Burning Man Flares Up Again In The Desert

An Unconventional Art Festival Begins Its Third Decade Of Defying Definition

(CBS)  Every year Nevada's barren Black Rock Desert, 120 miles outside of Reno, is transformed into Black Rock City when 45 thousand people gather for the art festival known as Burning Man.

Burning man makes the expression "roughing it" something of an understatement, even though tickets can go for a few hundred dollars.

Still, if you can get past the crowds and the dust and even the occasional sandstorm, the experience can be, illuminating.

But fire isn't the only draw at Burning Man. There is, of course, the art.

Like the Big Rig Jig which is two container trucks disassembled and then rebuilt here on the playa.

"The playa"? That's what folks call the flat, dusty landscape. It was once a lakebed. The people who find their way here from all over the world are called burners.

Most get around by bike, but some are literally transported by the art, like Darin Selby's "skeedaddlehopper."

CBS Sunday Morning's Daniel Sieberg asked Selby how long it took him to build his mobile artwork.

"This one here took about three months, just working on it every day. And you first start out…you lash it all together, bicycle inner tube and then duct tape. You know, it's better with a roll of duct tape."

"Two rolls of duct tape," Sieberg suggested, examining the vehicle.

"Two…two rolls of duct tape," Selby agreed, laughing.

Black Rock City has its own post office, its own radio station. There's even a census bureau, complete with a "countess".

"Which they call me that because I’ve been in charge of the Black Rock Census for the last few years, so I count burners. One burner. Two burner. Three burner. Five burner."

The Countess says you'd be surprised just who attends Burning Man.

"There are even people here who are over 80!" she told Sieberg, "It's very exciting to have all these ages represented here. There's really something for everyone here."

The Countess went on though to add a brief note of caution.

"As long as you can survive in the desert, that’s really the kicker. If you can't handle the dust storms, if you can't handle camping out here for a long time in the heat and the cold night and preparing yourself for that? It's probably not the best place."

And that's what made novice burner Nancy Connors, a marketing director from Croton-on-Hudon, New York nervous.

"Someone described it as like camping in hell. It can get up to 110, at night, down to 30. You have to be prepared for all that. People want you to wear costumes. I mean, gee, you know? What am I gonna do about that? I don't know. It just…"

"Just be yourself," suggested another burner.

"Yeah," she said, laughing, "Yeah, go as a middle-aged white lady!"

She never did figure out a costume, but she did find a home on the playa.

"This is our playa home and it almost blew off yesterday," she explained to Sieberg, "but four guys in dresses came by and helped us stake down more rebar."

"That's a very Burning Man experience," observed Sieberg.

"It was a very Burning Man experience," Connors agreed, "And then they gave us a drink, and then they left. So that was kind of cool."

Larry Harvey has been the guiding spirit behind the festival since 1986, when it started as a small gathering on a beach in San Francisco. Then, as now, it ended with the ceremonial burning of this guy - the guest of honor.

"And when we lit that thing," Harvey remembered, "strangers just came running and joined us. And there's nothing like the enthusiasm and kindness of strangers to move you, because it seemed unconditional. It seemed so immediate. And that's why we decided to do it again…because we were moved."

Twenty-one years later and a 1,000 times larger, the spirit of Burning Man still burns brightly.

For artist Michael Ross, this is his first big exhibit. Maybe "big" is an understatement.

"I think it weighs about 48,000 pounds," Ross told Sieberg. "It's 45 feet tall, goes nine feet deep into the earth, and it's two real trucks and two real tankers."

Like everything else at Burning Man, Big Rig Jig is meant to be touched.

"I wanted people to be able to crawl through it, mostly because I wanted to crawl through it," Ross said. "I was like, 'Well, if I'm gonna do it, I want other people to be able to, also.'"

Ross says he owes it all to the organizers of Burning Man. They came up with the seed money to put his Big Rig Jig together.

The crew is all volunteers.

"I've never seen anything like it in the world," marveled Ross, "It's great to have such a strong, deep community of hard-working artists."

Photographer Leo Nash documented construction. He’s photographed events at Burning Man for 13 years.

"I just wanted to tell the story of what the artists go through, the inspiration to conclusion. And just take that journey with them."

Nash's new book tells the tale, in black and white.

"You have this very beautiful soft light," Nash described. "This time of day is gorgeous. You know, after the sun goes down or before the sun comes up in the morning. You really get this real softness, like everything is painted with light."

Nash says it's the art at Burning Man that keeps things in perspective on the playa.

"The art is, I think, what saves it from being just a crazy party. It gives for everyone, a thread to follow through the event. It gives them something they’re doing constantly, all day long. They're out looking at the art. Traveling on top of it, you know, in the art cars. I think it's good. It's almost like it's a party, but it's also, you know, culture."

"It's like going to a museum," Nash concluded, "It's a living museum."

But let's face it, no museum was ever like this. And after seven days of peace, love and art, the ritual of Burning Man finally reaches its climax.

"The thing about ritual is that it tells an essential lesson," Harvey said. "It tells you things are the same as they always were, continuity. The same as they always were, but different. Like your birthday."

Here are some links for further information:
Burning Man
Big Rig Jig
Skeedaddlehopper
Journey To The Flames
A. Leo Nash

[daffodilklow]

I''m a mother, wife, CPA, Girl Scout Leader...and Burner. I love the playa and I love this artilce, I am only sad I was not able to see it on Sunday Morning. There is so much misconception about the event as is obvious by the postings here. I am not a hippie, I do not do drugs, I do not have *** on the playa, I usually only have one drink on the playa (besides water), I am not some crazy left wing liberal or whatever was said earlier.

The playa is a wonderful place and what takes me back each time is the wonderful people that you meet in such a unique experience. When people ask what it is like I have given up explaining it and simply tell them "it is everything you couldn''t have imagined yourself".

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[erny54]

Burning Man07 was my first year and it was all i had expected and so much more!! walking to the middle of the playa on my first day there,the 27th,i felt so much positive energy!! what an incredible experience in a truly,unique place!! and,it''s true...burning man should exist w/in all of us,everyday in every way...becuz it''s the spirit of acceptance...of everyone and everything and every experience as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at the moment...and not trying to change or manipulate it meet to our own agenda. you may like it,you may not..but,if you go,you will be changed....for me it was a change for the better. namaste...burn on...

[r_copperhead]

At least all the bad talk from people who know nothing but think they know all will stay away from BM and I will not have to pick up their sorry self
when they are not prepared for the week out there.

Please Tucker and like minded Tuckers, Please find some other event to comment on, maybe one you have been to.

[pinemom]

Simply put..."do not judge a book simply by its cover"
If you have never been to Burningman, do not judge what "its" all about... either go or put your negative energies into something you actually know about.
What the people of BRC do is enjoy each other, UNCONDITIONALLY. No, its not a bunch of Orgies out in the open. What people do in the privacy of their own home(tent/rv)is truely up to them. Just like in the normal world. I dont pass by your house, and imagine crazy things going on in there and then tell your neighbors!Cant very well write an story about a road you never walked Tuckerndfw and Marpcbs...
Oh and yes, there are children out there, lots of them!And each one is being raised in a artistic, creative,loving,high self esteem way. We artistic/art appreciative, parents...could only wish the other 350 days of the year were filled with such love and
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T from other humans for our children to learn from!

[kwakefield]

I agree with the last guy. I''ve been to four Burning Man''s and have yet to see one orgy. I find it mind boggling to see folks making half-crocked opinions on something they no nothing about. I also find it interesting that the guy from Dallas mentioned he knew there were orgies 20 miles away from where he lived. Hmmm.....

[kwakefield]

I agree with the last guy. I''ve been to four Burning Man''s and have yet to see one orgy. I find it mind boggling to see folks making half-crocked opinions on something they no nothing about. I also find it interesting that the guy from Dallas mentioned he knew there were orgies 20 miles away from where he lived. Hmmm.....

[cptsmashy]

Orgies? ORGIES?!?!

Man... I am so writing a letter to BORG and requesting, no demanding a refund. I was on Playa this year 12 days, logged over 50 miles on my pedometer and lord only knows how many on my bicycle and I was out and about at all hours of the night and day all over the city and never saw a single orgy. Not even one frame of such behavior in the 1500 pics I took or hours of video I shot.

Maybe I went to the wrong Burning Man?

Oh and Tucker, you would actually need to drive about 1800 miles from Dallas to get out there. Just a little FYI...

Also, since you quite obviously think the idea of Burning Man is so juvenile and whatever else you are trying to imply, why do you feel the compulsion to have to make derogatory and inflammatory comments about something you quite obviously know so little about?

I have always wondered about the mentality that drives a person to take the time out of their day to repeatedly spew their negativity about things they have never experienced. Maybe Tucker will return with an answer?

[r_copperhead]

I don''t believe that you tuckerndfw have not been there either or you were so high you thought you were an orgy. Mevada laws apply there orgies in public are not allowed what one does in their own tent or camper is up to them.

Open your mind people, it''s a great event but please don''t attend if you are not open minded enough to experience a wonderful festival.

[spookcm]

Never been to Burning Man. Travelled the Playa hundreds of times servicing my customers, farmers. Yes the Black Rock Desert does have farms. Even spent nights without water, food or heat when my pickup broke down 50 miles from the nearest telephone and had to rely upon Nevada Hospitality to get home...

Many of my friends are burners...The real burning man exists within ourselves, the festival is merely a convienent way for city folks to enjoy for a week what we enjoy all year long.

To Castro and the rest of the Nevada National Guard I send my warmest regards and wish you a safe return from Iraq.

Spook

[r_copperhead]

Burning Man is the one or two weeks a year that we get to explore and enjoy our Black Rock City, NV and understand that without our time there our lives would be so humm-drum and less meaningful. We take this special week each year to understand our fellow Burners and take this understanding to our lives for the other weeks of the year. We learn to share, communicate, enjoy, meet, explore, teach, relax and most of all accept one another without wanting for others to take care of us but if you need taking care of we will pick you up take you under our wing and help you soar. We learn to do without while having so much.
Each year and I have been going for 9 yrs now, I take away something new to help me relax and accept others that I may have had the insight to accept until I went to Burning Man. Each year it opens a new part of my heart and soul.
The art is incredable and it''s always amazing how much money, dedication, volunteer time and caring goes into the art for one week in the desert.
Burning Man purpose is not to change the world but it is there for each of us to learn more about living well in this world and what we can bring out of the festival to help make our lives and the world a little better.

[marcpcbs]

This is just another pack of American weirdoes.
I wonder if this event allows children to attend?
Hope not.

[sharncedar]

Last night, saw a fire, at the palace door,
Who is burning?
Who is burning?
In effigy?

(CCR)

Just was listening to this old song by CCR. It points out the problem with burningman - the real excitement happens at the palace doors, burning the effigy of king george, or of queen satan hillary, right on the Washington Mall, not hiding away like compromised, cowardly skunks out in the desert. Burning man people don''t have any nuts. They are weekend radicals, working for the man in his death factories by the week, then afraid to take the real steps, to create and burn a real effigy, to burn the effigy of the whole d@mn war machine! Yeah! CCR!

[georhino]

It amazes me that CBS News would actually publish a story on Burningman and get some of the essential information correct. And there''s a whole lot more to the story than CBS, Forbes, or anybody else even wants to realize. Burners are the FUTURE of a positive society, living within the 10 principles of Burningman in their daily lives...such principles as gifting, community, radical inclusion, are things that either political party can only HOPE to achieve in their statements of existence. Burners care, and do it, not wanting fanfare or news stories, but wanting to positively influence the needs of society.
I strongly suggest that you find out about Burners Without Borders. Based in part on Doctors Without Borders, these rugged individualists went into Pealington Mississippi and Biloxi Mississippi for 6 months after Katrina, and were there BEFORE the government contractors....and they asked for nothing. They did it for the right reasons....they cared.

[wogerwabbit]

ojama, go back to sleep and your wet dream world of neocon wackos that know what''s right for the rest of us.