Every year, thousands of artists, makers, and community organizers gather to build Black Rock City (BRC), a participative temporary metropolis in the Nevada desert known as Burning Man.
Heartburst at Burning Man celebrates the connection
between mind, heart, and breath and enables a
grounding and transformative human experience.
By introducing bamboo and harnessing the healing power
of light and sound, Heartburst is a catalyst for
optimal human function and physiological coherence,
achieved through heart breathing.
Bamboo is not only visually appealing, but it also has
grounding properties. It grows tall and strong, with
its roots deeply embedded in the earth. This natural
stability and grounding energy are carried through to
Heartburst, enabling visitors to feel a sense of
stability and grounding while in its presence.
The natural beauty and grounding energy of bamboo
helps visitors slow down, connect with their
surroundings, and achieve a state of mindfulness and
presence.
As a symbol of universal love, Heartburst promotes
inclusivity and diversity while fostering healing
through care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility,
respect, and trust.
By engaging with Heartburst, participants are invited
to explore a more profound sense of connection with
themselves and the world around them, fostering a more
sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
Heartburst is a heart figuratively rooted within a scaffolding of bamboo.
Its four entranceways and shared internal intersections embody the power of diversity and coming together. In the words of bell hooks, Heartburst reminds us of the precious gift of true love - the experience of always belonging.
At dusk, Heartburst glows in harmony with the sound of the heart of the Playa. Participants can walk through, interact, and reset within its slowly pulsating sound and light.
Heartburst's commitment to sustainability at
Burning Man is reflected in its use of bamboo, one of
the most sustainable materials available. By using
bamboo in the construction of the installation,
Heartburst promotes environmental responsibility and
demonstrates the possibility of creating stunning
spatial experiences without causing harm to the
planet.
In addition to its sustainable nature, bamboo enhances
the grounding experience of Heartburst. The natural
material has a calming and centering effect, which
promotes a deeper connection to the natural world and a
sense of stability. The effect is an encouragement for
Heartburst visitors to slow down, connect with their
surroundings, and achieve a state of mindfulness and
presence.
Moreover, bamboo's carbon sequestration rates
are 4.5-6 times greater than wood's, making
Heartburst a carbon-negative work. This means that
it captures more atmospheric carbon than it
releases. Even after shipping from Malaysia to LA
and then to BRC, Heartburst remains carbon negative,
with any remaining bamboo being processed into
biochar before or after Burning Man.
To minimize waste, pre-cut and sized bamboo will be
used in the construction of Heartburst, with minimal
construction required on the Playa. The installation
is conceived to be easily dismantled and
reassembled, making it a sustainable choice for
smaller, derivative art installations at different
partner projects in California and Oregon.
In summary, Heartburst's use of bamboo reinforces
Burning Man's commitment to sustainability and
demonstrates how art and innovation can positively
impact the environment.
The natural material not only enhances the visual beauty
of the sculpture but also promotes a deeper connection
to the natural world, a sense of grounding, and
stability.
Using bamboo, Heartburst promotes environmental
responsibility, minimizes waste, and captures
atmospheric carbon, making it a carbon-negative work.
Heartburst is more than just a sculpture; it's
an innovative and inspiring piece designed to
facilitate participating and collective healing at
Burning Man. And we need your help to make it
happen! By donating to this GoFundMe campaign,
you'll support the creation of this incredible
installation and become an essential part of it.
With your contribution, you'll be helping fund
the materials and labor required to bring this
massive bamboo sculpture to life. Imagine the impact
of walking through the dusty Playa and encountering
this breathtaking work of art made possible by your
donation. Every dollar counts, and your generosity
will help ensure that Heartburst is an unforgettable
experience for all who witness it.
Your support is more than just a donation; it's
an investment in creativity and pushing boundaries.
By contributing to Heartburst, you're helping
bring something truly exceptional to the world. So
please join us in making this bamboo sculpture a
reality by donating now. Your gift will be greatly
appreciated by the artists and everyone who gets to
experience this incredible installation at Burning
Man 2023!
Shawn Gehle
Christian Robert
Benjamin Anderson
Jillian Leedy
Patrick Clements
Technical support generously provided by:
SEAD (Bamboo Specialist)
Lucas Loo
OFFICEUNTITLED, inc. (Architectural)
Gabriela O’Connor
Guillem Camps
Kat Ślęczek
Nicholas Miller
Kilograph (Visualization & Web)
Keely Colcleugh
John Michael Wilyat
Jerry Jiang
Tom Spall
Shannon Sweeney
Chandler Sutton