DISCO PRIMITIVE ∞ HANDMADE ∞ ONE OF A KIND
Wow I just wrote a long description recapping this build and it all got deleted haha.
So here goes I am sitting in my studio and it’s January 2, 2025. I’ve had time to digest and now I’m feeling ready to share.
Oops we did it again! We were invited back to Belden town to bring the Existential Action Tea Temple & Lounge, to the feather river to celebrate Sunset Sound Systems 30 year anniversary “Occasus Solis”.
I really feel like I found the balance on this one. That sweet spot between work and play. I’m so grateful for such a solid community of friends, and feel so blessed to have been able to create a beautiful container for people to gather. We shared so many jokes, and despite the long days and the long nights production ran pretty smooth. We filled a 20 foot truck.
Last January 5th I learned of the passing of an old friend and so I spent the year in and out of grief grieving as grief often comes in waves. I spent a lot of time alone in the studio, which was really nourishing for my spirit, my evolution, and the development of my creative process. I was fortunate enough to have my Mom work with me in the studio, cutting and sewing fabrics during the six weeks that I spent sewing new sheathings for the icosahedron‘s the mini temples.
I had set out with the intention of dialing in the existing elements that make up the Existential Action Tea Temple & Lounge. One of those improvements was a third lantern on top of each of the Guardian Towers. Once again my love, my cosmic partner, my muse, my secret weapon of mass creation Damon Soule help me bring those forth.
I was able to support my friend and studio mate Snowbroth in bringing out more of her creative magic. She added some sweet botanical sculptures to soften the edges in those transitional spaces,. I created the Sparkly Light Spike (my disco mirrored sigil with the help of my love and an amazing wood worker friend. I improved the lighting, but also feel like the project is not quite there, but that’s the journey of an evolving project.
I’m excited to include all the new assets that were created for Burningman. Although they’re all covered in dust and I’m going to have my work cut out for me in the late spring, dusting all the things. Another improvement this year was all the new quilted sheathing for the icosahedron’s.
The interior of the Tea Temple saw improvements as well. My friend Moons gifted me a custom circular shelving piece she made. I’ve since decked it out in true Sparkle form. I’ve been wanting some piece behind me to frame the tea alter and I am in love with it. Stoked to share that on the next go round. We also sewed new casings for all of the pillows. I used what I had! I danced my butt off I saw many sunrises unintentionally, but gratefully. I sewed my outfit for opening ceremony an hour before opening ceremony. I sewed myself into it. That was fun!
I really spent a lot of time this year contemplating how I’m living my life what I’m giving my energy and focus to and the quality of time that I’m spending with my loved ones. Really checking in. I felt a sense of urgency to live now “Memento Vivere” because “Memento Mori”.
I think when you’re faced with the passing of a loved one it can bring you home. Death also brings us closer to the people that are still here breathing on this earth. My drive, my action this year stemmed from that loss. To the remembrance of how precious our time here is. I also really enjoyed the solitude of my practice in the studio this year and was really proud of myself for showing up consistently. I was juggling a lot of plates this year. I’ve been juggling a lot of plates for many years. This year felt different.
I’m grateful for the life I get to live. For Sunset and the folks behind it and the folks that come to it and purchase tickets and through those activations and support. I am able to explore my creativity. I really love creating spaces and I love the challenge of working in the elements and creating spaces that feel good. That feel like home. I am drawn into color and the whimsical. Perhaps to offset starve off the heaviness. I look forward to the next iteration and hope you are there.