The Lamp
A Lamp structure constructed with the intention of being burned. The lamp represents light and can take on a number of symbolic representations. The central idea is that fire is the brightest light, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly illuminated by neon, screens, leds, and others.
The Installation
The burnable lamp will be a playa art installation. The vision of the lamp is to be constructed of mostly reclaimed lumber, with a base that can be entered by participants. The lamp will contain a shade, like a house lamp, with a geodesic cut-out pattern. Cut outs of the negative shapes of the shade will be used as ornament throughout the structure. Within the lamp's base, which people can enter, will be a ladder climbing up the center to a platform that lies on top of the geodesic shade. A pull chain will be installed at the base so people can interact with the installation by pulling it. When the chain is pulled it will trigger a change in the lamp. There may be an audio experience component that accompanies the lamp installation to highlight the relationship between sound and light.
Mission & Philosophy
The mission is to create a burnable installation that people can interact with. We also wish to create a playa sanctuary that contains the elements of a space that you can enter and interact with. The end goal of the piece to see the lamp on fire to show a common household item associated with the distribution of light illuminated by flame. Throughout the process we want to build a space that invited people in to connect with their true selves and their light within.
The philosophy of this piece is to create something that has a simple and identifiable shape that represents a common object for most of us. Within that there is a world of interpretation that can happen for anyone that engages with the piece, weather observers or participants. Lamps represent light. Fire is the original and brightest light that outshines all the others. Lamps typically emit light through electricity, which this installation will do all week up until it burns. By burning the lamp it provides a chance for a lamp to illuminate through our most natural form of light. The beauty of this piece for me is the potential meanings that it can take on for people, including myself, throughout the process of its becoming.
Seeing a common object in a new way (on fire) is something that burning man can offer. The lamp as a symbol of light will illuminate new discoveries and figuring out what those are will be the fun part.
Seeing a common object in a new way (on fire) is something that burning man can offer. The lamp as a symbol of light will illuminate new discoveries and figuring out what those are will be the fun part.