Organic Mutant

One of the well known joys of Burning Man - and really the only part that I felt I really understood before I arrived - are the massive art installations. I guess I cheated on this front a little bit, as Nicole and I attended the Burning Man Arts Preview back in July, where we were treated to presentations from artists behind a number of the sponsored installations.

So we knew that Crude Awakening and The Burninator were going to be there, offering massive explosions and interactive fire shows. We saw previews of the Steampunk Treehouse and the Temple of Forgiveness. In fact, up until we attended that preview show, I had become so focused on the challenges and unknowns about our pending expedition that the main emotion associated with the trip had become anxiety, rather than excitement!

Once I was reminded of the grand spectacles we’d soon be feasting our eyes on, my enthusiasm spiked. And once we were really there and got to see and experience the art installations in person - wow. Each view of these spectacular pieces of art (Big Rig Jig, The Monkeys, Flowerhead, Crude Awakening, Steampunk Treehouse, the Temple, the Cubatron, and The Burninator) was an emotional delight, and another reminder of how lucky we felt to be in BRC.

High expectations aside, I was never once let down or disappointed at Burning Man. The music was louder and better than I expected. The art cars were huger, more ornate, and far more numerous than I could have known. The art installations were gorgeous, huge, and involving. The costumed hoards were happy and flamboyant. Even the dust was neat (if super annoying at times). Comfort was not a focal point, and the lack of rest was a bump in the road, not a major discomfort. Yes, it was too hot to do anything - rest or move - at times. But as soon as I made it through that challenging part of the mid day, I could feel the energy and anticipation welling inside me. And to no one’s surprise, it was even better than I’d hoped.