GYPSY GIRL'S GUIDE

Fire Robot, Burning Man,2006
***

As a proper gypsy, I'm a big fan of FIRE! Especially beach bonfires!

Who doesn't love to sit by the fire on a starred night to sing and tell stories? There is just something about sitting by the fire and sharing special moments...

So, I was indeed a bit upset when the San Francisco tradition of having open air fires was compromised as the National Park Service announced that they were banning beach fires. Truth be told, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area reported spending "$90,000 a year picking up charred wood, broken glass and other trash, including 100 pounds of nails left behind after wooden pallets were burned." And unfortunately, I believe it, because I have seen and picked up a lot of trash and nails on my walks on the beach here... It was actually becoming unbearable, unhealthy and in some ways dangerous to have beach fires at Ocean Beach.

However, the beach community didn't approve of the new measure and sent thousands of letters and e-mails contesting the decision. Thankfully, the Ocean Beach Foundation picked up the battle and joined forces with The Surfrider Foundation (a nonprofit group dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and beaches) and Burners Without Borders (a non profit group formed by Burning Man participants). Together, they suggested raising money so that local artists could design fire pits to create an "open-air museum of public art"... And that way, have bonfires re-instituted, of course! Surfrider agreed to keep the pits all nice and clean throughout the year. Brilliant, no? With that kind of offer, who can refuse? Since then, $28,000 have been raised in donations and 30 artists submitted proposals, from which 12 finalists were selected and green lit to build! They still need more donations, though (clue here!!)!

Thanks to them, fires will now return!!! Per the article I read on SF chronicle, the fire pit/ art pieces (some of which are done now) are made of steel, concrete, glass and other materials to ensure their longevity as well as their beauty! "The designs resemble seashells, starfish and flowers. Some glow from fires within, creating a kaleidoscope of color, and others, look like saucers with fires burning brightly above them."

For you, SF locals, take note: The pits will be installed at Ocean Beach, between Fulton Street and Lincoln Way on April 14 (this coming weekend). Yay! I can't wait to see them! If you are in the area, navigate through my links to find out more about the full scoop on the event. I'm very excited not only for the bonfires: It is a real treat to be surrounded by such a proactive, inspiring and creative community in San Francisco.

What kind of "fires" can you light up in your community to bring more art and beauty into the world??

***
A few more bits:

BE A GREEN BURNER::: RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT!

Learn how to be a green burner "eco-workshops, presentations,and demonstrations on the solar powered stage plus green vehicles, eco-carnival, solar ovens, biodiesel distillation, grey water works, green art, and the Solar Death Ray 2000".

***
BURNERS WITHOUT BORDERS

I recently volunteered on a movie project for "Burners Without Boarders", regarding their efforts on the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina. They're a group of Burning Man participants coming together as "an international network of volunteers dedicated to building community through social good works that reflect inclusion, self- reliance, civic responsibility, gifting, and above all, the belief that doing good can be fun, and done with style."

Visit them, participate and make a donation! These guys are doing cool stuff :)

****
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

"The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education."

Visit them, participate and make a donation! These guys are doing cool stuff too! :)

***
FLAMING LOTUS GIRLS

They are a San Francisco-based group of of female and male artists collaborating all year round to create exceptional fire art and provide a resource for learning metalworking and other essential shop skills.

Fabulous "Flaming Lotus Girls" are part of the group of designers creating the fire pits mentioned above. Check these extraordinary group's blog to learn more about them and their cool art!

*****

photo downloaded from BWB site ~ I borrowed the image, guys!~ Hope it's okay ~ I give you full credit since I only had the best intentions of promoting your good work :) ~ I believe this firepit design is by Mathew De Gumbia and Brian Malley.