Burning Man 2022
My Experience on the Playa
Temple Burn, 2022
I was blown away by my time at Burning Man and understand why people say that it is far more than a festival. It’s an experimental city full of art, music, workshops, and so many more serendipitous surprises. Every year tens of thousands of people gather to dance, share, and co-create an unforgettable week of divine chaos. I found offerings ranging from food and clothes and music and intensive workshops. It was amazing but by the time I left I really didn’t know if I ever wanted to go back.
First Impressions
Honestly, it was all very overwhelming, confusing, surprising, and empowering. The whole week became a practice for me in radical self honesty, presence, and self-care. The land was a great container for playing with intuition and I found so many serendipitous people and things along the way.
I spent most nights riding around the playa on my bike. While sound stages thumped in the background I explored art installations, laughed with strangers, and even watched a live drone show.
And although its all great fun, it’s still a week in the middle of the desert; days are sweltering hot and the super fine sand of the playa sticks to everything. Plus, there’s only one road on and off the playa, so leaving at peak hours can (and did) 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 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 a couple of feet in front of me! Luckily, I stumbled upon an 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 life changing and I learned a lot, but the memory of our 6 hour exodus is still so fresh in my mind. Whether or not I decide to go 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 supplies. If you need something, chances are you’ll be able to find it— thus the saying, “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.
