Information requested for possible research

[roller1]

I’m considering a small research project about Burning Man as a motivator to create art. Right now I’m seeing what information is readily available. Specifically, at this point, I want to know if it is relatively common for people who had not considered/engaged in making art before going to, or hearing about, Burning Man, to begin to make art thereafter. Any sources of information would be helpful; this project is pre-IRB at this point. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[trilobyte]

You should start by reaching out to Burning Man directly, via the [email protected] address. Let them know the specifics about your project and the kind of information you're looking for. From there, someone on the receiving end of that address can connect you with the right department or individuals that can either get you links and information.

[theCryptofishist]

Having googled "IRB" I now have a fuzzy idea of what "pre-irb" means when it's at home. Many of us do not live in the academic world or other places where this might be common experience.

As to the question, I can right off think of two examples, one on this board that have felt "empowered" to make art post burn. From my end I wonder if it sort of dampened my personal art, because I was making playa art instead.

[BBadger]

I know it's anecdotal, but from my own experience, the "empowerment" feeling I get from BM is that it is just a great venue to build things for and to bring them to. You don't have to find some gallery to show off your art; you don't have to wonder what the neighbors will thing about the weird half-naked statue in your lawn; you can create some giant contraption for no other reason other than to build it. It's like the event gives purpose to art and creation, because now you can have an audience in addition to yourself, and an audience that'll appreciate whatever you bring.

But those are just my feelings on it.

[roller1]

Thank you Trilobyte

[roller1]

IRB is a review Board that OKs research with human subjects. I used to term pre to mean that I am just at the early stages of the process and once I gather more info I'll see about formulating a project. If I was better with my hands I'd probably make art lol.

Thanks for your input Cryptofish and BBadger. This is very helpful

[theCryptofishist]

There's all sorts of art, and it doesn't rely simply on your hands.

[roller1]

Good point Cryptofishist,
Was just thinking neither my (very poorly written) fiction or adequate bass playing are as visually appealing as the art on the playa. When I did help with an installation I was invaluable as the one who could follow directions like "hand me the xxxxxx"...."that thing next to your foot"
roller

[BoyScoutGirl]

My art (lamplighting) is "hands on"/performance art, and functional, and happens more or less the same way every day, and I'd still argue it's visually appealing.

[BBadger]

Burning Man as a venue really seems to encourage art that you're not going to see so much in the default world, and atypical art is one of the great things about BM. No formal stage, canvas, or gallery is needed -- just effort. Even just the signs with the camp name people have in front of their tents adds to the atmosphere.

With the suppression of commerce, there's also little suspicion of an ulterior motive for the act or art. No panhandlers juggling for money tossed in their hat. No advertisers sponsoring the show. No self-promoting act to sell the CDs. You may not even know the artist's name. It's just the art and the audience.

[Eric]

Was just thinking neither my (very poorly written) fiction or adequate bass playing are as visually appealing as the art on the playa.

You might be surprised. My "art" on playa is writing for, and copy-editing, a little playa newspaper that's got a pretty loyal following (granted, we've been around in one form or another for 17 years). I wouldn't consider us on par with some of the big pieces out there, but a lot of people like to read us with their morning coffee. Lots of people give out little journals, or books, or comic books, or bring a janky instrument so they can randomly jam with people... art is what you make. The definition is pretty wide open.

[roller1]

Eric thanks,

Eric
Thanks for your info. I appreciate it. Does your playa art differ from what you did prior to BM? Did you take on things that required a new skill set? Was there something about BM that encouraged you to take on a new skill set? BTW, now that you mention, it I've given lectures at Black Rock Educators demonstrating the correlations between one of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and the concept of identification and differentiation. This was not, however, a new skill set for me.

[Joeln]

My art (lamplighting) is "hands on"/performance art, and functional, and happens more or less the same way every day, and I'd still argue it's visually appealing.

Seconded. As a burgin, lamplighters is one of the pieces that has really spoken to me.

[tamarakay]

Painting boobies at Barbie Death Camp for the Critical Tits ride has started me off on several new creative outlets.

Trilo has the best answer to your question, but Yes. I'm inspired and continue to be inspired to create. Anything. All the time.

[some seeing eye]

If you search for burning academics, including in the blog.burningman.com you might find cotravelers. Social practice art might be related to your project.

[tamarakay]

Warning, i've only been painting on canvas/paper for about a month and a half. So be nice. This one is titled Rumors

[VultureChow]

Never made art before my first year. Never considered myself artistic.

Looking at Barbie Death Camp and realizing that it was a much beloved piece of art that your average person could pull off (though it takes a pretty unique mind to come up with it in the first place) made me feel like I could do something.

[roller1]

Thanks VC very helpful