🧠 MAIN STORY

✨ Introduction

Hi, I’m Helen. I’m building an interactive sculptural installation that explores the experience of disconnection from oneself—and the slow, creative process of finding your way back.

This work is rooted in my lived experience with mental illness: the feeling of fragmentation, of losing coherence between mind and body, and the gradual rebuilding of that inner connection through art, movement, and perception.

Burning Man is a space where personal transformation becomes communal. This piece is my contribution to that shared process.

🕯️ What the Art Piece Is

The installation will be displayed under the canopy at Center Camp, placing it at the heart of a shared, communal environment where people naturally gather, rest, and reflect.

It is a 2 x 2 x 2 geometric structure with a wooden base and a framework where each triangular section is framed in wood and filled with stained glass.

Each triangle will be created by a different member of my build team. The panels will feature psychedelic-inspired imagery, symbolizing altered perception—not as escape, but as a mirror and pathway to consciousness. These visuals reflect how perception can fracture and transform, ultimately helping rebuild meaning and self-awareness.

Because this project is fully self-funded, we are raising support to cover the full cost of materials—including the wooden base, structural framing, stained glass, and hardware—as well as fabrication and assembly. Contributions will also support a small stipend for experienced builders who can guide and train volunteers, and help provide meals and basic care for everyone contributing to the build process.

🌌 Interactive Experience

At approximately 2 x 2 x 2, the piece is designed as an intimate, walk-through structure that invites close interaction.

Participants will be able to move through the installation and engage directly with it. At the base, they’ll be invited to write a word or phrase that represents their personal “Ragnarok”—a moment of inner collapse, transformation, or turning point.

By contributing, participants become part of the artwork. What is often an isolating internal experience becomes something shared, visible, and communal.

As light filters through the stained glass, the structure will cast shifting colors and shadows—transforming both the space and the people moving through it.

🛠️ Materials & Build Approach

• Wooden base and structural frame

• Wooden framing for each triangular section

• Stained glass panels (collaboratively created)

• Psychedelic visual compositions on each panel

• Backup plexiglass panels (pre-cut for reliability)

💸 Why I’m Fundraising

I’m currently fundraising to bring this project to life.

We were fortunate to have our work accepted for display under the canopy at center camp. However, we're responsible for raising funds to the full cost of building and installing the piece through community support. 

Your contributions will go directly toward:

• Physical materials — including wood for the base and framing, stained glass, hardware, and structural components
• Fabrication costs — tools, assembly, and preparation needed to safely build the installation
• Skilled labor support — a small stipend for a build lead and experienced fabricators who will help guide the process and train volunteers
• Volunteer support — providing meals and basic care for the team during build days