"Cocooned"
Trio of chrysalis-inspired pods, hang invitingly in deep playa. Their subtle, warm, pulsating glow calls to the unsuspecting adventurers, offering a moment of cozy respite from the harsh and over-stimulating environment. Providing a safe, self-contained space for calm reflection and vulnerability.
Artist mock up of proposed installation.
Black Rock Honoraria 2019 Letter of Intent
Lead Artist
Rachel D’Amico Mark
(IG: @racheldmark | www.racheldmark.com )
Working Art Installation Title
“Cocooned”
Project Summary (300 char max.)
Trio of chrysalis-inspired pods, hang invitingly in deep playa. Their subtle, warm, pulsating glow calls to the unsuspecting adventurers, offering a moment of cozy respite from the harsh and over-stimulating environment. Providing a safe, self-contained space for calm reflection and vulnerability.
Physical Description (800 char max.)
Trio of hanging chrysalis-inspired pods, made from welded and CNC cut steel, as well as CNC cut wood paneling, filled with soft cushions. The pods hang a few feet off the ground, suspended by welded metal tree-like arms, and secured at both the top and bottom with chains to allow the pods to gently sway while preventing them from spinning or extreme movement from strong winds. The pods are lit externally by subtle warm pulsating strips of LEDs, and internally by colorful strands of NeoPixel LEDs programmed with an array of interesting patterns. Pods range in size from small (single-occupancy), medium (double-occupancy), and large (seating 3-4). Each pod will play soundscapes from environments that are unexpectedly juxtaposed with the Black Rock desert: forests, cities, and ocean.
Physical Dimensions
Pods will be approx. 4’W x 4’L x 6'H, and hanging stands approx: 9’H
Interactivity (500 char max.)
Each pod is equipped with a control panel allowing participants to tune interior light and sound modes to their liking; ranging from soothing low light to stimulating rainbow patterns. When two or more pods simultaneously activate the same mode, a synchronized light and sound show will play across all activated pods. Synchronized displays will range from a dim pulsating red light with heartbeat “womb like” soundscapes, to a sunrise light show with an empowering musical ballad from childhood.
Mission (500 char max.)
To be momentarily transported to a place of calm respite and safety amidst an otherwise harsh and intensely over-stimulating environment; and to create secure, emotional containers for connection and self-reflection, allowing you to explore your experiences and beliefs, sift through the pieces, carefully choosing what to keep or discard, and reassemble and emerge a new and exquisite being. Or just to provide the setting for the best group nap you have ever had in deep playa.
What is the philosophy of your piece? (1000 char max.)
“Change is the only constant in life”, Heraclitus; and “God is Change”, Octavia Butler.
I love the concept of metamorphosis. To prepare for change, go deep inside oneself, melt into a hideous gelatinous mess, and emerge an entirely new and exquisite being. Change is also terrifying. For humans in our long lives, lives that we repeatedly outgrow, growth often happens in painful bursts: boredom, depression, trauma, death, and birth.
Burning Man is an undeniable catalyst for individual and communal metamorphosis. We come to be discomforted, to push our limits and test boundaries, to connect, to grow. It is easy to become overwhelmed and shut down in the harsh climate, over-stimulating environment, and the constant challenging of long-held beliefs. I want to create spaces where it is ok to be messy, to reflect with childlike curiosity, to create soothing connection, and feel held in a quiet and safe cocoon.
I want to make this human experience easier, for just a few precious moments.
Desired Location
Burning Man/Black Rock City - preferably deep play, 11:30 + L
Existing artwork or a proposed concept?
Art work is “In Progress”
Estimated Total Budget
$12,000 (metal, materials, hardware, wood, CNC cutting time, welding labor)
Estimated Funding Request
$6,000
Rachel D’Amico Mark
(IG: @racheldmark | www.racheldmark.com )
Working Art Installation Title
“Cocooned”
Project Summary (300 char max.)
Trio of chrysalis-inspired pods, hang invitingly in deep playa. Their subtle, warm, pulsating glow calls to the unsuspecting adventurers, offering a moment of cozy respite from the harsh and over-stimulating environment. Providing a safe, self-contained space for calm reflection and vulnerability.
Physical Description (800 char max.)
Trio of hanging chrysalis-inspired pods, made from welded and CNC cut steel, as well as CNC cut wood paneling, filled with soft cushions. The pods hang a few feet off the ground, suspended by welded metal tree-like arms, and secured at both the top and bottom with chains to allow the pods to gently sway while preventing them from spinning or extreme movement from strong winds. The pods are lit externally by subtle warm pulsating strips of LEDs, and internally by colorful strands of NeoPixel LEDs programmed with an array of interesting patterns. Pods range in size from small (single-occupancy), medium (double-occupancy), and large (seating 3-4). Each pod will play soundscapes from environments that are unexpectedly juxtaposed with the Black Rock desert: forests, cities, and ocean.
Physical Dimensions
Pods will be approx. 4’W x 4’L x 6'H, and hanging stands approx: 9’H
Interactivity (500 char max.)
Each pod is equipped with a control panel allowing participants to tune interior light and sound modes to their liking; ranging from soothing low light to stimulating rainbow patterns. When two or more pods simultaneously activate the same mode, a synchronized light and sound show will play across all activated pods. Synchronized displays will range from a dim pulsating red light with heartbeat “womb like” soundscapes, to a sunrise light show with an empowering musical ballad from childhood.
Mission (500 char max.)
To be momentarily transported to a place of calm respite and safety amidst an otherwise harsh and intensely over-stimulating environment; and to create secure, emotional containers for connection and self-reflection, allowing you to explore your experiences and beliefs, sift through the pieces, carefully choosing what to keep or discard, and reassemble and emerge a new and exquisite being. Or just to provide the setting for the best group nap you have ever had in deep playa.
What is the philosophy of your piece? (1000 char max.)
“Change is the only constant in life”, Heraclitus; and “God is Change”, Octavia Butler.
I love the concept of metamorphosis. To prepare for change, go deep inside oneself, melt into a hideous gelatinous mess, and emerge an entirely new and exquisite being. Change is also terrifying. For humans in our long lives, lives that we repeatedly outgrow, growth often happens in painful bursts: boredom, depression, trauma, death, and birth.
Burning Man is an undeniable catalyst for individual and communal metamorphosis. We come to be discomforted, to push our limits and test boundaries, to connect, to grow. It is easy to become overwhelmed and shut down in the harsh climate, over-stimulating environment, and the constant challenging of long-held beliefs. I want to create spaces where it is ok to be messy, to reflect with childlike curiosity, to create soothing connection, and feel held in a quiet and safe cocoon.
I want to make this human experience easier, for just a few precious moments.
Desired Location
Burning Man/Black Rock City - preferably deep play, 11:30 + L
Existing artwork or a proposed concept?
Art work is “In Progress”
Estimated Total Budget
$12,000 (metal, materials, hardware, wood, CNC cutting time, welding labor)
Estimated Funding Request
$6,000
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Is there anything else you think we should know?
In 2017 I built two large "proof of concept" pods for BM, from CNC plywood. Filled with cushions, these pods sat on the ground, comfortably held 2-3 people. In 2018 we added acrylic panels to the interior roof of the large pod, lined with strips of NeoPixel LEDs, creating an array of light patterns, and controlled by participants using a game controller. In 2018 I began working in metal, and am excited to utilize my new skill set in partnership with my team of experienced welders and makers. |
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Video
In 2018 we added acrylic panels to the interior roof of the large pod, lined with strips of NeoPixel LEDs, creating an array of light patterns, and controlled by participants using a game controller. I designed the acrylic panels, and my partner, Aaron Shoemaker, designed and built the electronics. His successful R&D serves as the prototype for the electronics in the Cocooned pods for 2019.
