Representing Burning Man Without Going

allyn · Post by **allyn** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:58 pm

Folks:

I have just joined the eplaya and got a good welcome on the newcomer's site, but I have a question that I hope is appropriate for this forum.

Although I am in the spirit of Burning Man, due to health reasons I will not ever be able to go in the forseeable future. Having severe sleep apnea and needing to use a CPAP machine, I feel that the desert dust can give me trouble.

Because of my variety of home made artistic clothing, as well as my stainless steel art and my light art all of which can be seen on www.allyn.com people have told me that I embody the spirit of Burning Man, especially as I wear my art in public at all times.

I have gotten to the point of saying 'I cant go because of health issue, but I come to you representing Burning Man.

This was fine until someone suggested to me that it may not be respectful of you folks by saying 'I represent Burning Man'; in fact it may be illegal.

Do you have any comments about me saying this, especially that I have never gone and most likely never to the the main event in Navada? (I do go to some local burns)

I am open to any thoughts and opinions, both negative and positive.

Respectfully,

Cleara
(Mark Allyn)
Portland, Oregon

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:43 pm

I don't think someone who's never been there can possibly say they represent it.

But the good news is, there are burners with your condition who go! You can bring a CPAP. What you need is a good generator, like a Honda or Yamaha, and an RV of some sort. It can be a super cheap old trailer, easily had for $1000 or less. Sleeping in that will keep the dust down. I do it.

If it's ultra-critical that the machine keep running, you could use several deep-cycle batteries to power it through a 12VDC - to - 120VAC inverter, and use the generator to run a big battery charger. Then, even if the generator stopped during the night your CPAP would keep going at least until morning.

Everything you have at home can be had on the playa, you just have to bring stuff. Lots of burners bring way more electrical gear than this, me included.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:50 pm

Greeting My Good Man

I checked out a number of your pictures and I have to say your art is very cool. You and your bike are lit up wayyyy more then many of the burners on the playa. Frankly, if you do come, we'll never have to worry about no moonlight

But seriously, I'd be hard pressed to see how bmorg can patent the "spirit" of Burning Man. Unless your walking around with a rotating sign atop your helmet that say: I am The Hatted One

I don't see where they can say squat. Anybody who says any diff. is just jealous LOL

But we'll save big rotating signs for Thunderdome.

In reference to your cpap, I'm assuming that the main concern is powering it. An RV with a gennie would probably be the best bet. Battery back-ups, solar, tapping into the rave camp next too you, could power it for you. An RV would also afford a better bed if you have to be sleeping propped up. As far as particulate matter, there's a variety of masks, etc that can handle the storms. Hepa all the way up to gas masks. When the winds not blowing harshly dust isn't an issue. Another reason an RV would be a good choice, much less dustier then us poor rag hut dwellers

You should really try and come out, alot of people with various challenges do and survive nicely. But ultimately, you have to want to on your own volition. It is a challenge. But there is alot of information here, and on Tribe as well. If you have questions, put them out there. Lot of disciplines floating round these here parts.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:54 pm

Dammit Captain, ya beat me by 7 minutes

But after a 14 hr work day, and a few brewski's, reaction time is seriously starting to worsen

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:57 pm

Hey, where is Kinetic when you need him?

K can tell you all about this. I think K. has the same exact condition and has been going for years.

allyn · Post by **allyn** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:15 pm

Folks:

I forgot to mention, it's not the issue of powering the CPAP, it's a matter of keeping it dust free.

I don't even own the CPAP. It's leased by my insurance company from a joint called Apria Health. If I damage it, it would be a $3,000 pop on my head, which is not very good.

I had talked about this with a Portland burner once and he had suggested that I should be leery of bringing it to the playa since it's not mine.

Cleara

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:24 pm

That's why you need an RV, even if it's just a cheap old trailer.
The guy you talked to just doesn't know how to do it.
I maintain a dust-free home on the playa every year.

Dust-proofing 101:
Keep the doors and windows shut, and use the A/C.
Seal up all dust entry points, such as access hatches, vents, etc. with duct tape.
Bring The Ultimate Playa Dust Filter, an old Rainbow vacuum cleaner. Find yourself one on Craigslist. Those are the round R2D2 looking ones that had a bowl in the bottom that you fill with water. It sucks through that instead of a bag, and does a terrific job of eating dust. When you get a bit of dust inside your rig, just run the Rainbow awhile.

Someone as into it as you are, who does such cool work, ought to come on out! Your condition isn't a roadblock, it's just extra logistics, and they're nothing beyond what a lot of us do anyway.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:49 pm

Use the search function to look up cpap. We've discussed them in the past and I'm fairly sure that people have gone with them and did alright.
Also email 911 at burningman and ask them.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:25 am

If all else fails, I can show you how to filter air from 95% to 99.9%, provided the machine has an air duct we can attach to.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 3:21 am

allyn wrote:Folks:

I have just joined the eplaya and got a good welcome on the newcomer's site, but I have a question that I hope is appropriate for this forum.

Although I am in the spirit of Burning Man, due to health reasons I will not ever be able to go in the forseeable future. Having severe sleep apnea and needing to use a CPAP machine, I feel that the desert dust can give me trouble.

As mentioned by others this can be done.. not really that big a deal when proper previous planning will prevent piss poor performance in this matter.

allyn wrote: Because of my variety of home made artistic clothing, as well as my stainless steel art and my light art all of which can be seen on www.allyn.com people have told me that I embody the spirit of Burning Man, especially as I wear my art in public at all times.

While your art is very "burney" for lack of a better term you really don't need to repost the website in every post you make here. The WWW link at the bottom with your website is fine in case anyone wants to look at something.

This site is for burners and those getting ready to go, we're not really suited for folks that never plan on going and have never been. But we will do all we can to help ya get there. We want to see you there.. THIS YEAR.

allyn wrote: I have gotten to the point of saying 'I cant go because of health issue, but I come to you representing Burning Man.

This was fine until someone suggested to me that it may not be respectful of you folks by saying 'I represent Burning Man'; in fact it may be illegal.

Do you have any comments about me saying this, especially that I have never gone and most likely never to the the main event in Navada? (I do go to some local burns)

I am open to any thoughts and opinions, both negative and positive.

Respectfully,

Cleara
(Mark Allyn)
Portland, Oregon

I know the ORG is kinda funny about how the name gets used.. you'll have to talk to them about permission to use the name. You seem pretty set on not going to Burningman ever, two times in the same post. As many have mentioned CPAP is done by others.. I would give the community a chance to help you go. You've been to regional burns so why not do the real thing, we are here to help. Without commerce we use a gift economy, this winds up making some wonderful relationships. I am sure if you give hope a chance you might even find someone who can "hold your hand" for your first burn and maybe even have a spare CPAP for you. Shit.. we can make you one if need be! Give it a little time.. try to get to know some of the themecamps and folks around here and elsewhere and you should find some folks with a similar condition. If I can burn with RSD than CPAP shouldn't hold you back. Worst case scenario we put you in a space suit and stick ya in SCHPACE!!!

allyn · Post by **allyn** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:58 am

I did not realize that there was a www link. I will stop using my URL in my posings.

Consider that an Oops on my part.

Also, thanks for the tip on the cpap.

With that, now there's a much better chance I'll go in 09.

Truly,

Mark

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:50 am

Its the experience that makes you an Eplaya.

pinemom · Post by **pinemom** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:30 am

Cleara,

Dont let no one tell ya, ya cant represent!

Ive been a burner longer then Burningman has been around even.
Its a sense of being. Its how you live your life and how you treat others around you.
Its your wonderful art, and how it makes you and others feel.
Now that I have been, its even better!(or worse depending on which of my family members you talk to)

You could always try all the above mentioned idea's and if it doesnt work out you could park your rig in Reno till everyone returns to defaultia.
Then join us in our backyard for the next couple days of defrag.
Sharing stories, BBQ and cocktails of course!

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:45 am

So larry stole the concept from Pinemom!

That cheating bastard!

pinemom · Post by **pinemom** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:56 am

No, he wasnt cheating...we had an open relationship.

It was so open that we were married to other people at the same time!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:23 am

You were probably born a burner, like many of us.
I wouldn't worry too much about it.
You can't really know what it's like without going though.

Read The Man Burns Tonight for a taste.

There is nothing wrong with posting a link.
Many people put them in their profile.
If you want to label it, this site doesn't do it for you and there seem to be no instructions anywhere.
I think it's like this.
Here's my artsy crap.
url=http://www.allyn.com/]Here's my artsy crap.[/url]
Here it is without a bracket to make it visible.
I added color to make it stand out.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:30 am

Why do you feel that you need to "represent" Burning Man?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:39 am

Isn't he asking whether he already does?

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:42 am

Looks more like he's peddling wares.

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 4:50 pm

Aw, give him the benefit of the doubt! It seems his posting of the link multiple times was a mistake, and I know that I've certainly made enough of those!

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:01 pm

Ugly Dougly wrote:Looks more like he's peddling wares.

I also don't understand the need to "represent" but with that said here is a statement from his website.

from his website wrote: Due to the retirement of one of my reliable sources, as well as major time committments; I am unable to accept any commissions for work. This site is here only as documentation to share my artistic work. Thank you for your understanding.

Perhaps he needs to reconsider his statement that he cannot go to Burning Man and instead figure out a way to become a real "burner".. cause the truth of the matter is, you might be a hippy, a renassance person, you might be a raver, you might go to all the Regionals, but until you spend time in the Destert at that once year camping trip, you haven' paid your dues.. Just my way of thinking.

You can represent the Burner Philosophy of giving. But having lights on your bike and bright colored clothing, in and of itself, does not make a burner. again.. just my way of thinking.

See ya on the playa

(now pinemom is a special case! She was born to burn!)

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:49 pm

allyn wrote:I did not realize that there was a www link. I will stop using my URL in my posings.

Consider that an Oops on my part.

Also, thanks for the tip on the cpap.

With that, now there's a much better chance I'll go in 09.

Truly,

Mark

Saw you post about RV rideshares.. a van will do as well. I'm not sure about your "budget" constraints but if all else fails you can make a space suit like DJ and look good while staying dustfree.

Personally I think alot of folks make the dust out to be worse than it is. I think if ya seal your head up in something you'll be good. You could always make an air conditioned fishbowl kinda thing or something.

Since you like to weld you may want to check this thread out..

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=17123

Feel free to add any of your personal observations for others to learn from.

allyn · Post by **allyn** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:27 pm

Great stuff!

I appreciate it!

Cleaar

P.S. I recently bought the Miller Dynasty GTAW rig and am having a blast!

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:12 pm

allyn wrote:Great stuff!

I appreciate it!

Cleaar

P.S. I recently bought the Miller Dynasty GTAW rig and am having a blast!

See! What did I tell you?! Once we have got you under our spell you are powerless to resist bwah hah hah hahhhhhhhh

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:43 pm

Do you have any comments about me saying this, especially that I have never gone and most likely never to the the main event in Navada? (I do go to some local burns)

I am open to any thoughts and opinions, both negative and positive.

As someone who has never been to the event you have absolutely no right whatsoever to suggest that you 'represent' Burning Man in any way, shape or form. Anyone suggesting as much - regardless of the number of times they've been (or not) indicates an extraordinary amount of hubris and presumption.

Stick with representing your self or your camp and you'll stay out of trouble. That and you'll keep the laughter aimed at you to a minimum.

misfit · Post by **misfit** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:13 am

geez,,, what the fuck,,, menopausal burner syndrome.?... lets chase away more artists from the event.....................

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:04 pm

Chase away? Just the opposite, he wasn't coming, but we've been giving him encouragement and advice on how to overcome his obstacle (need for CPAP machine) so that he WILL come!

misfit · Post by **misfit** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:52 pm

captain, i was replying to badgers' post. sorry for the confusion.

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:12 pm

misfit wrote:captain, i was replying to badgers' post. sorry for the confusion.

Now I am confused and I don't think I was before. What the Capt said is what Badger was saying, ya just don't know, till ya go! And a Virgin can't "represent"!

fciron · Post by **fciron** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:41 pm

Actually, I think that Badger's response was an appropriate response to the original post. The discussion has since wandered but he is completely correct.

Having people say "Dude, you should go to Burning Man!" does not empower you to represent an event you've never attended. I have an art car and I never brought up Burning Man in connection with it in spite of the fact that I wanted to attend. (I went for the first time in 2008. Thanks for asking.)

My first response to the original post was to wonder why someone would want to represent BM if they have never been. Sure, Allyn is producing some cool work in media that are popular at Burning Man, but they are hardly exclusive to the event. Besides, even if you've been on the camping trip in the desert how can you represent the spirit of nearly 50,000 unique individuals.

I think the best way to represent Burning Man would be to show your work and say "Here it is. Enjoy...or not. I'm gonna keep doing it anyway." That seems to be the burner way.

Representing Burning Man Without Going

Representing Burning Man Without Going

Forgot the mention. CPAP has to be dust free

Re: Representing Burning Man Without Going

Thanks for alerting me.

Re: Thanks for alerting me.

Thanks for the link to the welding stuff!

Re: Thanks for the link to the welding stuff!