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Build Phase Fundraiser
We are fundraising for our project, Sirsasana. We previously launched a Kickstarter campaign, and we're very grateful to our community that helped us fulfill it. Materials have been more expensive than we anticipated, especially steel, plywood, and hardware, so we're launching this fundraiser as a boost to fully fund all the project costs.
What we envision
Imagine finding a serene oasis on the Playa, with the gentle sound of wind rustling through leaves and the contended chirping of birds.
Here in the dry lake bed of Burning Man, your senses are transported to the forest–one where the enchanted trees are free to play. And this tree has pulled itself into a yoga pose – Sirsasana , a headstand.
The leaves of the tree provide a welcoming shade. You walk through the branches and start to climb the trunk. At the top, high in the air is a platform. The view is beautiful, and a box asks: “What you would like to let go?”. You ponder for a moment, jot a sentence onto a sheet, and drop it into the box. Tasting a bit of calmness, you climb back down into Burning Man.
Who we are
We are Looking Up Arts, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, CA. We love to make whimsical, big sculptural art. We created Phoenicopterus Rex (2017), Rainbow Bridge (2018), and Cone Down (2019).
Srikanth Guttikonda, a Looking Up co-founder, is leading his first project. Josh Zubkoff , Thaddeus Echeverria , and Josh Haywood co-designed the concept and structure.
We are an all-volunteer crew of some full-time artists, some part-time, and many many makers and shakers. Typically between 50 and 100 people help create any given project, and it’s a joy to build together.
Because we are a 501(c)(3), pledges from US backers are tax deductible, minus perk cost.
What we are building
We’re building Sirsasana - a 35-foot sculpture of a tree doing a handstand at Burning Man. The tree will have roots reaching into the air, a platform to stand on, and a shady area with leaves and branches at the bottom. At the end of the week, we’re going to burn it.
It’s made of wood and steel, and we’re building it with our volunteer team at Upside Art Space in San Francisco. It’s our second Black Rock City Honoraria project and our first burnable art piece.
The tree will be home to mushrooms, birds, and other life. The radiating geometry of Sirsasana will feature sentimental details from the lead artist Sri’s childhood in India.
Why we love this project
Big projects bring people together and provide a space for joy and creation. We grow, we bond, and we create beauty. The smiles of visitors, dusty thank-you hugs, and absurd stories all make it worthwhile.
A calming, beautiful art piece felt right for us this year. We want to combine nature and wonder to create a zone of peace within Burning Man. This piece is directly inspired by our experiences with trees and the forest.
We’re also excited to create our first burnable art piece. We want to develop these new skills and relationships and create a moment for everyone to gather and watch Sirsasana burn.
We’re so excited to make this piece for you. Thank you for reading about our dreams for this year!
Direct Donations
If you prefer to donate directly or have a company matching as an option, we can coordinate with you on the process. We also accept checks. Please reach out to leslie@lookingup.art.
Interactivity
Climbing: At about 25 feet high, the base of the "root-top" deck will offer burners a view of the playa-scape.
Soundscape: A family of laser-cut songbirds call this tree their home. We are excited to share that they will sing a song that Sirsasana's team is composing that we will all get to enjoy.
Gathering: Features like seats around the branches, and a resting area formed inside the trunk will create opportunities for everyone to gather and rest. Mythical stories, illustrations, and images from Sri’s childhood will be laser-etched into the wood, adding depth and meaning to the interior of the structure. Guests are encouraged to lay back in this soft space, gaze up at the roots, and feel rested and cared for.
Reflection : We will invite burners to leave sentiments on the tree's foliage and branches which will later be burned.

The Philosophy
Sirsasana turns a world on its head back upside-down, calling to gather in an inspiring, nurturing, and grounded space. Doing so will be a revolutionary act of renewal for our relationships with ourselves and with others. Made with natural, burn-safe dyes for foliage and bark, pieces of the tree will burn at the end of the week, reminding us of the impermanence of all things, even if it feels like it’s been forever since we got to come Home.
The Build
Fabrication has been taking place in our workshop located in the Mission District of San Francisco, Upside Artspace. We will build the piece over 1-week on-Playa.
Our expanded design team is skilled, experienced, and top-notch. These veterans of Burning Man are going back to their roots to bring an exciting large-scale installation to the Playa. This includes numerous artists, structural engineers, welders, and most importantly, our volunteers!
If you would like to be involved in the building of Sirsasana please fill out our volunteer questionnaire. We are taking individuals who can help in the Bay Area to build.
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