My Burning Man 2022 Experience
Welcome to the Playa
Temple Burn, 2022
Burning Man is more than a festival. It is a temporary, experimental city packed full of art, music, workshops, and so much more. Every year tens of thousands of folks gather in the Black Rock Desert to dance, love, share, and co-create an unforgettable week of divine chaos. There is no shortage of offerings ranging from food, games, clothes, music, cafes, and workshops on every topic from shibouri to environmental justice. The people who show up are extraordinary and the energy of the land and the people is completely infectious!
First Impresions
My first Burn was overwhelming, confusing, surprising, and empowering. It became a practice in radical self honesty, presence, and self-care. Black Rock City was a great container for playing with my intuition and I reveled in the serendipity of every experience.
Probably my favorite night was one I spent riding around the playa alone on my bike. While sound stages thumped in the background I explored art installations, laughed with strangers, and watched a live choreographed drone show.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a week in the middle of the desert; days are sweltering hot, super fine sand sticks to everything, and showers are few and far between. Plus, there’s only one road on and off the playa, so getting off the playa can take HOURS.
desert weather
Desert weather is extremely unpredictable and can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Dust storms can roll in at a moment’s notice and can last anywhere from 40 minutes to 6 hours. During one storm I was riding my bike out on the open playa and the wind whipped up so much dust I could barely see 4 feet in front of me! Luckily, I found a tent art installation that provided some shelter for me and a few others while we waited for a lull in the wind.
Would I go again?
The truth is, I'm not sure. It was a life changing decision and I learned a lot, but the image of our 6 hour exodus line is still raw in my mind. Whether or not I decide to do it again, I am so grateful to have had this experience and will be integrating the lessons I've brought away for a long time to come.
“The playa will provide” & The art of Gift Giving
One of the 10 principles of Burning Man is gifting. Gifting is an integral part of the Burning Man community as the economy of the whole city is based around it. Once you arrive, there is no buying or selling allowed. In the spirit of gifting people bring all kinds of special offerings, instillations, and extra survival supplies. If you need something, chances are you’ll be able to find it… thus why they say, “the playa will provide!”
My gift for the playa was my latest collage series called the Playing Card Oracle Deck. I gave card readings to those who I connected deeply with and offered to let them keep the card they chose, if they felt connected with it. If not, they could put it back in the deck to gift the message to another person.
