FINALLY on the internet! Its tricky getting a connection out here...
It has been an absolutely amazing experience so far. Arriving in on the 14th, I rolled in with Adriano in his spray-painted ambulance and established "CoolTown" with Bob, Marco (both Irish), Trent (Australian), Gorgeous Pie (New Zealand) Ryan and Christy...and many more have now joined the hottest spot in the temple crew. We've even made a janky sign and hung it up to the top of the "Rat", Trent's borrowed vehicle that has a sitting area on the roof, a climbing wall on the side, and a much needed swamp cooler inside.
It has been an absolutely amazing experience so far. Arriving in on the 14th, I rolled in with Adriano in his spray-painted ambulance and established "CoolTown" with Bob, Marco (both Irish), Trent (Australian), Gorgeous Pie (New Zealand) Ryan and Christy...and many more have now joined the hottest spot in the temple crew. We've even made a janky sign and hung it up to the top of the "Rat", Trent's borrowed vehicle that has a sitting area on the roof, a climbing wall on the side, and a much needed swamp cooler inside.
Our days have been much the same...LOTS of construction. I've been getting some unbelievable experience with carpentry, using power tools, scissor lifts, getting up on 40 ft heights to nail down plywood. It's been put together in amazing time considering, but all work more than accounted for in the crew. Work proceeds 24/7 except occasionally in the heat of the day.
The main tower is now up, with 3 of the 5 satellite towers up as well, the other two well in their way. Its enormous, much taller than the Man itself. You can see it as you come through the gates...bearing in mind the terrain is completely flat. The white paint blends in with the playa ground giving it the appearance of rising from the dust itself..undeniably and architectural marvel. While there will be some great footage (taken by me in part!) on it, it really is a site to behold in person.
Our fire involvement has been growing. We've run some basic tests on some of our methods and I have been arranging meetings with Fire Art Safety Team people...in fact I am here now using their internet! Without revealing any details, I've had the opportunity to consult on how the man will burn himself as well! Everyone here seem receptive to this collaboration of their work here and academia...everyone very interested in meeting Jose.
The main tower is now up, with 3 of the 5 satellite towers up as well, the other two well in their way. Its enormous, much taller than the Man itself. You can see it as you come through the gates...bearing in mind the terrain is completely flat. The white paint blends in with the playa ground giving it the appearance of rising from the dust itself..undeniably and architectural marvel. While there will be some great footage (taken by me in part!) on it, it really is a site to behold in person.
Our fire involvement has been growing. We've run some basic tests on some of our methods and I have been arranging meetings with Fire Art Safety Team people...in fact I am here now using their internet! Without revealing any details, I've had the opportunity to consult on how the man will burn himself as well! Everyone here seem receptive to this collaboration of their work here and academia...everyone very interested in meeting Jose.
And of course, there is already SOME leisure time to be had :) The city is filling out more and more, art installations are going up in the open playa (stunning) and lots of great new friends to explore it all with. So many layers, but the Temple Crew are one of the best parts.
And the festival hasn't even begun yet.
I will write some more later...I must cy