WeAreVeryAmused

UK CORE 2012: We Are Very Amused

Physical Description
Length: 20’
Width:20’
Height: 13’

Four Victorian Gothic towers are at each corner of the plot, within each is explored either a different aspect of British life. At the centre of these towers is an antique globe showing the British Empire in sheet copper. The rest of the world is wood-coloured and the seas are pale blue/cream. The regions of the British Empire are exaggerated in size. Mock stone steps lead to the entrance of the sphere. Inside the globe is a luxuriously decorated Steampunk interior with a circular pleather Chesterfield-style sofa. Aspects of the great British culture are explored within this cosy space.

Someone has climbed up onto the globe. It’s just the Queen wearing a Britannia costume complete with Union Jack figure hugging dress. She is at Burning Man after all. She’s having a great time. She’s on top of the world! Her dress is hitched up to her waist showing her purple, frilly knickers. Bless her!

Surrounding the globe are old tea chests for sitting.

Interactivity
Besides the sound component inside the globe, there will be plenty of opportunities for Brit Burners to install various interactive components, still to be discussed.

Materials
The four towers and steps are constructed of 2x3 lumber sheathed in ¾” ply.
Surface detailing is CNC ½” ply panels.

The globe, depending on budget and time could be:
a) timber-framed geodesic sphere sheathed with hexagonal and triangular ½” ply
b) cut rib sections strengthened with 2x3 lumber and sheathed in ½” ply
c) bent and glued framed 2-ply forming sectional ribs, sheathed in ½” ply.

Her Majesty consists of a timber and chicken-wire frame torso with a dress draped over. Her legs and arms are a chicken wire armature covered in PVA bandages and stockings. While her regal head is made in a similar fashion to her limbs except sanded and sculpted to a high degree showing maximum detail of her Spitting Image style features at twice the scale!

Sound Component
Soundbites of various different regional accents giving examples of British culture, humour and general sounds of everyday life in the UK. British burners can also describe their experiences of travelling to Burning Man.

Build Schedule
Dependent on the crew size and complexity that the budget allows, between 2-3 weeks prefabrication and five construction days on playa.