I've been going every year since '98, and I can't remember a year that upon leaving I thought I might not come again. And today, as in all years, I went thru the process of getting the first tickets sold. And today, as in all years, I say to myself "If I don't want to go, I can lay these on someone else." Yet, when it gets hot in the summer, the playa calls, and come July I'm back in the positive mode...
Over the years I've done big projects that haven't allowed me more than a few hours away from the camp and cost me thousands, and one or two years no project except to help neighbors.
It seems every year I also wonder if my experience in the world outside BM for that very week might be "better" for my own good, my loved ones good, or humanities good. What I could be doing "out there" and would I do it?" Balancing that is "Well, who knows what could happen here this year that would change me or those I connect with in ways that could be dramatic or subtle, and could happen no where else?"
"All is good."
"There are no mistakes"
Easy to believe those 2 cliches, but when one gets sad at BM, it doesn't seem so useful. My question about returning always boils down to "More sad or more glad: which is in the majority and is it useful?"
I'm VERY sad that so many burners are approached by sleezo's and yahoo's that they get this immediate defense when approached for any reason. Even saying hello in line for ice, you see it in their eyes and know that look all too well from being in big cities. Breaks my heart. In NewYork one time back in the heyday of homeless, crackheads and hustlers in the East Village, all pedistrians were approached maybe three times per block while walking. After a while, I ignored all beggers, no matter their condition or signage or rap. Look straight and walk faster. One day, I got out of my little saftey net and sat with them and watched the passer-byes. The pedistrians looked just like me: in their head, avoiding unpleasantness, missing a potential life changing moment that might be right in front of them. That's the look I see at BM more often than not. How sad.
I'm VERY sad that most people walking the streets have a destination instead of being on a discovery quest. You see it in their pace, their body language, their focus. Most likely going to CenterCamp, a place I've come to feel is 50% of everything WRONG with BM. Don't even get me started on the freakin' symbol of "The Man." Why it couldn't be something new every year just makes me sick. How about NO SYMBOL?
I'm VERY sad that art I've been involved with has been trashed. I will never build a remarkable piece I've dreamed of making that would be perfect there because I'd have to live 24/7 with it to protect it, especially since vandalizing it would mean trying to clean up hundreds of thousands of shards of mirror...
If there was a thread "What's Right with BM" I could post there, too. But this thread has got me going down all those parts I FEEL sadness with.
The decline of BurningMan
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DoctorIknow
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2004 3:07 pm
- Burning Since: 1998
- Camp Name: Camp Do Nothing
- Location: Thailand/Sacramento
So, who the fuck are you to ascertain the difference between the two? Might the problem be somewhere in not worrying or interpreting what the quests of others might be? Rather, focus on your own shit. All the other stuff is just reference, index or TV.I'm VERY sad that most people walking the streets have a destination instead of being on a discovery quest.
I'm so bored with this hippie shit.
Desert dogs drink deep.
So, who the fuck are you to ascertain the difference between the two? Might the problem be somewhere in not worrying or interpreting what the quests of others might be? Rather, focus on your own shit. All the other stuff is just reference, index or TV.I'm VERY sad that most people walking the streets have a destination instead of being on a discovery quest.
I'm so bored with this hippie shit.
Desert dogs drink deep.
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DoctorIknow
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2004 3:07 pm
- Burning Since: 1998
- Camp Name: Camp Do Nothing
- Location: Thailand/Sacramento
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
I'm with Doctor's sense of melancholy. It's the most sincere thing I've ever seen posted on the eplaya.
But I also think you're all drunk.
But I also think you're all drunk.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
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Mister Jellyfish Mister
- Posts: 2367
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 12:02 pm
- Location: Sparks, Nevada
- Contact:
Last year, when I heard the word hippie, it was always with an ironic grin from the speaker. Like the pot calling the kettle black. At least, that was my EXPERIENCE of hearing it.
Art cred: Georgie Boy 2011: www.mutantvehicle.com/georgie_boy.htm ; Ein Hammer 2010; Fluffer 2009; Zsu Zsu 2008; U-Me 2007; Mantis 2006; MiniMan and Pikes Of Paranoia 2005; Time Machine Mutant Vehicle 2004. www.MutantVehicle.com
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
That's a sure sign... hippies think they see ironic grins everywhere.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Why is bunringman so, like, white?
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
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Ranger Genius
- Posts: 2408
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 7:07 am
- Location: Behind the Zion Curtain
- Contact:
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theCryptofishist
- Posts: 40312
- Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:28 am
- Burning Since: 2017
- Location: In Exile
Okay, I must gift the coup de grace.Bob wrote:Why is bunringman so, like, white?
You're all a bunch of nazis!!!
Now this thread may die.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
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MoisturePup
- Posts: 395
- Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:32 pm
Re: The decline of BurningMan
I'll start by saying that to me Burning Man is greatness. It still has the power to change thousands of lives every year. I felt it last year, and still feel it today. There are few things in this world that have that ability, and we are all participants molding that event into something so powerful. Each of us has a shared responsibility to bring something special out onto the playa to gift to our week long community.Burnt Out wrote:This is my first (and probably final) post. I first attended BurningMan in 95 and have returned each year since. Over those years, I have recruited an ever expanding group of friends. This year there were 20 in our camp. Most of us will not be back.
Over the past few months I've read many posts from many "old timers" who say they're "done with it all!" and won't be attending. Never have I heard one of the artists say, "this event has changed, it's time to start our own new event with our old sensibilities still intact." Instead we have a variant (BORG2) which is "create a new event within the old event." That's a nice alternative, but apparently not all of the "old timers" are buying into the plan.
The desert is a beautiful place, but there are lots of other beautiful places in the world. Why not start a new event rather than just criticize the existing one and stomp off in a huff? If there isn't anything better, perhaps it's time to create it. Some of the bay area "old timers" to create their own event (BM affiliated, or not) rather then wasting energy bemoaning the death of the current event. If they don't create their own event, or feel they can't create their own event, perhaps what is really happening is that they no longer have the energy to create anything: even art.
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Re: The decline of BurningMan
We have started events, and pls stop bitching that we wouldn't put your bitch ass on the mailing list.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
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MoisturePup
- Posts: 395
- Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:32 pm
Re: The decline of BurningMan
ummm... kay.Bob wrote:We have started events, and pls stop bitching that we wouldn't put your bitch ass on the mailing list.
Not enough art?
Regarding the whole "not-enough-art" problem that people keep banging on:
This year I went on at least a dozen or more art field trips lasting hours at a time and many shorter jaunts around the city. I was there all week (starting on Saturday) and despite my best efforts to see all the playa art, I was still finding new pieces of playa art on Sunday night!!!
Some of the pieces I found wowed me -- Jadu Beta was incredible -- other pieces were just interesting, and a few pieces made me think "I can do better" -- but not enough art? PLEASE! And that doesn't even count all the other random stuff in camps around the city...
I'm not really an old school burner -- been going since 2001 -- but I had a great time in 2004, mainly, i think, b/c I went in with a positive attitude and disengaged from lame people or situations.
I think the event DOES have some problems -- mainly the overall size and how to "socialize" the newbies. And I understand why some of the old school folks are pissed -- lots of rules, creeping bureacracy, high costs. Further, I think BORG2's effort to stir shit up is good -- although their tone and approach leave a lot to be desired.
But, when all is said and done Burning Man blows the average museum experience out of the water and is still the most incredible place in the world to see, experience and create art. That's why I've been working hard on this year's pieces. And that's why I will see ya on the playa in 2005,
-Nick
This year I went on at least a dozen or more art field trips lasting hours at a time and many shorter jaunts around the city. I was there all week (starting on Saturday) and despite my best efforts to see all the playa art, I was still finding new pieces of playa art on Sunday night!!!
Some of the pieces I found wowed me -- Jadu Beta was incredible -- other pieces were just interesting, and a few pieces made me think "I can do better" -- but not enough art? PLEASE! And that doesn't even count all the other random stuff in camps around the city...
I'm not really an old school burner -- been going since 2001 -- but I had a great time in 2004, mainly, i think, b/c I went in with a positive attitude and disengaged from lame people or situations.
I think the event DOES have some problems -- mainly the overall size and how to "socialize" the newbies. And I understand why some of the old school folks are pissed -- lots of rules, creeping bureacracy, high costs. Further, I think BORG2's effort to stir shit up is good -- although their tone and approach leave a lot to be desired.
But, when all is said and done Burning Man blows the average museum experience out of the water and is still the most incredible place in the world to see, experience and create art. That's why I've been working hard on this year's pieces. And that's why I will see ya on the playa in 2005,
-Nick
TEN BURNING MAN ART MYTHS
HI there -
One thing I've noticed in all the posts criticizing the art is that people are 1) quick to blame the organizers for the alleged "lack of art" and 2) most people complaining have little or no understanding of our art funding and management process. So here's a document we've just added to the website:
http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... myths.html
Myth 1: Only theme art is shown on the playa.
All art is welcome on the playa.
Myth 2: Theme art gets good placement. Non-theme art gets shunted aside and placed on "bad" real estate out by the trash fence.
An area alongside the walkways extending outward from our city at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock is usually reserved for theme art. Theme camps located along our city's Esplanade are allowed to install art on the open playa within a 75' zone immediately in front of their camps. The circle around the Burning Man is normally kept free of art installations. All other areas are available for the installation of non-theme art. This represents 95% of the open playa.
Myth 3: Burning Man owns all the art on the playa.
We do not own any of the art, even art we help to fund. All art is the property of the artist.
Myth 4: If you don't register your art online, you can't install it.
You may bring art unannounced and place it yourself. However, we do urge artists to come to the Artery in center camp to register their projects [see Myth 6].
If you don't want to be placed, you may place your own work, but please inspect the immediate area for art markers - a labeled CD with pink "whiskers". These locate the intended sites of registered artworks. Because we guarantee the location of pre-placed art, you could be asked to move your art if it conflicts with such a work.
Myth 5: It's too hard to register art online.
It really isn't very hard to register your art. Just read our art guidelines:
http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... lines.html
and fill out our online questionnaire (It will go live on February 15). The online form takes about 15 minutes -- 30 minutes, at most -- to complete. We'll then contact you and assist you with logistics and anything else you need. You have until July 15 to complete a questionnaire. After that, you may register your work on the playa at the Artery in center camp.
Myth 6: Registering art and assigning it a location is officious and over- controlling.
Here are a few simple reasons we register and place art:
*Placing art helps to avoid disputes and confrontations on the playa. Artists have special requirements; they may need a dark space, a quiet space, or an unimpeded view of their work. Why end up quarreling with your neighbor?
*Knowing who has made a work and where it is located helps our art documentation team to locate your project and photograph it. This documentation may appear on our website, it is filed in our archive and, whenever possible, accurately credits each artist (so it helps if we know who you are). This documentation is available to all artists.
*If you plan to burn your art, registering it allows us to put it on a burn list that is submitted to the authorities (this is required by our landlords, the Bureau of Land Management). This makes it official in their eyes. If it is on the list, you probably won't see a flashing red light when you burn it. This makes everybody happy.
*Checking in with the Artery and registering your art on the playa allows us to locate it on a map displayed at the Artery. This could help your friends to find your work.
*Registering your art in advance of the event allows us to locate your work on a map that is given to every participant.
Myth 7: You must pledge your first-born in exchange for a decent location.
No, simply tell us where you want your art to be located.
Myth 8: There are way too many fire safety rules.
Our fire and safety guidelines are based on requirements placed on us by the BLM and the state of Nevada. They are straightforward and relate to common sense concerns. The mission of our Art Department is to assist participants in bringing art to the playa and to help you create fire art safely in a chaotic public environment. See creating dangerous art :http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... s_art.html .
Myth 9: The art grant process is a mystery and you can't figure out how to apply.
Grant guidelines can be found here: http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... lines.html . If you really need the help, go for it!
Myth 10: Only theme art and interactive art gets funded.
Art not related to the annual theme and art that isn't interactive may receive grant funding. However, when considering which art to fund we do assign extra points to work that fits these two categories.
LadyBee
One thing I've noticed in all the posts criticizing the art is that people are 1) quick to blame the organizers for the alleged "lack of art" and 2) most people complaining have little or no understanding of our art funding and management process. So here's a document we've just added to the website:
http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... myths.html
Myth 1: Only theme art is shown on the playa.
All art is welcome on the playa.
Myth 2: Theme art gets good placement. Non-theme art gets shunted aside and placed on "bad" real estate out by the trash fence.
An area alongside the walkways extending outward from our city at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock is usually reserved for theme art. Theme camps located along our city's Esplanade are allowed to install art on the open playa within a 75' zone immediately in front of their camps. The circle around the Burning Man is normally kept free of art installations. All other areas are available for the installation of non-theme art. This represents 95% of the open playa.
Myth 3: Burning Man owns all the art on the playa.
We do not own any of the art, even art we help to fund. All art is the property of the artist.
Myth 4: If you don't register your art online, you can't install it.
You may bring art unannounced and place it yourself. However, we do urge artists to come to the Artery in center camp to register their projects [see Myth 6].
If you don't want to be placed, you may place your own work, but please inspect the immediate area for art markers - a labeled CD with pink "whiskers". These locate the intended sites of registered artworks. Because we guarantee the location of pre-placed art, you could be asked to move your art if it conflicts with such a work.
Myth 5: It's too hard to register art online.
It really isn't very hard to register your art. Just read our art guidelines:
http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... lines.html
and fill out our online questionnaire (It will go live on February 15). The online form takes about 15 minutes -- 30 minutes, at most -- to complete. We'll then contact you and assist you with logistics and anything else you need. You have until July 15 to complete a questionnaire. After that, you may register your work on the playa at the Artery in center camp.
Myth 6: Registering art and assigning it a location is officious and over- controlling.
Here are a few simple reasons we register and place art:
*Placing art helps to avoid disputes and confrontations on the playa. Artists have special requirements; they may need a dark space, a quiet space, or an unimpeded view of their work. Why end up quarreling with your neighbor?
*Knowing who has made a work and where it is located helps our art documentation team to locate your project and photograph it. This documentation may appear on our website, it is filed in our archive and, whenever possible, accurately credits each artist (so it helps if we know who you are). This documentation is available to all artists.
*If you plan to burn your art, registering it allows us to put it on a burn list that is submitted to the authorities (this is required by our landlords, the Bureau of Land Management). This makes it official in their eyes. If it is on the list, you probably won't see a flashing red light when you burn it. This makes everybody happy.
*Checking in with the Artery and registering your art on the playa allows us to locate it on a map displayed at the Artery. This could help your friends to find your work.
*Registering your art in advance of the event allows us to locate your work on a map that is given to every participant.
Myth 7: You must pledge your first-born in exchange for a decent location.
No, simply tell us where you want your art to be located.
Myth 8: There are way too many fire safety rules.
Our fire and safety guidelines are based on requirements placed on us by the BLM and the state of Nevada. They are straightforward and relate to common sense concerns. The mission of our Art Department is to assist participants in bringing art to the playa and to help you create fire art safely in a chaotic public environment. See creating dangerous art :http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... s_art.html .
Myth 9: The art grant process is a mystery and you can't figure out how to apply.
Grant guidelines can be found here: http://www.burningman.com/themecamps_in ... lines.html . If you really need the help, go for it!
Myth 10: Only theme art and interactive art gets funded.
Art not related to the annual theme and art that isn't interactive may receive grant funding. However, when considering which art to fund we do assign extra points to work that fits these two categories.
LadyBee
LadyBee, Art Curator
www.burningman.com
www.burningman.com
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geekster
- Posts: 4865
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:53 pm
- Location: Hospice For The Terminally Breathing
- Contact:
Can you tell us ...
What projects applied for funding but were denied and why?
What projects were funded and how much?
Which projects got funded but didn't show up?
Which projects got funded but didn't meet criteria when they showed up and so were denied playa placement?
Which projects got funded but were completely different than the org thought they were funding?
What projects applied for funding but were denied and why?
What projects were funded and how much?
Which projects got funded but didn't show up?
Which projects got funded but didn't meet criteria when they showed up and so were denied playa placement?
Which projects got funded but were completely different than the org thought they were funding?
Pabst Blue Ribbon - The beer that made Gerlach famous.
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
How about why there are misconceptions in the first place?
I thought Burning Man was perfect!
Unmisconceivable!
Genius!
No penny wasted without everybody knowing who, what, how & why!
All one burner mind!
Thank you for your interest in Monsanto!
I thought Burning Man was perfect!
Unmisconceivable!
Genius!
No penny wasted without everybody knowing who, what, how & why!
All one burner mind!
Thank you for your interest in Monsanto!
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
answers to Geekster's questions
What projects applied for funding but were denied and why?
In 2004 we had about 80 proposals, 28 of which got grants. We don't publish the projects that don't get funded - why would we do this? I've never seen a list of non-funded projects from any grant-making institution. A list of such projects wouldn't make sense to anyone unless you had read through each proposal, and I seriously doubt that anyone has time to read 50 proposals. The granted projects are summarized and listed on our website, with images and contact information for the artists.
What projects were funded and how much?
I sent a list of all the funded 2004 projects to the eplaya a while back. I have no idea which thread it's in- so here's the list:
ANNE HALLATT - SPIRAL EYE
CARTER EMMART & LEO VILLAREAL- BOK GLOBULE
CHICO RASKEY - RISE AND RETURN
CHRIST SCHARDT & BETTY RAY - NEBULA
DAVID BEST - TEMPLE OF DREAMS
DAVID BIGGS - CONSTELLATIONS
DAVID KITTS- SOLAR SYSTEM
DJ DUNKLE- COSMIC DANCE
EMILY TRUTT - WHITE NOISE
ERIK POULSON - MACROCOSMIC MICROCOSM
FLAMING LOTUS GIRLS - SEVEN SISTERS
JIM BOWERS - EYES OF GAWD
JIM BOWERS - TERRASPHERE
KATE RAUDENBUSH - OBSERVER / OBSERVED
LARS LIDEN - GRAVITY BOWL
LOGAN TAUTENHAHN- CHASM
LUKE EGAN/INFLATABLE SYSTEMS - CRASHED STAR
NATE SMITH - FIRE VORTEX
NICOLE ZLONIKOFF - TWINKLETOES
MICHAEL CHRISTIAN - CELLESTIAL BODY
PAUL CESEWSKI - STAR WHEEL
PETER HUDSON - DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
ROBERT BURKE – THE END
RUSSELL WILCOX - VAX
SAUL MELMAN - JADU BETA
TIM BLACK – OPTICAL ACOUSTICS
TODD DWORMAN - LABYRINTH
TODD ROWAN - STELLAR CRAFT
We do not publish the amounts as they are considered income, and I'd have to get permission from each artist to do so. You are free to contact them and ask, just go the theme art listings for 2004 on the website. Each project has a description, an image and a contact address. http://www.burningman.com/whatisburning ... theme.html
Which projects got funded but didn't show up?
None! This has never happened in our entire grant history. The artists sign a contract before they are paid, and they agree to complete and deliver the project. I communicate with all of the grant artists from the time the proposal is accepted through the event. We don't just hand someone a check and say "see you on the playa!" I maintain an email list of each year's grant recipients, so that I can communicate with them as a group, and so that they can communicate with each other. I also email and telephone individual artists throughout the year, as well as make studio visits.
Which projects got funded but didn't meet criteria when they showed up and so were denied playa placement?
Again- none. We do not deny anyone playa placement....whether registered, walk-in, or granted. I'm not sure where you're getting this idea. Can you tell me?
Which projects got funded but were completely different than the org thought they were funding?
None again. And we dont' mind, lots of projects evolve as they are worked on and turn out differently than the plan or drawing. We are in close communication with the artists, and we ask that they inform us of changes along the way.
I hope that answers your questions adequately. - LadyBee
In 2004 we had about 80 proposals, 28 of which got grants. We don't publish the projects that don't get funded - why would we do this? I've never seen a list of non-funded projects from any grant-making institution. A list of such projects wouldn't make sense to anyone unless you had read through each proposal, and I seriously doubt that anyone has time to read 50 proposals. The granted projects are summarized and listed on our website, with images and contact information for the artists.
What projects were funded and how much?
I sent a list of all the funded 2004 projects to the eplaya a while back. I have no idea which thread it's in- so here's the list:
ANNE HALLATT - SPIRAL EYE
CARTER EMMART & LEO VILLAREAL- BOK GLOBULE
CHICO RASKEY - RISE AND RETURN
CHRIST SCHARDT & BETTY RAY - NEBULA
DAVID BEST - TEMPLE OF DREAMS
DAVID BIGGS - CONSTELLATIONS
DAVID KITTS- SOLAR SYSTEM
DJ DUNKLE- COSMIC DANCE
EMILY TRUTT - WHITE NOISE
ERIK POULSON - MACROCOSMIC MICROCOSM
FLAMING LOTUS GIRLS - SEVEN SISTERS
JIM BOWERS - EYES OF GAWD
JIM BOWERS - TERRASPHERE
KATE RAUDENBUSH - OBSERVER / OBSERVED
LARS LIDEN - GRAVITY BOWL
LOGAN TAUTENHAHN- CHASM
LUKE EGAN/INFLATABLE SYSTEMS - CRASHED STAR
NATE SMITH - FIRE VORTEX
NICOLE ZLONIKOFF - TWINKLETOES
MICHAEL CHRISTIAN - CELLESTIAL BODY
PAUL CESEWSKI - STAR WHEEL
PETER HUDSON - DEEPER UNDERSTANDING
ROBERT BURKE – THE END
RUSSELL WILCOX - VAX
SAUL MELMAN - JADU BETA
TIM BLACK – OPTICAL ACOUSTICS
TODD DWORMAN - LABYRINTH
TODD ROWAN - STELLAR CRAFT
We do not publish the amounts as they are considered income, and I'd have to get permission from each artist to do so. You are free to contact them and ask, just go the theme art listings for 2004 on the website. Each project has a description, an image and a contact address. http://www.burningman.com/whatisburning ... theme.html
Which projects got funded but didn't show up?
None! This has never happened in our entire grant history. The artists sign a contract before they are paid, and they agree to complete and deliver the project. I communicate with all of the grant artists from the time the proposal is accepted through the event. We don't just hand someone a check and say "see you on the playa!" I maintain an email list of each year's grant recipients, so that I can communicate with them as a group, and so that they can communicate with each other. I also email and telephone individual artists throughout the year, as well as make studio visits.
Which projects got funded but didn't meet criteria when they showed up and so were denied playa placement?
Again- none. We do not deny anyone playa placement....whether registered, walk-in, or granted. I'm not sure where you're getting this idea. Can you tell me?
Which projects got funded but were completely different than the org thought they were funding?
None again. And we dont' mind, lots of projects evolve as they are worked on and turn out differently than the plan or drawing. We are in close communication with the artists, and we ask that they inform us of changes along the way.
I hope that answers your questions adequately. - LadyBee
LadyBee, Art Curator
www.burningman.com
www.burningman.com
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geekster
- Posts: 4865
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:53 pm
- Location: Hospice For The Terminally Breathing
- Contact:
THANK YOU!
That cleared up some things in my mind, anyway. There was talk of a considerable amount of no-show art at BM04 and a general lack of woo woo. Some of us were wondering if that no-show art had been funded or what other factors might have been involved in art not making it to the playa.
That cleared up some things in my mind, anyway. There was talk of a considerable amount of no-show art at BM04 and a general lack of woo woo. Some of us were wondering if that no-show art had been funded or what other factors might have been involved in art not making it to the playa.
Pabst Blue Ribbon - The beer that made Gerlach famous.
You're welcome!
Actually there were about 40 no-shows in 2004 - projects that registered online and either didn't show up at all or didn't check in at the Artery. That's not so unusual, and we had 45 "walk in" projects to balance it out. Often people register their projects before they've actually started them, and they never get done at all. We ask that they notify us so we don't map them, but they don't always do that. I surveyed these folks and it turned out that some did in fact show up but put their installations in their camps due to the three days of dust and wind; some folks had trouble getting to the event at all and didn't have the energy to install their projects, and many didn't complete their projects.
THree factors that contributed to the perception that there was less art are
1)severral theme projects mapped on the walkway to the man decided to move out to the deep playa, leaving gaps along the walkway and
2) we moved David Best's temple much further out, creating a sort of vacuum between the old temple spot at 12:00 and the new temple location. It was a long stretch to walk and the art out in the deep playa is scattered across a sizeable area, so it seemed spare out there.
3) oF the 30 grant projects, less were large-scale than in 2003.
In total numbers, there were about 50 less art projects this year. I"ll post the numbers for the last few years right after this.
LadyBee
THree factors that contributed to the perception that there was less art are
1)severral theme projects mapped on the walkway to the man decided to move out to the deep playa, leaving gaps along the walkway and
2) we moved David Best's temple much further out, creating a sort of vacuum between the old temple spot at 12:00 and the new temple location. It was a long stretch to walk and the art out in the deep playa is scattered across a sizeable area, so it seemed spare out there.
3) oF the 30 grant projects, less were large-scale than in 2003.
In total numbers, there were about 50 less art projects this year. I"ll post the numbers for the last few years right after this.
LadyBee
LadyBee, Art Curator
www.burningman.com
www.burningman.com
Art numbers 2000 - 2004
2000 Theme art: 60 Playa art: 110 total: 170
2001 Theme : 44 Playa: 80 total: 124
2002 Theme : 87 Playa: 76 total: 163
2003: theme 106 Playa 71 Walk in 80 No shows: 27 total 230
2004 Theme 81 Playa 95 Walk in 46 No shows - 40 total: 182
2001 Theme : 44 Playa: 80 total: 124
2002 Theme : 87 Playa: 76 total: 163
2003: theme 106 Playa 71 Walk in 80 No shows: 27 total 230
2004 Theme 81 Playa 95 Walk in 46 No shows - 40 total: 182
LadyBee, Art Curator
www.burningman.com
www.burningman.com
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Huh? The art dept has had nothing to do with siting theme camps.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
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Bob
- Posts: 6747
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2003 10:00 am
- Burning Since: 1986
- Camp Name: Royaneh
- Location: San Francisco
- Contact:
Transitive verb, from Middle English, from Old French, from Latin situs.
I, for one, do not judge the Esplanade based on the amount of electrificaton, light, and/or sound alone.
I, for one, do not judge the Esplanade based on the amount of electrificaton, light, and/or sound alone.
Amazing desert structures & stuff: http://sites.google.com/site/potatotrap/
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
"Let us say I suggest you may be human." -- Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
one would be the operative here. Honestly, I am not making a judgement. Just something I heard from random stramgers over and over and over. I am well aware of the fact that LadyB has nothing to do with theme camps on the esplanade. Her explanation for the playa art seemed to involve a lot of issues of perception. That being the case I wanted an opinion that applied a similar lense.I, for one
call me baby
Esplanade wasn't dark...
I attended last year and the Esplanade looked pretty busy to me. During peak times it was packed full and filled with sound, light and action.
As in past years and despite a concerted effort, I only managed to poke my head into maybe >20% of the Esplanade camps. And just like my experience with the art, when I went out Sunday night for a last hurrah, I found scores of new places to explore.
However, it seems to me that the organizers and attendees did move many of the largest dance camps out to the outskirts. But I thought this was nice b/c it creates room for a wider diversity of camps on the Esplande -- which if my memory serves me was the subject of a mega-bitch-storm last on the Eplaya last year.
So instead of last year's rant du jour -- "There's Too Much Techno/Not Enough Diversity of Music" -- let's get ready for this year's version: "The Esplanade Was Dark/There Wasn't Enough Art."
This is giving me an idea for a major grant-funded project: I'm going to rent out a huge, totally white gallery space and put a bunch of people in it -- most of whom haven't attended Burning Man for years, if at all -- and then everyone is going to get a slip of paper with a "complaint" about Burning Man that they must mention to their neighbors.
I'm going to video tape and photograph the whole thing and then make a travelling show -- "Burning Man Bitch Fest" -- that will catapult me to the top of the international art scene.
Of course I will be so busy with the Burning Man Bitch Fest that I won't have time to plan my 2005 festival or build any art. But the bitch-fest will be so hyper-mega-meta-cool that even Chicken John will lay down at my feet. And of course I will become the hero of the eplaya.
-Nick
As in past years and despite a concerted effort, I only managed to poke my head into maybe >20% of the Esplanade camps. And just like my experience with the art, when I went out Sunday night for a last hurrah, I found scores of new places to explore.
However, it seems to me that the organizers and attendees did move many of the largest dance camps out to the outskirts. But I thought this was nice b/c it creates room for a wider diversity of camps on the Esplande -- which if my memory serves me was the subject of a mega-bitch-storm last on the Eplaya last year.
So instead of last year's rant du jour -- "There's Too Much Techno/Not Enough Diversity of Music" -- let's get ready for this year's version: "The Esplanade Was Dark/There Wasn't Enough Art."
This is giving me an idea for a major grant-funded project: I'm going to rent out a huge, totally white gallery space and put a bunch of people in it -- most of whom haven't attended Burning Man for years, if at all -- and then everyone is going to get a slip of paper with a "complaint" about Burning Man that they must mention to their neighbors.
I'm going to video tape and photograph the whole thing and then make a travelling show -- "Burning Man Bitch Fest" -- that will catapult me to the top of the international art scene.
Of course I will be so busy with the Burning Man Bitch Fest that I won't have time to plan my 2005 festival or build any art. But the bitch-fest will be so hyper-mega-meta-cool that even Chicken John will lay down at my feet. And of course I will become the hero of the eplaya.
-Nick
Dontcha think, too, that one reason there SEEMS to be less art is that, if you've been to BM before, perhaps for many years, you kinda don't count the things you've already seen?
It's kinda like psychedelic drugs--that first amazing time never really happens again.
Mars
It's kinda like psychedelic drugs--that first amazing time never really happens again.
Mars
Live as if everyone loves you and thinks you look great. Dance as if no one is watching.
As in many families that care about each other and the institution of the family one member often torments and tortures another to make more of them selves. So it is with bitching about Burning man, people criticize it because they love it. I prefer positivism myself but without a critical look at what your being positive about it becomes boosterism that lacks sincerity.
One of the major things that made me see Burning Man as my tribe of people lone before I met a Burner, and see Black Rock City as my home town was the complex diverse bunch of people that made it up. People of every political stripe, background, every imaginable belief system, artistic interest, the old curmudgeons longing to relive the glory days along with the bright eyed blissed-out first timers, and so on.
The tension between these various viewpoints is natural and maybe even part of what makes Burning man so vibrant. In the end on the playa, the acceptance and appreciation of others for being what they are is what truly makes the project and provides the freedom for radical self-expression.
If we didn't love you we wouldn't criticize you, but when it's all said and done your family.
Besides there already is a Saint Nick and who wants to be tripping over Chicken John anyway.
One of the major things that made me see Burning Man as my tribe of people lone before I met a Burner, and see Black Rock City as my home town was the complex diverse bunch of people that made it up. People of every political stripe, background, every imaginable belief system, artistic interest, the old curmudgeons longing to relive the glory days along with the bright eyed blissed-out first timers, and so on.
The tension between these various viewpoints is natural and maybe even part of what makes Burning man so vibrant. In the end on the playa, the acceptance and appreciation of others for being what they are is what truly makes the project and provides the freedom for radical self-expression.
If we didn't love you we wouldn't criticize you, but when it's all said and done your family.
Besides there already is a Saint Nick and who wants to be tripping over Chicken John anyway.