

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:53 pm

Thanks :)

nabokovmyhero · Post by **nabokovmyhero** » Thu May 08, 2008 1:00 pm

[color=darkblue][/color][size=18][/size]
I wanted to commit myself to go but am from NJ and have no clue how to get out there! Air travel, for me, is too expensive and does not allow for alot of packing... Anyone from the East Coast planning to go? I would love to snatch a ride and share expenses. Being stuck in southern NJ is hell on earth and i have been searching for an event like all of my life..ok @ least since I was in my 20's.[/i]

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Thu May 08, 2008 1:54 pm

If you're going to read The Man Burns Tonight, make sure to check out page 24. The guy stumbles out of Barbie Death Camp. Now, where the hell are my royalties?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu May 08, 2008 7:53 pm

Isn't it enough that you're a royal pain in the ass?

;-)

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Fri May 09, 2008 6:54 am

here ya go Doc....i scored you some some Royal Ties

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Fri May 09, 2008 9:35 am

Then I guess I can cancel my order on these:

thirt33n · Post by **thirt33n** » Fri May 09, 2008 12:46 pm

I'd like you to wear that, Eggs. (Eggs is my no longer private knickname for you Eggsistential Isis...

Existential Isis · Post by **Existential Isis** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:46 pm

Only if I can call you Liesl.