A Centering Experience on the Playa

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. This event is renowned for its large-scale installations and art pieces built on the smooth, barren, sunbaked earth called the “Playa.”

Our Concept

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 help 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.

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.

Preview

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.

Eco Footprint

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.

Why donate?

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!

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