Just before Burning Man this year we received a grant to design and build the "pony" effigy for Fall Playa Del Fuego. Twist and I decided to take creative liberty with the usual pony and do a seahorse variant. In September we started collecting the most interesting driftwood we could find along the Potomac from a huge 1/4 mile long pile we've hiked around and over many times. Twist then built a 16' bamboo and tarp structure in our driveway for us to work in. He constructed an armature (support structure for a sculpture) to my specifications. Using sketches I'd done of a seahorse as guidance, we proceeded to cover the armature and fill out the seahorse over two evenings, taking a total of about 7 hours to essentially "finish" the piece for transportation. It was remarkably easy; I'd pick a piece of driftwood and decided where it should go, then Twist would wire or screw it in place. Naturally, once we were at PDF we spent another day putting on finishing touches (like the "spines" along the back and head, fireworks, etc.). At the same time we laid out a bunch of natural materials (pine cones, interesting roadside brush, seed pods, weeds, string, paper, markers, wire) and put up a sign saying "Build Your Own Effigy!" Folks did, and we ended up with 40-50 little effigies, most of which were put in the belly of the beast. We had a LOT of help erecting the seahorse (we'll rethink that part if we do another big effigy like this one); we couldn't have done it without the AWESOME volunteers who stepped up. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who helped, including Mungo Jerry, Mama Love & Bitchezz, Jsun, Twist's friend Kevin, and our neighbor Wayne and his friends. Thanks to Miller Electric for loaning tools. And thanks to Jill for suggesting we apply for the grant!

2007/10/09 UPDATE: The sculpture was a success! (See below.) I got lots of kudos, great feedback and encouragement. Many people sat on the benches to socialize, eat, rest, watch the slip-n-slide (etc.), or answer my question, "What are you growing in your life" by writing on the fabric strips in the stems (or on the sculpture itself). I am deeply indebted to everyone who helped me erect and/or dismantle the mushrooms, I truly couldn't have done it without all of you. And special thanks go to Barbara Jentzsch, David MacMichael, Maya and Lena Richardson, Joel Traylor and my boyfriend Twist for helping prepare the sculptures at the Happy Cabin (my home). THANK YOU!

2007/09/05: Just prior to Burning Man I was notified that I'd received an art grant to make two of the above mushroom sculptures for fall Playa del Fuego. Naturally I'm thrilled (and EGADS, I now have one month to realize the sculptures)! The grant won't cover the entire material cost of the sculptures, so if you can assist financially with a gift (any amount would be appreciated), please Paypal me at marlene@digitizethis.com. Thanks!

The following people (all Burners) have graciously agreed to help me with advice or manpower; I'm indebted!:
* Kevin "Twist" Foreman (electrical worker, handyman and boyfriend) - Assist cutting and/or drilling and assembling the structural materials as needed, assist with painting, affixing lighting and help with deconstruction.
* Michael Sirvet (artist and engineer) - Review for structural integrity and relevant advice.
* Leah Kanach (fabric buyer for G Street Fabrics) - Fabric and sewing advice and assistance.
* Dustin Smith (owner, IrritantGear.com) - Elwire advice.
* Joel Traylor (artist) - Manpower and meditation.