In relation to the Honor of being asked to share this art form with The Burning Man community for this event I am deeply moved and inspired.

Imagine—an open playa cold and dark—a sudden burst of flame in the distant horizon –
The flame grows larger as a glowing Directional vessel of Fire floats across the plain of vision—you think it’s a beast- you think it’s???- You look again not believing what you see as this vessel comes into view as you walk /ride towards this light.- You are getting closer and you see a group of people in costume celebrating the gift of the fire. You choose to join the group and walk along feeding and pushing this vessel—people chant dance and reflect on the happenings stimulated by amazing imagery created by the vessel in their minds…… a voyage begins…

In studying the heritage of my relatives, The Vikings of Scandinavia, I have been inspired to create these forms of sculpture. In this voyage I have appropriated some of the terminology and imagery into my work. I have decided to use the term Naust as a key for this project as its meaning is of a safe haven or harbor. During the Viking era these Nausts were a place of rest, building, repair, and celebration of a success filled voyage. The Nausts were a center for trade and the base of family life for these people. The Vikings are responsible for the sea going vessels of humanity and are the earliest culture to venture and dominate the seas of this earth. Their gift to the art of travel by sea going vessel has influenced all transportation and the elevation of culture, as we know it today.

Hence this homage to a primitive yet elevated culture. The four marks, North, South, East, and West around the central axis (The Man) of this years event using the directional vessels of fire will lend to the potency of this years event. Exact locations around The Man will depict the Nausts of the Directional Vessels of Fire of which by day
are the resting-places of the vessels. A fire-breathing flagpole defines the Nausts with flag representing the Vessel and the direction. By night an individual vessel will be chosen to make a mobile voyage along the Esplanade bringing celebration and warmth to the surrounding city. The nightly voyage ending at its Naust. This will instigate a group of participants to take part in this voyage creating a nightly community moving around the open playa from Island to island. Art cars and specific-reloading islands will provide the fuel (wood). The persons choosing to man the voyage designate the direction and movement of the vessel along the way…

With the inspirational support of the participants of our world these things will happen. This weeklong celebration of life “ART” is ready for this venture filled voyage.
The “Encompassment” will bring forth-another level of transformation to the group, as many will choose to take part in this expedition.

The persons choosing to take part will become part of the Encompassment procession to bringing the Vessels Home for the Burning Of the Man. Along with this we will have our Theme Camp (once Hearth Camp now Sparseland) participants lead the four vessels as the helmsmen. We will also leave open the possibilities of the fire conclave to be a large part of this whole project. We are not looking for a big display. simply homage to the event and to the originators of the sea voyage, the Vikings.

North “Naust of Infanity “

The marker of the infinite voyage of life-This sculpture depicts the movement of the fire child through life’s journey-A belly full of ember and mouth spewing fire

South “Naust of Gantry ”

The marker of the dancing fire-This sculpture depicts the rocking motion of open seas
Two heads of a beast rocking to and fro filled with fire the beating sounds of thunder

West“Naust of Paleo”

The Rune marker of primitive times –this sculpture depicts a illuminated history of the sea through primitive symbols cut into the sides of the vessel-a large tail of a fish like creature.

East“Naust of Corsair”
The marker of the swirling waters-this sculpture depicts an abstracted ship ablaze- as the rotating body of the ship encircles the mast as it spins tinkling high pitch bells chime.