A new faction: The Shadebearers

Journeyman · Post by **Journeyman** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 7:56 am

I've always respected and appreciated the work of the Lamplighters, ceremoniously illuminating our ways at night in BRC. This burn found me experimenting with another service that I would consider to be of equal value. We all know that the sun can get pretty brutal while on daytime walkabouts and art tours on the playa. I spent a good deal of time out there with a large umbrella, spotting folks who seemed to be in need of a shady spot to cool down. I'd approach these people and offer my spot of shade for them, even walk with them protecting them from those rays until they were ready for more sun. My approach was careful and cheery, especially after I scared the shit out of a little boy with an exuberant approach. Almost everyone I offered my shade to was very appreciative. My gift, not a trinket, yet a lasting jewel in some memories. The act of sharing something as simple, yet necessary, as shade afforded me the chance to meet many interesting people and make friends on the playa. I think that if a lot of us got together as a camp and brought big umbrellas to carry shade to people in need on the playa, that it could become as much an institution as the Lamplighters. Be a Shadebearer. It's a very rewarding experience. 8)

skygod · Post by **skygod** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 11:51 am

For my third burn this year I have been looking for things to give my fellow burners: This shade thing is a very good idea!
Thnx!

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 1:19 pm

Oh, you wonderful awesome person!

Go for it. Absolutely, go for it.
Myself, I'm sticking with the nighttime/dusk ritual of the Lamplighters.

Ranger Genius · Post by **Ranger Genius** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:38 pm

Hey, JourneyMan, isn't this you?

If so, my Wife (Ranger Borderline) and I met you while we were on patrol one morning.

sake1 · Post by **sake1** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:56 am

I think this is a awesome Idea!!!

Journeyman · Post by **Journeyman** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:13 am

HI THERE, Ranger Genius! The conversation I had with you and Ranger Borderline got me to really thinking about volunteering as a Ranger, but with the two major projects I want to take on this year (The Shadebearers, and a Chill Camp/Sound Installation, I doubt I'll be able to commit to the time required to Ranger.
Regarding your question, in comparing my thumbnail photo and the one you posted, I do believe that, indeed, that IS my image and likeness. At least, it's ONE of my images. My wife, Spinner, found another one at this site: http://www.geometer.org/bm2005/#
It was taken during my initial excercise in being a Shadebearer. My thanks and an acknowledgement to Tom Davis, Greg, et al, for an interesting account of their BM05 experience.
I'll be looking for you and Borderline on the playa!

Journeyman · Post by **Journeyman** » Mon May 01, 2006 12:19 pm

The Shadebearers will be based at the Temporate Zone, a theme camp incorporating a large internally lit white octagonal pyramidal pavilion with 8 A-frame entrances, one of which will be accessed through "Rainbow Realities," an interactive light sculpture that will serve as a hall of reflected light, color, and everything in sight. The Temporate Zone will be active 24 hours a day, with philosophical discussion, cool digital tunes alternating with blues, live performances, a bar, and lots of eye candy. It will be easily located by looking for a large fiberoptic spray at the top of the pavilion, about 24 feet high. Smaller fiberoptic displays will top each entrance, and there will be light globes at the anchor points. It will also be marked by the flashing light and color of "Rainbow Realities," so all in all, it will be hard to miss it. I'll post our location when I recieve placement of the theme camp. If you'd like to be a Shadebearer, drop by the pavilion with a large but light umbrella, purchaseable for around $20 wherever, and a good attitude toward meeting people and providing a valuable service to participants as they make their art walkabouts.