Short Summary
Seaweed Artist Collective has a successful history of bringing large-scale art installations to the Burning Man festival. This is our 2015 offering.
A black 20’x20’x20’ cube with large arched openings on each face. Each
face of the cube will be pointing to the four cardinal directions. The
inside opens up to a large white rotunda with a circular opening in the
ceiling. Suspended in the center of the
opening is an over-sized, water filled pendulum hanging down to the floor. On the
floor inside will be a large sand pit with rakes for the public to
interact with the sand. The pendulum is also interactive, allowing the
public to push it and pull it by supplied hooks allowing them to reach
over the sand. The design is to represent all the different meaning and
symbols of the cardinal directions, as well as the four basic elements, as expressed in different cultures and
religions. The garden will be a propane fed at night, so as the pendulum sweeps, it leaves a trail of fire.
What We Need
Building large-scale art is a costly affair. We have successfully raised most of the funds needed for this project, but we still need a bit more to actually get the final structure built and transported to Black Rock City and the Burning Man event.
Your contribution will be acknowledged with a variety of thank-you gifts, commemorating your participation in the completion of this project.
The Artist's Statement
"25 years ago this piece was imagined as a destination for soul
searchers, meditation, and general coming together. I have been waiting
for the perfect time in my life to bring this to reality. Having
connected with the Seaweed Artist Collective and been assigned their
resources, I believe now is that time.
The main concept
represented by the Chapel is to create a space where any of the world’s
cultural symbols could be applied, based on the viewpoint of each
individual visitor. Those with Eastern influences might see Rat,
Rabbit, Horse and Rooster from Feng Shui tradition. Celts might see Air
Fire Water and Earth. A Native American Shaman could interpret it as
Wisdom, Salvation, Beginnings and Conclusions etc...
This is
accomplished by North, South, East and West corresponding to the four
corners of this tranquil structure. The building’s orientation and
shape is an abstract of all such forms of thought. Even the pendulum
itself, surrounded by earth, fire, air and water could simultaneously be
regarded as wood, metal, air, fire.
The exterior is meant to be
devoid of any cultural or philosophical references, a black cube but
with arched entryways that invite you inside. Once within, the white
and gray color system represents a clean slate, a fresh moment to
reflect, pray, meditate, or simply exist in a peaceful state.
The
expression, ultimately is meant to be the creation of a space that is
appealing to as many of the world’s spiritual traditions as possible." - Jon Taylor, lead artist.
Risks & Challenges
Our funding structure includes local fundraising events and parties, augmented by individual donations. This Indiegogo campaign is a critical component of that structure. We received a generous donation from our regional burner organization, Ignition Northwest, and we have guarantees of support from Burning Man Art Support Services.
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you cannot contribute at this time, you can still help:
- Get the word out and make some noise about our campaign.
- Remember to use the Indiegogo share tools!
