Desert Stream

An art representation of Black Rock City and the 10 principles of Burning Man

The Build

This is our first time creating an art installation for Burning Man, so we opted to keep the design simple. It is Easy to construct on site and easy to strike with no MOOP (matter out of place…ie…stuff left on the playa).

Dimensions

Height: 10’

Length: maximum of 1000’ (no more than  100 streamers spaced 10’ apart).

Width: max of 16’ (depending on wind variability).

100 Streamers each consisting of Sixteen 12 inch quilt blocks (8 on each side). Totaling 1600 blocks.

Most of the blocks will be assembled prior to arrival at BRC. Once on site the Streamers will be assembled and placed. We would like to have 80 in place when the gates open and the remaining 20 will be made and set during the week.

We will bind the edges and add solar powered lights along the top edge of each streamer and down the pole to make both visible at night. For added safety we will add reflective tape on the lower portion of the pole.

We have chosen 10 different block patterns (each representing a principle of Burning Man) and solid colors of fabric allowing for an almost unlimited block design.

As streamers are created, they will be mounted on the pole with the lights. We will then transport them out to the installation site, where we will measure the placement, set the 5/8” x 5 ft rebar 2 to 2.5 feet into the playa. We will use recycled copper blasting wire to secure everything together.

Placement

Ideally the First flag should be somewhere off D ring on the 10 o’clock side, outer playa. The installation will run with the direction of the prevailing wind (around 55 degrees). This area appears least likely to interact with burn events based on wind observation of previous years. We would also be outside the inner playa and not likely to interfere with other projects. Final placement position is determined by the BM art installation placement team.

We would request our camp be placed as close to art installation as possible.

As this is an active project through out the week, it will require ongoing additions and maintenance. We do not wish to disturb others by driving through the city.

At the end of the event all surviving streamers maybe be turned into quilts that will be given away by drawings at a future event, given as part of fund raiser or incorporated into a future project.

While we would like to use recycled/up cycled fabrics in this project, we recognize the harsh conditions and opted for new fabrics as to give the blocks the best chance for survival.

Leave no trace

No screws or small parts will be used in the installation.

We should be able to recover any streamers that come loose, at the outer fence. We tap sand into 5/8 inch holes, give it a rake…and we were never there…

Ok…how much do we need?

We have estimated that materials and equipment will come to around $20,000.

That is our goal.

This estimate includes one time equipment purchases ( used equipment trailer, educational tent 3 semi commercial sewing machines and some communal camp infrastructure) that will be used in future Burning Man and other Black Rock Desert Quilter events.

Costs exceeding the amount raised will have to be covered by the creators.

THIS PROJECT WILL HAPPEN!

HOW ARE WE GONNA DO IT?

We need your help!

We are seeking:

camp team members (CLICK the “BRDQ education camp” button)

folks to make blocks (CLICK the “Volunteer to make blocks” button)

Our fund raiser

We have a shop here on this site. It has listings for contribution items that offer cool swag and entries to win beautiful hand crafted quilts. We will also have items for sale that are donated by other artists. Please click the “support our project” button.

All contributions and proceeds from the shop will be used to buy supplies for the project and build the camp to support it. Any excess funds will be used in future projects.

THE 10 PRINCIPLES

Radical Inclusion

Each quilt block represents the individual in all their beauty regardless of race, religion or orientation.

Decommodification

While we accept both monetary and physical assistance outside of BRC in creating this project, those who contribute do so without expectation of gain, recognition, or corporate branding.

Gifting

This project and the knowledge gained through participation, is our (the BRDQ camp and its supporters) gift to all citizens of BRC without expectation of anything in return.

Radical self reliance

Each streamer stands boldly on the playa, representing each citizen, braving the worst the desert has to offer.

Communal effort

A quilt block is made up of many pieces of fabric brought together to make a cohesive unit. Many blocks together make up a beautiful streamer and support one another through the ties that bind.

Radical Self-expression

Each block is different, created by an individual to express what they are feeling at the moment of creation.

Civic Responsibility

The creators of this project are aware of the harsh environment in which this project will be placed and understands it cannot survive without careful planning and implementation..

Each streamer is bound along the edges to strengthen it.

A stake is driven into the playa to give a strong foundation.

A pole is utilized so each streamer may be seen up close on its own and at a distance as part of the whole project.

The streamer is bound to the pole and pole to post to offer security in an unforgiving environment.

Every streamer is lit at night with solar powered lights for the safety of others. Reflective tape is on each pole should the lights fail.

Leaving No Trace

The project is designed with as few parts as possible and with as little impact as possible. No bolts, nails or pins.

Once the streamers come down the poles removed and posts taken from the ground, a little dirt tamped into each small 5/8 inch hole then raked over…we were never there.

Participation

The entire concept of this project is that as folks visit our camp they have the opportunity to learn about quilting, the 10 principles and the art project. To participate in making the streamers and becoming part of the creative process.

Immediacy

It is understood before the first streamer is set that this will last only a short time…appreciate the beauty while it is there.