I (Dave) am freshly back from Lumieria's 17th trip to Black Rock City.

During the week leading up to Labor Day each year, immersed in the stark natural beauty of the Black Rock desert, this is where the worlds's best installation art comes alive to shimmer and tease those who answer this special festival's call.

As a lighting and installation artist myself, the journey is almost irresistible. It is an important trip on multiple levels for both me personally, and Lumieria professionally. For me there is an emotional teardown and rebirth involved as I dive into a place that feels so deeply like true Home. The week is also chance to reconnect with some of my favorite people in the world, and also a rare chance to network with others who've chosen the crazy profession of interactive installation art.

A few years ago I made a conscious choice to make a shift from once-a-year Playa projects to developing a year-round presence for Lumieria. Still focused on building opportunities in Austin, I did not lead an installation project on the Playa this year. It is hard to sit on those sidelines though, so I jumped into a supporting role and had a great time supporting a friend and fellow artist as he brought his own installation to life (East Black Rock, by David Brandt).

My almost yearly pilgrimage to the desert changes me in so many positive ways, and this year, like most, did not disappoint! The outpouring of creativity, festivity and camaraderie amidst the desert's stunning natural beauty absolutely rocks my world, and massively influences the works I myself am inspired to create at Lumieria. Again, I return dusty, deeply inspired, and primed to move!

There are two light sculpture projects that are currently on Lumieria's radar. Both would deliver in mid-November. Until I know which one will land, I'm going to keep them both as a sparkly secret, waiting to be let out. When the time is right, I look forward to sharing my next endeavor with all of you.

Until soon...

Dave