The invitation

The invitation

Breaking open the pod allows a visceral experience of various textures while revealing the nested contents

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

The invitation

The invitation

The scroll tied with twine containing invitation details is revealed

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

The invitation

The invitation

Questions for the participants to consider are included with the invitation

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

The Pyre

The Pyre

The Pyre sculpture is highlighted in a room of reverence

The Pyre

The Pyre

Collected wood lashed with twine and decorated with gauze

The Pyre

The Pyre

Participants could view, touch, and commune with the sculptural Pyre

Kindling

Kindling

A forest of materials assembled and hung from branches for participants to use in creating kindling packets

Kindling

Kindling

Two questions were posed to participants - What do you want to lay to rest? and What fires do you want to start?

The invitation

The invitation

The delivered package reveals a mysterious pod with simple instructions

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Kindling

Kindling

Creating kindling and community

Kindling

Kindling

Artful Kindling Creations

Photo Credit: Phillip O'Toole

Kindling

Kindling

Once completed kindling could be lashed to or hung on the pyre

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Kindling

Kindling

A kindling packet being lashed to the pyre

PhotKindlingo Credit: Chas Kennedy

The spirit of the flame imbibed

The spirit of the flame imbibed

The ritual of a flaming cocktail is offered to participants so inclined

Photo Credit: Phillip O'Toole

Funerary procession

Funerary procession

A flame lantern leads the Pyre bearers to Giggly Hills

Photo Credit: Phillip O'Toole

Funerary procession

Funerary procession

Flag bears the flaming heart symbol

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Lighting the Pyre

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Tending the flames

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Burdens released and fires lit

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Ritual & Community

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Burning ritual

Burning ritual

Fireworks Finale

Photo Credit: Chas Kennedy

Art Project #1 (Redux) Teaser Trailer

Art Project #1 (Redux)

Pyre sculpture and Funerary Performance 2015

Role: Co-Creator

Materials included: Wood, twine, gauze, matches & fireworks

A wooden sculpture/pyre and funerary ritual at a private residence and a public park along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis on February 14, 2015.

Collaborators: Co-Creator: Erin Lavelle