My Burn From Home…

TIB ALeksWe got an email on Thursday evening while at Burning Man that our condo in Oakland had flooded, so I decided to come home a little early.  The plumbers were able to fix it from the outside but the management company said that there was water in the outside hallway, and we found that fairly concerning.  So I was up early on Friday morning, down the hill, a little clean-up and all is okay.  But you know I am missing y’all, you know who you are.

I camp with The Mansonian Institute, and we always have an amazing mix of campers.   This year we have a lot of crew from The Generator, because my camp leader, Joe Olivier, is on the Board of Directors. Many of them were involved in building Pier 2 and La Llorona in 2012.  I immediately liked Fish, young enough to be my grandson and kind, smart and attentive.  So when I discovered he was also a photographer I of course wanted to see his photos, and to share them with you.  So from here at home, on my little porch, is a new photographer that I am sure you will be seeing again, Aleks Stirajs. The first Truth is Beauty shot is during the electrical storm during set up and it is my favorite.
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About the author: Affinity

Affinity

Affinity, a Burner since 2000, was legally married on the Playa in 2001, was wedding coordinator and then training coordinator at Burning Man, before becoming the Black Rock Arts Foundation (BRAF) Social Media Coordinator and an Advisory Board Member. An attorney, she served on the Board of Directors of the Western Pension and Benefits Conference. She interned with the Human Awareness Institute for 10 years. She writes about how art is envisioned, produced, created, installed and its afterlife.

11 Comments on “My Burn From Home…

  • Silver says:

    I’m sorry to hear that you had to leave early, but glad to hear that the damage at home wasn’t severe. Thank you for sharing the work of your young friend. He is talented!

    – Silver

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  • Affinity says:

    Thanks Silver. I am so grateful that our brand new wall to wall carpeting was not damaged, and very happy to have met Fish. Burning Man has created such a special life around us…

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  • The Fish says:

    Thank you so much Affinity! It was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to many more morning chats on the bus :)

    If anyone would like to check out some photos from last years project, you can view them here;

    http://www.groundedmedianetwork.com/the-building-destruction-burning-man-photos-by-aleks-stirajs-2/

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  • Sassypickins says:

    The Truth is Beauty photo is incredible. What a fortunate moment to capture that for us all! Congratulations to Aleks.

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  • Amethyst says:

    Magical creativity from ordinary people.

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  • epiphany starlight says:

    YAY Fish!

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  • Parrot says:

    The Truth is Beauty photo IS incredible – if I wanted to get a bigger version suitable for my desktop, where would I go?

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  • Joe Yummy says:

    Amazing pics, thanks Affinity! Sorry to hear about the flood! See you at TiTs for cleanup!!

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  • affinity says:

    If you email me at affinity@burningman.com I will forward your email to Fish. He does not appear to have a current photo site.

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  • Karen says:

    The Truth is Beauty photo is stunningly gorgeous!!!! Tks for sharing.
    Till next burn. Take care!

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  • Summer says:

    This was my second burn and although it didn’t seem possible, it was an even better experience than last year. No one who hasn’t been really gets why we come home so enraptured, so spiritually fortified (even when physically spent ;). I know my fellow burners know and that’s all that really matters. You try to explain and your friends are engaged and interested, but there’s no way to convey the enormity of what the experience gives you.

    In reading the postings, I agree with all of them. My approach this year is to focus on the gift that BM is to all of us – all the love, all the spontaneous, genuine hugs that This was my second burn and although it didn’t seem possible, it was an even better experience than last year. No one who hasn’t been really gets why we come home so enraptured, so spiritually fortified (even when physically spent ;). I know my fellow burners know and that’s all that really matters. You try to explain and your friends are engaged and interested, but there’s no way to convey the enormity of what the experience gives you.

    In reading all the postings, I agree with all of them. My approach this year is to focus on the gift that BM is to all of us – all the live, all the spontaneous, genuine hugs that last as long as you need them to, the living eye contact w people you may never speak to, the wonder of the night, the gifting, the spontaneous “you’re beautiful” or “I love you” comments that buoy your spirit, the care we take of each other, the playfulness (I camped at Spanky’s Wine Bar), the lack of inhibitions (leading to me bar tending topless one…ok, TWO nights ;), the deliciousness of unexpected food, drink and encounters, the miraculous momentary experiences that you could never make happen again….and use that as a kind of “humanity fuel” for the rest of the year. I’m sad to leave that environment but am feeling so joyful that I could partake in it!!! Love to all of you fellow strugglers and see you next year!

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