2000 marked my first year at Burning Man, and my first camp. Within the confines of Death Guild Thunderdome Camp was my little establishment known as the altfanthingie camp. My little ode to Neil Gaiman. The plan was to feature an interactive campsite that showcased different aspects of Neil's work, culminating in the set-up of a little faerie barter market. (We also had a little museum of fan art, and a fortune teller, and with help, we were going to have a storytelling night.
Due to inclement weather, and a lack of knowing what the heck I was doing, most of what I wanted to do didn't really happen. The museum (art onna stick!) was up (and covered for a couple of hours a day thanks to the rain), and for one day, the market was running (and was a smashing success), and the fortune teller was there for a few days, with quite a luxurious campsite, but some of the help that was to be had for the rest of the events fell through. For photos and other specifics, click here.
In 2001, the plans were more realistic. The museum was the focus of the camp. I had this perfect little canopy and table put together for the market too... and then the neighbors kind of cut off access to it, so it didn't really work (grrr!). I still consider the camp a success. Many people stopped by to look at the art. Someone even left an offering for Lord Morpheus, which was one of the coolest little surprises of the week. Lots of people stopped by and talked art, or Neil, or dreams in general. Some artists took photos. Others had fun commenting on my car-cover (I decorated camo-net with iridescent fabric, to give it more fairy appeal). Photos of the thingie camp, and my Death Guild Thunderdome experiences can be found here.
I'm hoping 2002 will see even more fan art and poetry posted for everyone to see. I'm also going to make sure the market happens. And, now that I know how to set up the tent for it, I'd really like to have a special story-night to read bits of Stardust, or one of Neil's short stories.
Interested in helping out?
*Thingie artwork is always in demand for display in the 'Neil Museum' part of
the camp.
It doesn't have to be that impressive - a simple drawing, or a papier machet
sculpture,
or a Neil-inspired poem.
*Any assistance you can offer in the supplying of arts and crafts type stuff to
barter at the
Faerie Market is appreciated. If you're into anything crafty, we can use it.
*And of course, donations are always welcome.
If you're planning on attending Burning Man, and want to stop by the camp and say hello, or help out, or if you just want to send me artsy junk for the camp, drop me a line.