Reflections from a non-Burner on the devolving of Burning Man

Burning Man 'officially' began right around the time I turned 30.  I had just begun my own journey into a desert.  One bereft of color, art, diversity and quiet time to connect with the spirit world.  In fact I was neck-deep in fundamentalist, charismatic "christianity"...probably as far away from the light as I have ever gotten.  By 1990, when the move to Black Rock City on the Playa started, I was living in the 4th circle of Hell in Daytona Beach.   Forced back into working full-time while raising a 6 year old, there was no time or money for arts or nurturing my inner hippie.  I'd been separated from the LGBT community by a homophobic spouse and remnants of the mind-games of the previously mentioned religious group.  California wasn't just another state, not even a different country...a whole different planet, completely foreign to me.

My first knowledge of the annual gathering of the tribes on the dry lake-bed in Nevada came 19 years into its existence.  By then I was five years into the chapter of my life that saw the arts, colors and light return to my life.  Things about the event really spoke to me.  "Radical individualism".  Complete counter-culture.  Courageous art.  Unbridled collaboration.  Deep and genuine trust.  All races, creeds, genders, sexualities, rich, poor, painters, sculptors, writers, dancers, musicians, everyone.  All peacefully gathered to revel in life unrestricted. This was what had happened to the few true hippies still left, the ones that hadn't let me down.

Sadly, the indoctrination and brainwashing by the Powers That Be (the uber-wealthy, corporate controllers) have done a great deal of damage creating a mindless flock.  I'm not saying that young adults are not going to experiment, are not going to push back and swim against the tide but they do that as a herd now too.  I started questioning changes I was seeing in Burning Man just as quickly as I discovered the gathering.  By this year, as with friends who are veteran Burners, I am completely disillusioned and have no urge to ever attend.  "The Man", the societal norm, and commercialism have sunk their ugly claws into the festival and now it's name sake has become "The Man" that hippies sought to destroy fifty years ago.

Today Burning Man is mostly about disposable art much of which is set to the torch at some point during the six-days of BRC.  Yesterday I saw a photograph of one sculpture being immolated in huge orange balls of flame that rendered thick black smoke.  What is the message here from a people who claim to be all about saving Mother Earth?  How is this environmentally responsible? Other works leave huge carbon footprints being brought in by pollutant belching diesel flatbeds then disassembled and apparently delivered to some scrapyard after 'the burn' as they are never re-erected away from the Playa.  I wholly understand the Tibetan monks and their chalk/sand mandelas to teach that beauty and life are not permanent but they are made from natural materials and dyes and can be swept away and return to the earth.  However, two semi's welded together?  A great feat of art and engineering but what happened to these two trucks after Burning Man?  After the festival in 2011, crews reported that the temple had burned so hot that there was virtually nothing left...no ash, no metal hardware shards, nothing.  What does that say about the vapors of that pyre? I'm thinking there was more than one toxic compound sent onto the wind that night.

What was once a gathering of people who were seeking their unique individuality who sometimes used drugs to reach a "higher consciousness" has turned into a whole lot of young adults seeing how high they can get as they rave 24-7 and completely miss the point of the whole thing.  Then there are all the RVs and travel trailers.  How does one learn radical survivalism if they bring their house and all the amenities with them?  Post festival, organizers are now saddled with a giant mess as more and more attendees come to party and don't heed the rule "of leaving the Playa the way you found it".  Businesses and homes along the exit route deal with dumpsters and trashcans overflowing with Burning Man waste from people too lazy to schlep it home and properly recycle and dispose of it.  The fragile desert is also subjected to the abuse of a makeshift airport.  How hippie is it to fly in, live in a rented RV that was delivered to one's camp complete with a/c and fly back out?  Let someone else take care of removing said RV, pumping the sewage tank, taking out the trash, and let the Rangers take care of rounding up the bicycles you left behind.

And then came the final straw...THE INTERNET!  What really triggered this blog was a Twitter post by Instagram to come look at photos from Burning Man 2014.  Immediate thought?  People are posting photos from the Playa to Instagram. This means they have access to the Internet which in turn says that either somehow the organizers are providing wifi or deep in the desert of Nevada, there is actually cell service.  Then comes the thought...why did you bring your phone to Burning Man?  Isn't this supposed to be about disconnecting from the establishment?  The organizers have radios in case of emergencies.  There are also local law enforcement officers on site.  State police are prevalent along entrance and exit routes to help those who breakdown.  Why do you have your cell phone?  You are now tapped into some big corporation that is providing your service.  You have access to other companies advertising.  You're using social networks to plan your activities instead of being gutsy enough to actually talk to other attendees and maybe make some new friends. You are putting all kinds of money in the pockets of "the 1%" who you are trying to separate yourself from even if just for a few days. This just feels like the final round that has brought the original intent of Burning Man down.  

No, Burning Man is just another product of the Establishment.  It is a make-believe place where people go to "rebel" for six days then go back to being their usual asshole, entitled selves.  Oh wait!  They did that while they were there too.  Shooting selfies with their boobs out, totally wasted on E looking for the next DJ set to party at.  The core tribes, the genuine artists and free-thinkers, fight for tickets to the event they started.  The groups that meet up to decompress are very small, a tiny fraction of the tens of thousands who populated Black Rock City.

It will be interesting to see how tribal gatherings will evolve or if they will.  Is humanity just doomed to continue an existence of segregation, war, competition, violence and indoctrination.  Will the many continue to allow themselves to be herded by the few?  Will the tiny little pockets of counter-cultures remain off the radar and only maintain true peace on a small scale? Feel free to chime in on this.  And you can disagree even vehemently.  Please, give me real reasons to think otherwise.  Give me real hope.  Or start a dialogue that actually sparks progress toward community building on a large scale.  Give me hope that we truly are in the early stages of labor to birth the New Age.

Two songs from "Spark: A Burning Man Story" up for Oscar

The creators behind the independent film, Spark: A Burning Man Story, are proud to announce two original songs that have made the qualifications for the 2014 Oscars. Seventy-five songs from eligible feature-length 2013 motion pictures will contend for nominations in the "Original Song" category for the 86th Oscars, which includes "Let It Go" by Michael Franti and Spearhead and "We Ride" by Missy Higgins. Watch A Scene From Spark Featuring "We Ride" Australian songstress Missy Higgins provides the original theme song for the film and soundtrack. Missy worked with the filmmakers to compose "We Ride" for a breakthrough moment in the film which is essentially the heart of the album with its intimate, soulful production. Higgins wrote the lyrics based on her experiences at The Burn: "I've had some incredibly powerful moments riding through dust storms on the Playa, feeling as though I'm 'On the edge of the world, where the light never dies' so my song, 'We Ride' is an attempt to capture the essence of this magical, mind-bending wonderland that is Burning Man. I'm honored for it to be used as part of the soundtrack to Spark.” Grammy Award-Winning artist, writer and producer,Dan Wilson, (Adele, Dixie Chicks) produced the single, and also was an Executive Producer for the soundtrack album together with Film Director Steve Brown. Watch A Scene From Spark Featuring "Let It Go" "Let It Go" is another original song written just for the film. As a Burner, Michael Franti writes about how Burning Man helped change his perspective on life: "For me, the burn is about one very large, meaningful thing: the simple act letting go. Releasing what is no longer helping me, in order to clear space for new opportunities, new ways of seeing the world and my own life. That's what the song 'Let It Go' is all about. Spark is not just the story of Burning Man, it is the story of people who share the relentless quest for transformation of themselves, our society and the planet. Sometimes, a lot of the time actually, we stumble and this song is about getting up. I'm grateful to be a part of that journey."

Tune in to the soundtrack on Spotify.

Burners Without Borders: disaster clean-up with heart and soul

Shortly after Halloween the people of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey set to the task of cleaning up the mess left by Superstorm Sandy.  So many areas along the waterfronts were utter disaster areas.  New Jersey saw some of the worst damage between Monmouth and Ocean counties.  Two towns provided images that became iconic.  In Seaside Heights it was the roller coaster that had been part of the popular boardwalk amusement park and in Union Beach it was the "Princess cottage" of which only half the house stood after the storm subsided. 

There was so much to do and getting it done was a nightmare of logistics, money and time.  Buildings needed to be inspected and demolished if condemned.  Water, sand and sludge had to be removed for buildings deemed safe enough to reinhabit.  Insurance adjusters were pushed to their limits and politicians began the fight for government assistance. 

Enter a group based in California called Burners Withouth Borders.  Burners Without Borders was born at the annual Burning Man festival in 2005 as Hurricane Katrina's arrival coincided with the fest.  Staff and attendees decided to "pass that hat" at the gate to fund some kind of relief effort.  They also took collections of extra construction materials from "burners" which would be taken to the Gulf Coast and recycled into new structures. All this was loaded onto trucks along with sleeping bags, tents and other staples and they headed out.  Many of these people had been part of the Temple construction crew so they were well versed in fast, safe construction and demolition.  The group referred to themselves as Temple's Temple for 6-10 months.  When they saw the success of the Katrina recovery and their ability to organize and perform necessary tasks in disaster areas they started the foundation officially.  The name Burners Without Borders stemmed from a commitment to provide disaster assistance away from The Playa in the U.S. and internationally.  

As the organization has evolved, rather than assign missions, the Board of Directors accepts suggestions from its membership and then determines the level of need.  From there teams are formed that include everyone from administrative staff to heavy equipment operators.  BWB has also added community development to its repertoire, funding and assisting with projects that provide outreach to the homeless, offer programs for youth and clean up neighborhoods.  There is an annual grant program to circulate money collected over the year throughout the country.  BWB has also sparked local chapters with Las Vegas, Detroit and Seattle's being very active both in fundraising and assistance.

But back on the homefront.  I had a chance to talk with Brenda Zimmerman of BWB.  Although not a founding member,she has spent time on the Haiti recovery team.  When NJ Sandy recovery was brought to the table, she knew she wanted to be part of the team as she has immediate family in the area.  In fact she has spent some of her limited off-time with her father just outside of New Brunswick.   Heavy equipment operator, Richard is the director for the New Jersey project.  He is a founding member of BWB and worked demolition for Katrina and subsequent Gulf Coast hurricane clean-ups. Another key member of the NJ team is Tom, also an original BWBer.  He remains in CA providing external support, including media coverage. Richard traveled to New Jersey to do the damage assessment which would also help with determining who and how many members they would need.  Brenda does volunteer coordination and a wide variety of administrative tasks.

Probably the most unique trait of BWB and the one appreciated by homeowners is that, unlike contracting companies, Burners Without Boarders bring real compassion with them.  They spend time with the property owners and listen to their stories, many Brenda says the crew will carry with them forever.  From the "whale house" and making sure that the decoration was carefully taken from the house before it was razed to allowing a teenager the chance to show her anger at Sandy by filling a box with rocks which she used to break a few windows before their home was leveled, the BWB crew treat the project as a true labor of love.

This compassion along with the deep spirituality of those who are part of the Burning Man family came together in the demolition of the Princess Cottage.  The home owned by the Zois family had been photographed many times after the storm and those pictures were published around the world.  Few are the people who have not seen the images of the "half a house".  BWB knew that they had to do something special to lay the home to rest.  They chose to bring it down on The Solstice, the first day of pagan Yule celebrations and this year, the day that marked the beginning of the New Age.  In Brenda's words, the demolition was "epic".  When I learned of the event I immediately thought of my friend Kelly Condon who lives in Union Beach and is a great photographer.  She contacted BWB through Facebook and coordinated with Brenda to do a photoshoot of the demolition.  

Some of the moments Kelly captured included Mike of BWB presenting the homeowner with the front door.  As moving as the gesture appears it turned out there was another story that went with it.  Brenda explained that the local "watering hole" Jake A Bob's had also been a victim of Sandy's wrath.  However, like many stoic Northeasterners, the owner is determined to reopen the restaurant, just a little farther inland.  She has spread the word asking residents who either have to replace a door or a home whose door(s) can be recovered to donate them to the new restaurant where they will be converted into tables.  

Burners Without Borders is an experience that goes full-circle.  Brenda said when they arrived after being given a tour of the town by a woman who had lost just about everything, they were dropped off at the townhouse that had been donated to them for a month.  Their tour-guide told them she had left them some things and thanked them for being their.  Despite her own losses this woman had made sure that the team had dish soap, paper towels and toilet paper.  They come home from a long day on site and find bags filled with snacks, a bottle of wine, a gift card for a local restaurant.  The community appreciates not only the millions of dollars they are saving them but just their presence in the midst of the devastation.  A 94 year old resident named Harriet asked for a photo with Richard and called him an angel.  She told him she'd love to take him for a spin on the dancefloor.  This is what the human experience should be.

And BWB is nowhere near done.  Towns such as Middletown, Keanesburg, Keyport and Leonardo still have restrictions on outsiders getting into them to assess damage and start the clean-up.  The group hopes to be able to continue their work in those areas and anywhere else they are needed to get the New York Metro area back on its feet.  You can contribute to the effort by visiting http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/contact-info-1.  If you live in the area or are planning on traveling there in the near future check their blog to see where they are and connect with the team to get a job assignment.  

by Ashley Peskoe for NJ.com

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

Add caption

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

by Kelly Condon, Union Beach NJ

West meets East-Lucent Dossier is coming to New York

Some wonderful "friends I haven't met yet" are coming to Manhattan and are setting up shop at The Liberty Theater in Times Square. Lucent Dossier Experience have been invited to make the trek from Los Angeles to be "artists in residence" at the recently restored Liberty Theater just off Times Square.  They are kicking off this residency this weekend.  What better way to start Halloween than with this band of silly, crazy, talented, creative performers?  Their costumes may be the best ones in the house.


Who are Lucent Dossier you ask?  Well, if you are/were a fan of Panic! at The Disco or the Dresden Dolls or have attended Coachella you probably know.  If your a TV viewer who has watched the Grammys, the Scream Awards or Top Chef Just Desserts last seaon, you may have seen the cirque troupe They've also performed with Motley Crue, Aerosmith and The Black Eyed Peas.

Lucent Dossier was founded by Dream Rockwell and first performed on New Year's Eve of 2004.  The Los Angeles based troupe is the epitome of post-modern gypsies-traveling performers who create with what is around them.  Wild costumes from repurposed materials, music concocted from instruments and electronic gear members brought with them.  In Dream's own words, "We are curators of environmental experiences and we do it our way. We're a little bent, we're deeply sensual and we love to have fun. The fashion or style of Lucent that people often talk about is super important to us, just 'cause it's imaginative and takes us all on a journey. The technique of our craft, which sort of falls into the realm of carnival or cirque arts is all part of it, but at the end of the day we are most interested in human alchemy.

As for the New York "Encounter specifically Dream went on to say, "I think that what's important about the NYC Lucent Encounter is that people get ready to experience something new. We are creating a little oasis for people to come into and dance and get silly, express themselves, feel a kind of unique connection with other beings, dress wild, be free. We're excited to create a space for people to come into and explore, to find new ways of relating to other humans, to find freedom of expression in all it's forms, a place to celebrate the uniqueness that is inside each one of us, a place to just get your wiggle out! Life can be hard, earth is a tough venue but when we come together in celebration it makes it all worth it, it makes it easier to get through the tough times. We're excited to build community in NY and play with new friends."

As for the Liberty Theater, this renovation and reopening is just another wonderful addition to the make-over Times Square has been experiencing for the past two decades.  The project has been the love-child of Times Square Hospitality Group.  They have not only given the old theater a face lift, they have added the option to provide catered tabled events.  The house can hold up to 1500 people now and the entire lighting and sound system has been upgraded to state of the art including projection equipment.  The design was with the intent to create a new and needed option to New York City nightlife.  Ray Trosa, co-founder of TSHG, who had seen Lucent Dossier perform, believes the cirque is a perfect match for this venue.

Lucent Dossier is managed by Andrew Cohen of Art House Live. "Lucent Encounter" is produced by Lucent Dossier and Jody Levy of Stitch Experience Design.  To purchase tickets and learn more about "Lucent Encounter" and the Liberty Theater click here.

Shannon Shiang - the "key master" and so much more

It's late Sunday morning in a sunny Manhattan apartment in Tribeca, a few blocks from Chinatown.  Joined by "the committee" of two Siamese and a black long-hair cat, I sat down to chat with Shannon Shiang, owner of Shiang New York and Skins & Stones jewelry studios where she creates stunning work.  She is also an active member of various art tribes throughout the country, is concerned about the environment and the plight the oppressed.  Immediately I could feel that Ms. Shiang was a genuine and kind spirit.

The conversation started with taking her art to the level of collaborating.  As artists we tend to be very protective of our own work.  It is a delicate balance if and when we choose to share our craft.  Within the communities Shannon is a member of, they mentor, encourage and nurture others, especially those new to tapping into their creativity.  The trust within these groups is strong and has resulted in amazing works, helping her to make this step. She shared with me the first jewelry collaboration she did with Hans Haveron, the scarab pendant.  The work is beautiful and opened the door for all the other work she has done with him.  She also showed me a sketch for an upcoming project she is doing with John Park.  Park has teamed with Haveron on several murals so this choice made sense.

The discussion faded in and out of the tribes subject.  Arts community gatherings play important roles in Shiang's life.  She is an avid "burner" and also attends Lightning In Bottle.  The events prove to be inspirational, spiritually refreshing and an opportunity to stretch her own talent while helping others do the same.  This year, Shannon chose to use her art to create a talisman for the camp she is a member of at Burning Man.  It is a key that depicts the Burning Man logo as the pupil of the Eye of Inner Vision.  The key unlocks that sight.  Shiang also gifted keys to other attendees who were positive and shared goodwill.

Burning Man was also where "Sepia's Key" first appeared. Shannon, inspired by Haveron's painting and Adam Lambert's tattoo created the first prototype which she shared with both men on The Playa. A copy was gifted to Sauli Koskinen, Lambert's partner. She and Hans then began the process of working out what will become the final product that will be available for purchase very soon.  Sadly, since the announcement of the project, a knock-off of the pendant has turned up on eBay.  Both artists hope that people will note that this is not their work and will wait to purchase the real one.  This situation has affected the release date of their keys that they were hoping to coincide with the release of Lambert's sophomore album, "Trespassing".  The Skins & Stones timeline has been moved up and the first batch of keys should be available very soon.  Note that the approved pendants will bear both the Skins & Stones and Haveron Studios logos.

The "Skins and Stones" line is the more organic line and the one where all her collaborative work can be found while Shiang New York designs is more stylized and inspired by sacred symbolism.  One piece in particular draws from Tibetan Buddhism. A dog tag that depicts the sacred mandala that the monks use for meditation and spiritual healing was designed and is being sold to raise funds for Free Tibet, a non-profit that is very dear to Ms. Shiang.  One of my personal favorite pieces from this line is the Phoenix necklace which Shannon was wearing.  In a follow-up email Sunday night, she shared to whole legend with me. Like most people I knew the part about the old phoenix self-immolating only to have the new bird rise from the ashes.  However, I did not know that the old phoenix builds a nest of cinnamon twigs that also burns.  Also that those ashes are encased in an egg of myrrh, that the young phoenix deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis.

To learn more about Shannon Shiang visit Shiang New York, Skins & Stones, follow her on Twitter or friend her on Facebook.