Burning Man, or How my brother helped create the Syzygryd
My brother has been going to Burning Man for more years than I can keep track of now. I lost count after 5. Im sure its at least twice that many but anyway…
Going to Burning Man has almost taken on an aura akin to right of passage: you go, you get naked (and sunburned) you dance, you experience, and you are changed forever. You start planning next year’s trip before this year’s event is over. Ive seen the pictures, and I can understand why. Not since the 60’s has there been as freely expressed a philosophy as Burning Man. I think the concept has far outdistanced its original theme, but some things remain the same: you must not leave any trace of your presence on the Playa when you leave, and you must revel in the absolute abandon of artistic expression.
The highlight of the festival, of course, is the burning of the Man, a ginormous structure that can be seen anywhere on the Playa, and whether you choose to associate ancient Pagan Straw Man overtones or just enjoy the sight of something burning like an upright bonfire, the whole point is to enjoy yourself (while being ecologically responsible of course).
My brother recently retired, and was not sure how he’d fill his days…but according to my mom, the matter has been entirely resolved without his feedback. He has been working with the Flaming Lotus Girls, and more recently, he helped create the Syzygryd that was this year’s Burning Man attraction. My brother is a welder, and he’s a damn good one. He’s been certified for computer welding, and for other top end welding procedures. Im sure he never expected to see his skills utilized in quite this way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLXNka8pNg0
I know its a cliche, but mother REALLY would be proud!
Its ALL Blarney!! 
Is this your brother? (my favorite welding shot I’ve ever gotten – I gave him a print of it)
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/focalintent/4705323303/sizes/m/
may be, but I get sent to flicker log in page 😦
I managed to get a brief look, and yes, it looks like him 🙂 He’s a Sterling guy alright 🙂
Dan, I think Ive seen your pic on my brother’s facebook friends…did you go to the piratefair? as Jack Sparrow?
He told me he was going to use it as his facebook user pic 🙂 I haven’t gone to piratefair, for better or worse.
Shoot me an email if you want a print of your brother’s welding work as well – dgarcia at focalintent dot com – he did some incredible work on syzygryd – I’m happy I was able to get a shot of it!
Done and done 🙂 thanks for sharing! Seems like he’s working harder now that he’s retired eh?