Fire Arts Guild's topics - tribe.net

Bodhisattva Spin Jam skill share in Ashland OR

liquidfiremantra — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:43:28 GMT

Bodhisattva Spin Jam

Focussed Creative play space for Bodhisattva's to share skills, wisdom and community. Conscious music guiding our exploration. Come practice skill toys like poi, staff, hula hoop, juggling, and explore movement arts like, contact dance, martial arts, free form ecstatic dance, also musical synergy with, drumming, didgeridoo, etc.. You get the idea. :)
A on going event every Tuesday, 8:30pm till 11:00
Located at the Oak Street Dance studio.
1287 Oak Street, Ashland, OR.
$5-10 sliding scale

mail@liquidfiremantra.com
www.liquidfiremantra.com

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Fire GIG OPPS: 10.26 SD,CA ~10.27 LA,CA ~ 10.27 Atl,GA

creativeflame — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:04:51 GMT

Fire GIG OPPS: 10.26 SD,CA ~10.27 LA,CA ~ 10.27 Atl,GA

10.26 San Diego, CA
10.27 Santa Clarita,CA
10.27 Atlanta, GA

As always, there is Pay

10/26 San Diego Area
Wanted: Male/female Duo
short vignette acts
Fire & other jester-ish ability
4-7 PM spot work.
* preference given to multitalents, insured performers &
existing pairs who have worked together previously.
* Solo performers also welcome to submit availability

10/27 Santa Clarita, CA / LA area
Wanted: 3 performers: Fire dancers.
One performance 20-25 min.
No specific skills or talents specified.
sat 10/27 apx 9 PM.
* preference given to multitalents, insured performers &
existing pairs who have worked together previously.
* Solo performers also welcome to submit availability

10/27 Atlanta, GA
Wanted: 2 fire dancers. 1 male, one female.
Also: Silk performer aerialist.
* Does not have to reside in Atl area, but preference given to
proximity to south east US area.

Submit availability via email ASAP
to Creative Flame:
bash@firetalent.com

I also find last minute avails by checking my tribe page,
So send me an invite, so I see you when you're on.

people.tribe.net/creativeflame

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FireDrums V ~ Cinco de Mayo weekend

sky — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 22:20:50 GMT

This will be our fifth FireDrums gathering and we've planned more workshops for fire and flow arts, drumming, yoga and even a Reiki circle. The Santa Cruz redwoods are both incredibly energizing and yet at the same time magically peaceful and serene. This being our fourth year and the fifth gathering, we have grown a wonderful collective of volunteers to help organize and make this opportunity the best possible learning and sharing experience. Please check out the web site and tribe @ ~ http://firedrums.org ~ http://firedrums.tribe.net

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GIG OPP: Upstate NY fire Performer & stiltwalker Needed:

creativeflame — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:52:22 GMT

GIG OPP: Upstate NY fire Performer & stiltwalker Needed:

Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse area.
memorial Day-ish
We had a fall through performer.
need a backup
Maybe 2.
1 male 1 female.
THERE IS PAY.

contact

Bash ~
Creative Flame
Bash@firetalent.com
(310) 720 7201

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GIG OPP: Female: Laguna Beach Sun 10/9

creativeflame — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 17:06:03 GMT

8PM. Preferred proximity to laguna.

Sun 10/9 fire gig opp from Creative Flame.
2-3 tools necessary.
There is pay.
Call (310) 720 7201
Bash

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Fire Safety needed tonite

Raiden — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:12:49 GMT

I need a safety in Costa Mesa. Our 2 shows are at 9:30 and 10:15 the pay is $50.00
Contact me ASAP
Blessings,
Courtney
raiden@infernoinc.com

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Hookadome wednesday night fire jam

SummerSaharSupaStar — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:41:03 GMT

It's that time again! Bring your fire toys and non flammable-clothing for the 3rd annual, much-more-organized-than-last-year-with-RAD-DJ's-lined-up HOOKAHDOME FIRE JAMBOREE! We have some GREAT DJ's lined up for your uninterrupted dancing/watching/spinning pleasure, so come play in the hookahdome's front yard! The jam starts around 9pm (a little after sundown) and goes until you either use up your fuel or your arms fall off. We hope the latter doesn't happen.
Hookahdome is located in the 3 o'clock plaza and Esplanade-ish. Big dome. Fire torches in the front yard. Can't miss it.

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FireDrums IV Sept 28 - Oct 1

sky — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:26:11 GMT

http://firedrums.tribe.net/thread/9b3ffac0-4268-43ff-ab20-62784aa1490e
Please check out this thread and join us for the 4th FireDrums gathering in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains September 28th thru October 1st.

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New Fire Swap Tribe (cross post)

JAHnina — Thu, 25 May 2006 16:49:31 GMT

Hey fire freaks! There's a new tribe for people like us. It's called the Fire Swap and it's a place where fire artists can buy, trade, and sell fire equipment (new and used!), fire costuming, ideas, and instruction.

Come check it out!

http://tribes.tribe.net/fireswap

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Re: 14th Annual World Fire Knife Championships! May 18-20th

kenrom — Fri, 19 May 2006 21:24:56 GMT

[***Cross-posted from Hawaii Fire Artists Tribe***]

Laie, Hawaii--Twenty warriors from around the globe gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center, on the North Shore of O'ahu Thursday evening, in what was a momentous start to the 14th Annual World Fire Knife competition. There were some truly inspiring performances witnessed... And more than a few instances where warriors' performances simply fell apart. (oi!)

From the first night's results, it's obvious that World Champion, 16 year old Mikaele Oloa, is still 'dominating the dojo' with several new and *SICK!* combinations that have not been seen before in the WFK championships.

A variety of new and highly daring moves were seen from several of the competitors last night, raising the bar on the sport's already spectacular level of skill.

Several other participants also put forth respectable performances last night--notably Yuji-Alex, Japan's first competitor, in what has been known to be a Polynesian-dominated event. Yuji, who's stage name includes "Alex," took the western name in honor of former WFK Champion Alex Galeai, whom has been his principal inspiration. Unfortunately, Yuji's fireknives were confiscated while checking in for his flight from Japan. Upon arrival he notified the WFK authorities, and they arranged for Yuji to get a set of replacement fireknives to perform with--from none other than Alex Galeai! himself Although Yuji did not make the semi-finals, he did put forth a lot of heart and a very well executed routine that really connected with the crowd.

The competition continues tonight with the nine Senior Semi-Finalists, as well as the Junior and Intermediate classes.

Check out the action tonight, if you can!

TALOFA!

+kenrom-

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Green Flame

rheo — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 05:21:46 GMT

Can anyone tell me how to make my fire green?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 35 replies

Jeff Thomas aka Dr. Fuckoffski aka Guy Frommage RIP

lamabombpruf — Sun, 12 Feb 2006 03:55:46 GMT

Dear Friends,
It saddens me to see our friend Jeff Thomas died this mornimg on his bicycle....Those of us that knew him either from the early days of Flam Chen, The All Souls Procession, the WTO in Seattle, on the Playa, or time spent with Magmavox. Jeff was a charasmatic and brillant individual as well one of the best fire performers I have seen and a damn funny clown too...His knack for getting under peoples skin was amazing and frustrating at the same time...however, there was definitely a method to the madness.
We will miss him and I will keep an update on this thread.
posted by:

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New Zealand Fire Artists Tribe - New

Epiphany — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 02:56:33 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/nzfire

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Fire in Thailand

smokydavy — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 18:47:08 GMT

So I know there's a spinjam in Bangkok near Koa San rd.. But now I've found one in Chiang Mai that apparently happens every Sunday at 5pm (pending rain) at the "Three Kings Monument" or Sam Ga Sat, by the walking street market.

I'm gonna be here for the next 2 weeks studying various things, and there's a crew of SF people that will hopefully be coming out too. Would love to see others heading thru trying to make it..

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Fire/Poi Spinning at Burning Man 05

RogerLai — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 18:44:54 GMT

---------------------------------------------
** Fire Spinning and Poi at Burning Man 05 **
---------------------------------------------

Here is my annual list of everything I could find in term of fire and poi spinning on the playa. Burning Man is HUGE and I’m sure I’m missing a lot of events.

I’m a big spinning geek (obviously), but NO, I’m not planning to attend all of these things. This is just an easy reference. I will definitely be at the Wed night jam at Hookahdome, though, since I used to camp with them.

Roger/Orbit
Orbit [at] wackyfunstuff [daht] com
At BM05: Winking Lotus, Esplanade and 6:15

--------------------------------------

------
MONDAY
------

Noonish Juggling - Center Camp (every day at noonish)

9-12pm every night
Fire Spinning/Drum Circle
Bring your fire toys and/or glowy things and show your stuff. We will have music, drums and safety gear. Nightly, beginning one hour after the sun sets (playa time) until we drop or the fuel runs out. Fuel donations accepted.
Location: The Fire Station (Shangri-La Village), 7:30 and Fetish

-------
TUESDAY
-------

Noonish Juggling - Center Camp (every day at noonish)

1-4pm
Make Practice Poi
Before you begin to spin with fire, you probably want to learn with some poi that is not on fire. We are bringing supplies to make a variety of different types of practice and dancing poi. Supplies are limited, so come earlier in the week if you want to have an option of what kind of poi to create. You can come by and use supplies any time during the day, and fairies will be on hand to help you during the "scheduled sessions" listed in the What Where When.
Location: Fairyland in Avalon Synapse Station, 7:30 and Catharsis

3-4 pm
Fire Spinning Workshops - Colored Flame Effects and Alcohol Fueled Poi
Instructor - Snohomish
Spin poi in Rainbow Colors! Learn how it's done at this one-time-only workshop. Bring paper and pen if you want to take notes. Free intermediate-advanced poi lessons given after the class. Bring poi or Zunies, both are welcome!
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

4-6pm
Fire Spinning Lessons and Poi Making Workshop
In the first hour, we'll show you how to make both practice poi and fire poi. Materials for making practice poi will be provided for the first 25 people. At 5pm, spinning lessons will begin. Focus will be on poi, but instruction on staff and meteor will also be available. Bring your own toys or make practice poi with us before the lessons. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels are all welcome! Class size will be limited to 30 people. And attention all fire-hoopers! Our hooper would love to jam/teach/learn with you.
Location: The Alchemists, 8:15 and Delirium

9-12pm every night
Fire Spinning/Drum Circle
Bring your fire toys and/or glowy things and show your stuff. We will have music, drums and safety gear. Nightly, beginning one hour after the sun sets (playa time) until we drop or the fuel runs out. Fuel donations accepted.
Location: The Fire Station (Shangri-La Village), 7:30 and Fetish

---------
WEDNESDAY
---------

Noonish Juggling - Center Camp (every day at noonish)

4-5:30 pm
Fire Spinning Workshops - Staff Workshop
Instructor – Anna
Tips and trick for staff spinning.
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

6-7 pm
Fire Spinning Workshops - Staff Tossing
Instructor - Carla
Come learn the art of staff tossing, or just come to practice and hang out... some practice staves will be available, but if you have your own, bring it along!
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

7-8 pm
Fire Spinning Workshops - Fire Breathing
Instructor - Taggert
Want to learn to breathe fire? Come learn the basics. This will be a water practice and instruction only, so please bring water!
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

SUNSET
Fire at Kidsville
Please come at dusk, bring your fire AND safety equipment. One area will be designated for fueling and spinning off. We almost always have more than one performer burning at a time; please make certain to watch for the children while performing. If you have friends that love drumming and making music, please invite them as well.
Stop by at dusk; the performance will probably last no longer than an hour and a half; still plenty of time to perform at other gatherings on the playa. Ask for Kyro and/or Hans.
Location: Kidsville, 5:30 and Ego

7-10pm
Fire Into The White Hot Night
On the Burning Man Website, there is a listing for a show at Camp DreamTree. This was listed without the troupes agreeing to perform, so this show probably won’t happen.

9:00pm-11:00pm
Bigass Fire Jam at Hookahdome
Hey you! Yup-YOU! Come and show off your 8-beat-inverted-behind-the-back-reverse-with-a-full-twist-weave! Or, you can just show us your best butterfly! Either way, do it in front of the Hookahdome Wednesday night, say, around 9ish, or a little after you decide you're done howling at the moonrise. All fire performers are welcome, so bring your favorite fire tool or seven, and march on down to be a part of one of the biggest fire jams since, well, last year in front of the Hookahdome (which was huge. Trust me.)! If you'd like your own music played, bring it! Otherwise, our finest resident DJ's will spin some yummy beats for you to get down and dirty with.
Location: Hookahdome, Esplanade and 3:30

11pm
Cirque Berzerk
Circus show with fire finale by Roo from Mutaytor
Location: Big-top circus tent, 2:00 and Amnesia

9-12pm every night
Fire Spinning/Drum Circle
Bring your fire toys and/or glowy things and show your stuff. We will have music, drums and safety gear. Nightly, beginning one hour after the sun sets (playa time) until we drop or the fuel runs out. Fuel donations accepted.
Location: The Fire Station (Shangri-La Village), 7:30 and Fetish

10pm
Nasu Dyami Memorial Procession
Meeting at fire cauldron in Center Camp around 10pm.
Will have a procession from cauldron to Nasu's shrine and proceeding
from there to the Man. We'll have a memorial service at the Man
including lots of evocative fire play and memories. Please join us
while we reminisce.
Location: Center Camp, process to The Man.

Midnight
21-Gallon Salute to Nasu Dynami
The Synapses sculpture project involved groups from 6 different cities, and involved many members of the fire spinning community.
Location: Synapses, between the Man and the temple, near the big head.
http://www.howhowhow.com

--------
THURSDAY
--------

noon
Home of Poi Meet & Greet
Location: Center Camp facing the man (noon)

Noonish Juggle - Center Camp (every day at noonish)

3-4 pm
Fire Spinning Workshops - Hoop Jam
Instructor – Sass
A hoop jam, a'la monday night playtime style, with everyone exchanging moves and getting their groove on
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

4-5:30pm
Fire Spinning Workshops – Broadsword
Instructor – Anna
Learn broadsword (which can even be translated to a lit broadsword!). Workshop covers basic moves, correct forms and stances, and more!
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

4-6pm
Fire Spinning Lessons and Poi Making Workshop
In the first hour, we'll show you how to make both practice poi and fire poi. Materials for making practice poi will be provided for the first 25 people. At 5pm, spinning lessons will begin. Focus will be on poi, but instruction on staff and meteor will also be available. Bring your own toys or make practice poi with us before the lessons. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels are all welcome! Class size will be limited to 30 people. And attention all fire-hoopers! Our hooper would love to jam/teach/learn with you.
Location: The Alchemists, 8:15 and Delirium

7-8pm
Ocean of Fire
The Ocean of Fire project is an open call to all BM fire breathers. We will attempt to break the current Guiness world record for largest number of simultaneous fire breathers in a single act.
http://www.geocities.com/burningbreathers/
Location: Fire Conclave Convergence (near Center Camp) or The Man?

7-8pm Thurs and Fri
Joi of Poi
Learn the basics of swinging your way to a new kind of zen with poi play. Find out about planes, basic forward and backward moves, the butterfly, three-beat weave, and simple stalls. There is nothing like a good whack in the head to fine-tune your body awareness. Bring your own poi, or borrow ours.
Location: Winking Lotus, Esplanade and Feedback Loop (6:15)

7-9pm
Hoopdown at the Hookahdome
HOOPERS!!! Come bring your hula hoops and gyrate along with other fantastic hoopers in a gigantic hooptastic blowout in front of the hookahdome! This event will take place at sunset (because really, who wears a watch out on the playa?!). Bring your own music or hoop to the yummy beats of the Hookahdome's resident DJ's! Come hoop! Make friends! Eat spam!
Location: Hookahdome, Esplanade and 3:30

8-9pm
Fire Opera: Oedipus Sex,: A Flaming Psycho-Sexual Thriller
Oedipus has been a bad boy. He kills his father, screws his mother, rips out his own eyes and inspires a century of misbegotten psychotherapy. Salon Soleil presents this timeless tale as told through fire dance and twisted drama. Join us and dazzle in the spinning, flaming bodies! Cheer the laments of the Chorus! Solve the riddle of the Sphynx! And if you’re lucky, we may even put you on the couch…
Location: Salon Soleil, Ego and 7:00

9-12pm every night
Fire Spinning/Drum Circle
Bring your fire toys and/or glowy things and show your stuff. We will have music, drums and safety gear. Nightly, beginning one hour after the sun sets (playa time) until we drop or the fuel runs out. Fuel donations accepted.
Location: The Fire Station (Shangri-La Village), 7:30 and Fetish

10-11pm
Fire Conclave Sneak-Peek
Come get energized for The Burn as Phoenix Projekt and Colorado Fire Tribe get the heat started with a breath-taking preview of their burn night fire conclave performances and more... there is talk of spinning to the worst music you can find.
Location: Phoenix Projekt / Freedom Community Village, 7:30 and Bipolar

11pm
Hot Sex
Jennifer Steele’s sexy fire show (This is an adult event)
“We were so happy with how things turned out in 2004, we've decided to step things up, because BIGGER IS BETTER! However, we felt there was too much talent that walked away with nothing, so we're going to give prizes to many categories, such as best technical spinning, originality, style, group coordination, and of course, sexiest. We're also working on providing a bigger and less slippery stage that will easily support stilts and larger groups. Any suggestions on how we can make this even better will be discussed on our camp messageboard. Please feel free to contribute, and thanks to all the amazing talent that performed at the 2004 event.”
Location: Location pending

------
FRIDAY
------

Noonish Juggle - Center Camp (every day at noonish)

1-4pm
Make Practice Poi
Before you begin to spin with fire, you probably want to learn with some poi that is not on fire. We are bringing supplies to make a variety of different types of practice and dancing poi. Supplies are limited, so come earlier in the week if you want to have an option of what kind of poi to create. You can come by and use supplies any time during the day, and fairies will be on hand to help you during the "scheduled sessions" listed in the What Where When.
Location: Fairyland in Avalon Synapse Station, 7:30 and Catharsis

3-6pm
flow rEvolution at Temple of Poi
This is an on-playa version of Temple of Poi’s “flow rEvolution.”
Location: Temple of Poi in Avalon Synapse Station, 7:30 and Catharsis

7-8pm Thurs and Fri
Joi of Poi
Learn the basics of swinging your way to a new kind of zen with poi play. Find out about planes, basic forward and backward moves, the butterfly, three-beat weave, and simple stalls. There is nothing like a good whack in the head to fine-tune your body awareness. Bring your own poi, or borrow ours.
Location: Winking Lotus, Esplanade and Feedback Loop (6:15)

9-10pm
Temple of Poi Conclave show/dress rehearsal
Location: Temple of Poi in Avalon Synapse Station, 7:30 and Catharsis

9-12pm every night
Fire Spinning/Drum Circle
Bring your fire toys and/or glowy things and show your stuff. We will have music, drums and safety gear. Nightly, beginning one hour after the sun sets (playa time) until we drop or the fuel runs out. Fuel donations accepted.
Location: The Fire Station (Shangri-La Village), 7:30 and Fetish

11pm
Cirque Berzerk
Circus show with fire finale by Roo from Mutaytor
Location: Big-top circus tent, 2:00 and Amnesia

11pm
Ring of Fire
At 11pm on Friday evening all performers are invited to walk to a point
along the esplanade of their choosing, light up, and show their
stuff. If we get enough people we will create a beautiful "Ring of
Fire" along the esplanade all the way from 2:00 to 10:00.
The signal to begin will be when the watch on your arm says 11:00pm. If
you are like most people and don't wear a watch on the playa, look to
2:00 on the esplanade, and light up when those people do.
Location: The Esplanade

Midnight
Temple of Poi Show
Location: Friends and Family, 2:00 and Amnesia

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

hooking up to play on the playa

analogia — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 05:09:22 GMT

hey kidz-

spreading the word that i'll be teaching informal workshops in movement as it pertains to spinning. that includes deep partner work, wrestling style-whole body movements, contact improv and partner staff.

it'd be fun to have folks to play with.

i'll be attempting to do regular sessions at the cafe either in the ring getting into it, or to the side where room can be found. if we get crowded. there's lots to staff spinning that doesn't involve the staff- check this stuff out.

so i'm saying about 3ish at the cafe. i look like the guy in a few of my photos :) and i've been renamed 'el magnifico', which i'll respond to with a smile ;}

peace
-Andres

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Burner Art On Ebay to Raise money for poor burner

Maredith — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 14:05:01 GMT

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll

all proceeds from this auction go to local friend (burningman friend) who
needs the $$ for a home....

check it out... this is a one of a kind painting...
those of you know that he doesn't paint this style at
all.. this is a ONE OF A KIND....

here's your chance to get something that no one will
ever have anything like.... frank will not paint this
style ever again... this was the ONE and ONLY like
this...

atleast go check it out... so the visitor counter at
the bottom can go up. :)

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Fire Arts Festival at the Crucible - Artists/Performers/Instructors wanted

Tabasco — Thu, 19 May 2005 18:27:10 GMT

CALL FOR FIRE AND LIGHT ARTISTS, PERFORMERS, INSTRUCTORS AND VOLUNTEERS

The Crucible presents the 2005 Fire Arts Festival
Tuesday through Sunday, July 12-17, 2005

The Fire Arts Festivals is an art exposition celebrating and showcasing innovative works of art that incorporate fire and or light, with workshops, lectures, installations, and performances.

We invite you to submit an application to our 2005 Fire Arts Festival.

The Fire Arts Festival will take place July 12-17 at The Crucible’s 48,000 square foot industrial arts facility and nearby 200,000 square foot outdoor arena in West Oakland. There will be a full program of arts and educational events throughout the five days and evenings, including lectures, classes, artist talks, and arts demonstrations. The highlight will be the many fire performances and fire and light sculptures featured in the outdoor exhibition arena on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

This year’s Fire Arts Festival will be presented with sponsorship from Pasha and Laney Thornton, City of Oakland, the Tagami Family, Jack London Square, Oakland Magazine, Clear Channel,
Kamps Propane, Bay City Pyrotector, San Francisco Bay Gaurdian, Cresco Rentals and the City of Oakland’s Fire and Police Departments. Together we'd like to invite you, as a practicing artist to participate.

The mission of the Fire Arts Festival

The summer of 2005 marks the fifth annual Fire Arts Festival, galvanizing education and growth of the fire arts community both on the West Coast and nationally.

The Fire Arts Festival is a one of a kind showcase of innovative works of fire and light art, performances and classes. We offer the community a dedicated space and resources that gives them a unique learning and collaborative opportunity. Through providing a meeting place for artists, performers, teachers, students and City officials to share information, the Fire Arts Festival engenders and promotes fire safety and education like no other organization.

How to get involved

As an artist, performer or instructor, you will have ample set-up and breakdown time as well as be included in our promotional materials for the event.

If you are interested in participating as an installation artist, performer or instructor, please go to www.thecrucible.org/calendar..._05_call.html and follow the links to: teach a class, display art or perform

Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on June 15th, but in order to be included in advanced promotional materials and considered for funding assistance, we must hear from you by 5:00pm on Friday June 6th.

There are many other ways to get involved with the fifth annual Fire Arts Festival if you’re unable to teach, perform or bring your installation art to the event. For more information of how to contribute please go to www.thecrucible.org/calendar..._05_app_volunteers.html.

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, July 12th:
-Youth program classes and field trips: 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:pm

Wednesday, July 13th:
-Youth program classes and field trips: 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:pm
-The Crucible hosts Burning Man's Desert Art Preview: 7:00pm-11:00pm, see and hear
what this year’s honorarium artists are creating for Black Rock City, and highlights of the theme
and grant process from members of the Burning Man art department.

Thursday, July 14th:
- Fire & Light: Benefit Auction Soiree $75, 6:30- 11:00pm, featuring an aerial performance,
a live bronze pour, and exclusive preview of our Fire Arts Arena. All proceeds from our Art
Auction support The Crucible’s Youth and Adult educational and outreach programs.

Friday, July 15th:
- Fire Arts Arena Show: Lightning From Above $25, 8:00pm-Midnight

Saturday, July 16th:
- Intensive workshops: 10:00am- 6:00pm, please visit our website for details
- Crucible Family Open House: 3pm – 6pm with a Fire Arts Arena showing
- Fire Arts Arena Show: Magma From Within $25, 8:00pm-Midnight

Sunday, July 17th:
- Intensive workshops: 10:00am- 6:00pm, please visit our website for details
- Closing ceremony: 6:00pm

For more information about The Crucible please go to our website at www.thecrucible.org

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you and working together on this exciting event!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

SUMMER POI AND STAFF WORKSHOPS!

fuckinSqueek — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 20:02:21 GMT

SANTA BARBARA POI AND STAFF WORKSHOPS!!!!

The start date is June 19th! at 1 p.m. till 3 p.m.
At Kids World Park downtown on Garden and Sola

It would be nice if you could bring your own tools, but heres your options. We will have limited practice staff's, and you can talk to Brian at the Juggling Store downtown Behind the old Hot Spots parking lot. Talk to Brian about any Tool info.

Practice Staff's will be $15

Individual classes will be $7
If you choose to take both Poi and Staff workshops it will be $10

Poi workshop starts at 1 p.m.
Staff workshop starts at 2 p.m.

Classes 1 through 6 will be going over Poi and Staff movements

The LAST class, class 7 on July 31st will be:
NAFAA Safety Standards
And the Lit Class

Requirements for the lit class will be:
A) You MUST attend the safety class
B) You MUST be proficient in your tool(s) of choice
C) And you must have your own fire equipment

Poi And Staff Workshops: 7 classes: EVERY SUNDAY :Start Date, June 19th: End Date, July 31st
Where? Kids World Park on Garden and Sola
When? June 19th at 1 P.M.

Any questions? Contact me at Gaberael@gmail.com
OR Ryan at ryanmoray@gmail.com

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Open fire safety seminar and demo!

Maltese — Tue, 17 May 2005 21:59:28 GMT

The Phoenix Projekt Fire Conclave will be hosting a fire safety seminar and demo open to the community, and everyone's invited to attend. A Marx Bros. representative (no relation to Groucho, Chico, Harpo, or Gummo) will be on hand to demonstrate proper use and handling of extinguishers, as well as to share knowledge from one of the most respected names in the fire safety business.

Points to be covered include, but are not limited to:

*Proper use, storage, and handling of safety equipment and fuels.
*Which type of extinguisher to use on which type of fire.
*Flash and flame points of various fuels, and discerning the differences between these.
*Regulations (county and otherwise) governing safety equipment and practices.

Finally, at the end of the course, each person will take a turn choosing an extinguisher and using it to put out a contained 6' x 6' inferno. (And if you think spinning fire is exciting - as it definitely is - just wait 'til you get to put a huge one out!)

The fee for the class is $15, which covers recharging of equipment as well as the chemical replacement.

The location is: 10275 Sunland Blvd., in Shadow Hills (just off the 210 fwy.) The time and date will be June 12th, at 12:00 noon. Richard (the Marx Bros. rep) will notify the fire dept. of the event. See you there!

- Anna Maltese (Shin, Phoenix Projekt)

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

flame throwers

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:06:41 GMT

hey ...wondering.? How does one start to build a flame thrower? how minie could one build one if she new how? i kinda have a idea on how to build but not really...
thanks....
jelly

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

local southbay fire artists, FIRE MONKIES are calling...

Miranda — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 23:19:31 GMT

Hello all creatures of FIRE,

We're putting out the call to all ~ anyone interested in joining the Southbay Fire Monkey's (who are part of the San Francisco Fire Conclave)... read on.

DEETS:
Crimson says that this year, very few new groups will be added, so since the monkies were part of the Fire Conclave last year, we're able to continue participation of being part of the Great Circle... that is IF we work hard to develop a performance (that Crimson must approve) to lend to the energy of the great circle (more deets on what this all means at our first meeting next week).

WHAT THIS IS:
- A group of committed fire artists that will spin in the great circle on the night the man burns.
This means:
-showing up to 90% of the weekly practices (safety's will have less rehearsals to attend)
-perfecting your fire art as an artist -or- being part of the ever-important safety team
-showing up to the mandatory SF fire conclave practices at BM Hdqtrs (typically last sun of each month)
-showing up to the mandatory ON PLAYA practice (typically the Friday night before the burn)
-being an active, positive, contributing member of the team (being willing to help out when asked)

WHAT THIS IS NOT:
-a "free-for-all, join at the last minute cause I want a good seat for the burn" thing
-hummm, I'm not sure, so I'll just suck the marrow from this group for awhile while I decide...thing
-drama club

Yeah, yeah, I know... what a hard-ass. I just want to make sure that everyone knows that this is a serious performance troupe that will be requiring a commitment from it's members. Now that that's out of the way...

FIRST MEETING: MONDAY APRIL 18th 7PM
Our first meeting will be at Miranda's Crib in downtown San Jose. You'll get all the deets on what Crimson's looking for from us (and by the way, we're super late with our proposal, so we'll really need to focus at this meeting to develop a plan). I've included excerpts from her email at the very bottom/below so that you can catch the flavor of it and be able to percolate on some ideas to bring with you to the meeting.

RSVP:
Please let me know if you are coming by Sunday April 17th. If you can't come to the meeting, but want in- let me know that too as from here on out we'll be communicating through the Southbay Fire Monkey yahoogroup.

Thanks all, hope I did not freak you out (in a bad way) ;)

Miranda
Southbay Fire Monkey
Freelance Human

Crimson writes:

But the more serious question is . . . I have no idea what you all
would be proposing for this year.
February 1 was the deadline for submissions for the first idea. We are
now into April. Since the group is going through changes I will give
you all a bit of slack . . . but only a little.
This is the information that was send out last year. Let me know what
you are planning on creating.

We need to think about how ENERGY of movement flows around the Great
Circle. Similar to what we did with the processions a few years ago.
The Great Circle starts blank without fire, then an action at 7
o'clock, then something at 2 o'clock, then a gathering a dancers at 5
o'clock that grows and grows then diminished, then traveling energy
around the circle. Imagine the beautiful Birds, moving around the
circle. All choreographed and cued.

ENERGY GROWS THERE IS EXPANSION CONTRACTION
LINES OF ENERGY
CIRCLES OF ENERGY
SPIRATIC HUMAN COMBUSTION

Think about how the energy of dancers move through a space, move
together, move apart.
Those that utilize choreography will know this very well.

PHASE ONE - TELL ME

Tell me what your group is capable of creating. What are your strengths
- 15 hoopers? gonna break the record for dragons breath? synchronized
staff. This may be very hard for people at this point, you may not
know until deep into the Summer who will be in your group. But I need
to know way before that time. What you present to me will give me the
ideas of how your energy will be placed around the Great Circle.

[snipped]: Because I have heard from many new groups, every group that
wants a position inside the Great Circle Old or New will have to Show
Me. This will be the next phase and more information will come out
soon. But I need Phase One first.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Paying Gigs, Dallas/Ft. Worth (Texas)

Carole — Thu, 23 Sep 2004 15:27:03 GMT

Hello, everyone! This is Carole, from PyroKinetic - Fire In Motion. Jason (Talon) and I are regularly approached for paying gig opportunities, but we have existing commitments that prevent us from taking gigs that have been offered to us at this time.

If any of you are up for paying gigs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth/North Texas and surrounding areas, please send me your contact info with the following data:

1) Fire performance history - list gigs, previous/current group or solo status

2) Equipment skills - poi, staff, whip, fire fingers, fire
eater/breather, contact, etc.

3) Insurance status - are you currently insured?

4) Safety data - do you provide your own safety personnel/equipment, or do you need it provided for you?

5) Expected compensation - do you charge hourly, by the performance,or other?

Most of these gigs are in the Dallas metro area, but some are in
other regions; please specify your home area when replying.

Regards,

Carole Benner
SilverEyes
silvereyes@fireinmotion.com
PyroKinetic - Fire In Motion
Toll-Free (US): 1.877.879.3243

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

FireDrums Gathering April 15-17

sky — Thu, 24 Feb 2005 06:03:44 GMT

Friday, April 15 2005 - Sunday, April 17 2005
Red White & Blue Beach near Sana Cruz
http://firedrums.tribe.net/

A fire arts and hand drummers gathering.
This is not a 'festival' nor is it a BurningMan sponsored event.
This is just a casual fun weekend where we can meet new and reunite with old friends of the fire arts and drumming community.
For those who haven't yet experienced RW&B, it's a beautiful secluded beach with camping amenities near Santa Cruz that is fire friendly.

Although we'll certainly be dancing and playing with our friends, please be aware that this is NOT A RAVE or dance party.
We hope to have a DJ 'part' of the time but RW&B is under new management & we're still feelin things out.

Please DO NOT FORWARD this to lists out side 'our' community.
Please DO forward this to our fire friends and drummers and we'll see you mid April for a very special weekend.

Please join the FireDrums tribe http://firedrums.tribe.net/ and post questions, suggestions, ride share info and anything else there.

And of course this is a LEAVE NO TRACE GATHERING!

6 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1 at Scaroni Rd.
Red White & Blue Beach
5021 Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://redwhiteandbluebeach.com/
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=9bTYV.p_0TqHsw5YKY4ygCtmZkaaZac-&csz=Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95060&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Fallen Brother of the flame

Fire-By-Riz — Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:28:10 GMT

I regret to have to post this news.

I just recieved word that Nasu of wildfire entertainment out of Chicago was killed in the san fran area in a body surfing accident I didnt get much more info than that..

I was lucky enough to spend a few days a few years back with this increidable fire performer this is truely a loss..

Light somthing on fire tonight for this fallen brother

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Fed threat to pyrotechnic artists

gigi-d — Sun, 30 Jan 2005 12:35:27 GMT

I feel this is of the utmost importance for the entire US burner community to read. This information does have to do with artists who use fire and pyrotechnics in their art and performance.

Gary Taylor
Your very concerned Arizona RC

A STATEMENT FROM HARRY GILLIAM
PRESIDENT OF SKYLIGHTER, INC.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are a fireworks maker, and if you don't ever read another thing from us at Skylighter, read this one newsletter right now. It is absolutely critical.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is not our usual newsletter. There is nothing for sale; no special offers; nothing new; no projects. Rather, it is about the most serious threat to hobby fireworks makers that you and I have ever faced. Put simply, it is quite possible you may never be able to make fireworks again in the US. Read this to find out what you can do to help.

Even if you are not a fireworks maker, but are a buyer of sparklers or consumer fireworks, I urge you to read this as well. You too should be vitally concerned. It is not at all inconceivable that eventually our ability to buy and use consumer fireworks in this country may come to a screeching halt. Even your ability to shoot a simple backyard show on July 4th could be seriously reduced by the CPSC's proposed limits on the sale of any fuse to you to 25 feet per year.

What this article is about is a litigation being brought by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission against a competitor of ours, Firefox. It constitutes the most serious threat to amateur fireworks making and using that I believe this country has ever faced. This legal action, if won by the government, could quite easily result in these consequences:

- Pyrotechnic chemicals and supplies vendors would disappear
- Your ability to make fireworks would grind to a halt once your supplies run out
- The Pyrotechnic Guild International would either disappear or be reduced to a place to shoot consumer fireworks once a year
- The regional US fireworks clubs would disappear
- Amateur rocketry manufacture would probably disappear
- Various booksellers, newsletter publishers, and other pyrotechnic related vendors would fold

I am not exaggerating this problem. If you know me, you know that I am not given to sensationalism or hyperbole in these sorts of situations.

If these consequences concern you, I urge you to read this newsletter right now. Time is of the essence.

The following article was crafted largely by Tom Handel, Vice President of the Pyrotechnics Guild International. It was previous published in American Fireworks News.

Harry Gilliam
President
Skylighter, Inc.

===============================================================================

Overview

A serious situation, which has been developing over the past year, has now reached a stage where action by - and a specific response from - our community of hobbyist pyros is necessary. In our considered opinion, this Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) initiative constitutes the single greatest threat to amateur pyrotechnic manufacture in the United States that we have ever faced. It is an action that could well, for all practical purposes, end hobbyist pyrotechnics, as we currently know it.

The facts

On Monday, 29 November 2004, the United States CPSC served Gary and Diane Purrington of Firefox, an Idaho based supplier of pyrotechnic chemicals and supplies to the hobbyist community, with a Complaint for Injunction, the terms of which demand certain constraints on Firefox's sales of pyrotechnic chemicals. The details are below, but in summary, it forbids or very severely limits sale of all common oxidizers and many common pyrotechnic fuels to anyone who does not hold a manufacturing license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE).

A few days later we had our winter Crackerjacks (a mid-Atlantic fireworks club) meeting. John Steinberg (three-times past President of the Pyrotechnics Guild International (http://www.pgi.org)) and I had the pleasure to spend the day and dinner in the company of a group of pyro friends from all over the country, as well as numerous Crackerjacks. The CPSC suit and related issues were frequent topics of discussion throughout the day. In conversation it came up that Harry Gilliam had, earlier that day, informed John Steinberg that another pyro chemicals and supplies dealer in the east had already signed a CPSC consent decree. As a direct result, it was alleged, this Eastern dealer is very likely to go out of business.

The next day I went to their web site and had a look for myself. It would appear they are still in business, but the pattern of chemicals, which they now no longer sell (e.g., any aluminum suitable for flash) and those that are "out of stock" bears an eerie resemblance to the CPSC list from the Firefox injunction as quoted below. The correspondence is not perfect, but it's close.

The next shoe fell about 9:00 AM on Tuesday, 14 December when Harry Gilliam at Skylighter received an un-announced visit from two representatives of the CPSC. They spent about five hours with him, asking lots of questions about "flash kits" and "boomers," and going through several boxes of Skylighter's sales records. They made copies of some materials to take away with them for further study (or evidence).

What does all this mean to you?

This is clearly a disaster for Firefox, but even more importantly, you may be one of the legion of non-federally-licensed hobbyist pyros out there legally manufacturing fireworks of various types who will be severely affected if the CPSC is successful. Here's how it works.

'Spose I'm a whistle rocket fanatic and I am not federally licensed. Assuming I'm over the age of 21 and can prove it, right now I can go to my friendly neighborhood Skylighter or Firefox and legally buy the makings of my whistle mix. I can get as much potassium benzoate, sodium salicylate, red iron oxide, potassium perchlorate, (and anything else I need) as my pyro appetite requires and my pyro budget will allow. I can legally preprocess these materials - mill, screen, weigh, and to a limited extent mix (so long as oxidizers and fuels remain separate and no pyrotechnically live material is created) - in my garage or basement or back yard. I can legally transport these materials to the site of a federally licensed manufacturer (say, the PGI or a regional club). Given appropriate permission from the licensee, I can then, under his license, legally mix my pre-processed materials to create my whistle mix, a pyrotechnically live composition (an explosive, if so defined). I can
legally press my whistle rockets and fly them to my heart's content (given the licensee/club has the appropriate shooting permits).

Now lets look at this scenario (and it is only one of many possible) after the CPSC action. Most of it remains the same, but the critical first step, acquisition of the raw materials to pursue my hobby, has been rendered impossible. Firefox can only sell me one pound of potassium perchlorate, potassium benzoate and sodium salicylate per year. That isn't many four- pound whistle rockets. Fortunately, the CPSC will still permit them to sell me unlimited quantities of red iron oxide. (That's rust.) (That's a joke.) Even with all the things I can still legally do - processing and transporting materials, creating whistle mix at a licensed manufacturer's facility, building and shooting rockets - it is all for nothing since I cannot legally acquire enough of the necessary raw materials any more.

"So," you say, "too bad for Firefox, but ring up old Harry at Skylighter and get your materials from him instead. Or maybe that other mail order outfit in Pennsylvania."

Well, that other outfit seems to be "out of stock" on potassium perchlorate (as well as many other things). And Skylighter, well, that works for now, but the CPSC has already visited him, and given their historical, well-documented and unrelenting war on anything having to do with fireworks, it is, in our considered opinion, inevitable that Harry will not be far behind Firefox and the other outfit if the CPSC is successful. Armed with the precedents established with Firefox (and perhaps the other outfit), they will force Skylighter to accede to the same conditions.

But it gets much worse. Firefox has said (and I believe) that imposition of these restrictions will drive them out of the pyro-chemicals-in-hobbyist- quantities business. There is not enough business available from BATFE- licensed hobbyist manufacturers, to whom they can still sell legally, to keep them afloat. (Non-hobbyist manufacturers don't buy from Firefox - they go to Hummel-Croton or Service Chemical and buy their chemicals by the drum and pallet, not the pound.) The same argument will apply to the other outfit (perhaps already has) and Skylighter in turn, and the result will be that there are no longer any suppliers of any pyro chemicals in hobbyist quantities. Even though someone could legally sell me a pound of potassium perchlorate and sodium salicylate a year, there will be no one in business any more who will do so. Though oxidizers and metals will be the big problem, we'll be back to combing the drug store shelves and garden shops even for such mundane materials
as sulfur.

"So," you say, "let's all just go get federally licensed and solve the problem that way."

It won't happen. Those in our community who are not now federally licensed (the vast majority - most of Firefox's customers) are casual pyrotechnists who do not currently require a federal license to legally pursue their hobby (see above). For them the hassles (e.g., storage/magazines/inspections/logs), expense and difficulty of acquiring and maintaining a federal license are either impossible to deal with or simply not worth it. The ranks of hobbyists will diminish, and the market for even the chemicals that Firefox could still legally sell will diminish even more.

In a cruel example of a feedback mechanism, the foreseeable unavailability of any pyro chemicals in hobbyist quantities from anywhere acts as an additional deterrent to those currently unlicensed hobbyists who might decide to pursue licensure. Why bother if there won't be any vendors out there to sell you your chemicals and supplies anyway?

In a final double-reverse-whammy-gotcha, (pointed out to me by one of my colleagues in the Florida club) those few remaining hobbyists left standing once the dust from the CPSC assault on our vendors settles will soon find themselves without any licensed, permitted, and insured events left at which they can make and shoot the things they like to manufacture, even if they can find a way to get the chemicals and supplies. This is because pyro club members, unable to pursue their hobby any longer, will quit the pyro clubs in droves. Without their dues revenues how do the pyro clubs meet the exorbitant cost of insurance and other expenses?

Pretty picture, eh? This is our future if we don't act.

What is being done?

This must be stopped now. This is not about Firefox; it is about the survival of our hobby. But Firefox is the proverbial canary in the coalmine. If they fall, the likely path from there is all too clear. A legal team, John Brooke and Doug Mawhorr of Muncie, Indiana (specialists in fireworks law and regulation), has been assembled, and they have been asked by the Purringtons at Firefox to notify the CPSC that the case will proceed to litigation. Doug Mawhorr has provided an initial review and opinion of the legal ramifications of this case, which is printed below.

What is needed now is money to support their defense and perhaps ultimately the defense of our other vendors. No matter what happens from here on out, the one incontestably useful thing we can do now is to accumulate as large a war chest as possible. Whether the case proceeds to litigation, which seems very likely, or settles, competent legal representation and hired expert help are both indispensable and expensive. It remains remotely possible that the accumulation of a truly huge war chest (like multiple six figures) on our part could help prompt the CPSC to negotiate a settlement. If this case does proceed to litigation, the legal fees will skyrocket. Summary: Building the war chest is the most constructive thing we can do right now and it will be needed in almost any conceivable scenario.

The PGI has contributed $7,500.00 to date to the defense of this case, and the PGI Board has a motion before it as we speak for an additional legal defense grant of $5,000.00 for this matter. The Fireworks Foundation has donated $1,500.00 to date, with another $1,500.00 virtually assured, and has established a "Chemical Defense Fund" so that contributions to the Fireworks Foundation can be earmarked for the defense of this case. Firefox itself has already expended considerable amounts of time and money in this effort and is preparing to spend yet more. Skylighter and others suppliers are being mobilized. Regional clubs are receiving the call to arms and several have already made generous donations. I personally challenged my fellow PGII officers and John Steinberg with a matching donation. I promised to match whatever they put up personally by New Years up to an aggregate total of $500.00, and I'm delighted to say I sent in my full $500.00 donation last week. We're all in
this together, and we will sink or swim as one. It is time for amateur pyrotechnists to stand up and be counted.

We ask your help in this. We know the less-than-encouraging financial situation that many find themselves in right now, but considering the stakes, I encourage your consideration of a considerable contribution to the Fireworks Foundation/Chemical Defense Fund. In addition I would appreciate your help in raising funds in any other way you can devise.

The Fireworks Foundation is actively and centrally involved in this case. Indeed, its very existence is all that allows us to immediately have at our disposal a conduit for raising funds and disbursing them as required. Not only has the Foundation made a total of $3,000.00 in direct contributions, but through the hard work and efforts of its Trustees, all the resources that can be brought to bear in this fight are being mustered. Without the Foundation, no means to coordinate a financial effort of this magnitude would exist. Thanks to the Fireworks Foundation, a legally secure means to receive the moneys, a tax deduction opportunity for donors, and a secure means to control, maintain, and disburse funds is at our disposal. This is what the Foundation was created to do and it is doing it well and responding admirably.

Any individual or organization can write a check in any amount they can afford to The Fireworks Foundation. Since the Fireworks Foundation is a 501.c (3) [non-profit Federal tax status], your contribution is tax deductible so long as you do not DIRECT the Foundation on how to use the monies. If you would like your donation to be tax-deductible, you may write on your check (in the Memo section) "For the Chemical Defense Fund or other purposes as required." That way you are not strictly telling the Foundation how to use the money. If you don't care about tax deductibility, you can write (in the Memo section) "For the Chemical Defense Fund" in which case the Foundation will be bound to use your money for that purpose.

Checks should be payable to "The Fireworks Foundation" and mailed to:

Mike Swisher, Treasurer-Fireworks Foundation, 14511 Olinda Blvd., N. Stillwater, Minnesota 55082

As an alternative, the Fireworks Foundation web site at http://www.fireworksfoundation.org has provisions for making donations online using your credit card, electronic checks, and PayPal.

Thank you for listening and considering.

Details of CPSC Injunction against Firefox

The CPSC Injunction against Firefox would require them to:

"Not sell, give away, or otherwise distribute any chlorate compound, magnesium metal, permanganate compound, peroxide compound, zirconium metal, or any chemical listed at 16 C.F.R. § 1507.2 to any recipient who does not possess a valid manufacturing license for explosives issued by the ATF;

Not sell, give away or otherwise distribute any of the following chemicals for which the particle size is finer than 100 mesh (or particles less than 150 microns in size) to any recipient who does not possess a valid manufacturing license for explosives issued by the ATF: aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnalium metal, magnesium/aluminum alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, or zinc metal;

Not sell, give away or otherwise distribute any of the following chemicals in an amount greater than one pound per year per recipient to any recipient who does not possess a valid manufacturing license for explosives issued by the ATF: antimony and antimony compounds, benzoate compounds, nitrate compounds, perchlorate compounds, salicylate compounds or sulfur;

Not sell, give away or otherwise distribute any fuse in an amount greater than 25 feet per year per recipient who does not possess a valid manufacturing license for explosives issued by the ATF."

In addition, the injunction requires extensive record keeping (photocopies of drivers licenses and, if applicable, ATF licenses for all recipients, as well as detailed invoices maintained for at least seven years) and requires Firefox's agreement to provide those records to CPSC at any time on demand.

Legal Environment Surrounding the Injunction against Firefox By Doug Mawhorr

By now I will assume that most pyros have heard about the Consumer Product Safety Commission's ("CPSC") civil lawsuit against Firefox Enterprises, Inc. I want to address a few legal aspects of this matter to answer the many questions I have fielded and many of the readers probably have themselves.

For those of you who do not know, there is a difference between the BATFE and the CPSC. Firefox is not regulated by the BATFE. The basis is explained here. First, BATFE regulations and the Explosives Control Act deal only with the commerce and storage of explosives. The definition of an explosive includes anything on the Explosives list published by the BATFE. Nothing that Firefox sells is found on the Explosives List, absolutely nothing.

Second, nothing Firefox sells meets the definition of an explosive. For an item to meet the definition of an explosive, it MUST be either: 1) a chemical compound, 2) a chemical mixture or 3) a device of which the primary or common purpose is to function by explosion (or to explode). Firefox merely sells individual chemicals that can be combined to make an explosive. But the items Firefox sells are not explosives, explosive materials or found on the explosives list.

Therefore, because Firefox is not in the business of distributing explosives or explosive materials, the BATFE does not regulate Firefox. Firefox does not need a BATFE permit or license to operate its business.

The CPSC was created by Congress to reduce or eliminate injuries to consumers caused by dangerous/hazardous products. Now with that said, how does the CPSC feel they can regulate Firefox? That answer is found in three sources. The first source is the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA). The FHSA is found at 15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq. The second source is the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPS Act). The CPS Act can be found at 15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq. The third source is the regulations of the CPSC. The specific regulations (as the CPSC has thousands) are found at 16 C.F.R. 1500 and 1507. The CPSC claims its ability to regulate Firefox derives from these statutes and regulations.

I will not take the time and length to provide the CPSC view of their authority and my critique. But there are, in my view and opinion, serious flaws in the CPSC logic and interpretation of the FHSA and its regulations. Unfortunately, our system of laws is set up so that an agency's own interpretation of its regulations is valid unless you show it to be otherwise. You do that by convincing a court that the agency's interpretation is arbitrary, capricious or without authority.

Here is my interpretation of the CPSC authority and basis for regulating pyrotechnic chemicals. First, the CPS Act and FHSA provide the CPSC the authority to regulate certain hazardous products that are a danger to consumers. Second, the FHSA defines a banned hazardous substance. Third, FHSA allows the CPSC to declare other hazardous substances to be banned hazardous substances. Fourth, the FHSA and Regulations instruct that certain consumer fireworks are exempt from the regulations. Fifth, Regulations of the CPSC (Regs) declare certain non-consumer fireworks ("Illegal Fireworks") to be banned hazardous substances. Sixth, the Regs also declare the components and kits known or intended to produce Illegal Fireworks to be banned hazardous substances. As I interpret the federal statutes (CPS Act and FHSA) and the Regs, the CPSC is trying to enforce the statutes and Regs where they have no authority to so act. The CPSC is attempting to regulate where no authority to regulate
exists. Finally, the CPS Act, FHSA and the Regs allow for the legal manufacture, possession and use of fireworks (even those made with a metal powder fuel and strong oxidizer) as long as certain limitations of composition amounts are followed.

You can review the FHSA and the CPSC regulations I have cited and draw your own conclusions as to what the CPSC can and cannot do. As for supporting the "cause" of Firefox, this is not just about Firefox. Whether you want to believe it or not, this is about the hobbyist pyrotechnic industry. The hobbyist pyrotechnic industry includes: fireworks, rocketry (firework and experimental), chemistry, black powder users (cannoneers, and self loaders that make their own), and anyone else who cannot buy direct from the chemical manufacturers. The CPSC has targeted chemical suppliers for years. I have personally spoken to CPSC personnel and they have told me such. They will call chemical vendors to try to order and purchase "kits" and they have done so. Finally, as you look at the Regs, they allow for the manufacture of items that contain aluminum and perchlorate as long as they are not larger than either 50 mg or 130 mg. So for the CPSC to attempt to ban the components of any and all
fireworks, when it is not illegal to have smaller versions, is arbitrary, capricious and not supported by fact or law.

===============================================================================

In closing, from Harry Gilliam

So here's the deal. Firefox is a competitor of Skylighter's. But a friendly competitor. This is a microscopic industry. We all talk to each other; we all help each other out in various ways. We have for years. I know Gary and Diane Purrington. They are friends of mine. We go way back. They have been in this business longer than I have. Gary knows more about Federal regulations regarding sale, transport, storage, and manufacture of fireworks than anyone I know. He is not stupid. He is not greedy. He is not, to my knowledge, a willful law-breaker. Quite the contrary: on more than one occasion, when I was first getting started with Skylighter, it was Gary who would contact me and point out something we were doing which might not have been legally or regulatorily kosher. He was showing me how to be in compliance and how to stay out of trouble.

But now Gary finds himself with a legal action being brought against him in Federal court. Federal Court. Let that sink in for a minute. Federal Court, with all of its mighty resources. This action, should the government succeed, will absolutely put Firefox right out of business. Guaranteed. And this action, if the government succeeds, will set a precedent, which can then be applied, to all other vendors. And then there will be no more pyro supplies vendors. Because chemical sales are the backbone of the whole fireworks making hobby. Choke off the chemicals, and every other vendor connected with hobbyists will be gone. And so will go the clubs.

And that is why we must win this case. And to win this case is going to take many, many, many thousands of dollars. Your dollars. I can't afford the legal fees, and I think we're bigger than Firefox. Firefox can't afford the fees. Our businesses are just too small, too lean to be able to foot the bill on our own. So, my good customers, it is going to be up to you folks. You are gonna have to pay if you wanna stay in the fireworks game. It will be only through your generosity that we can all support the Firefox legal case. Please give as generously as you can.

Finally, a special request. It would be a huge help to us here at Skylighter and at Firefox if you can refrain from calling us with your concerns and questions about the case.

The good folks at both companies have been swamped with calls and questions. We simply don't have the hours in the day to handle all of your calls about this case. I know, I know. Here I am asking you to give money, and on the other asking you not to talk to me about it. But, honestly, both companies are very small, and everybody here has about two jobs to do every day, even without the legal fight looming.

If you have read this special newsletter, you now know as much about this case as I do. And as I get more information, I will continue to publish it, and keep you up to date.

Last, but not least, the question I am asked most often: "Should I stock up? If supplies are going to go away, should I buy as much as I can right now and build up a supply?" Honestly, I can't answer that. On one hand, the answer is obvious. But on the other, if we win this case-and I firmly believe we can-then you may not need to stock up. You'll have to make your own decisions on stocking up.

Thank you for reading this. I am sorry it is not my usual light and cheerful hucksterism. But if we all pull together, I am convinced we can help Firefox to win.

Tired of reading yet? Well, quit readin' and go out and LIGHT something!

Harry Gilliam -- Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
Skylighter, Inc.

<orders@skylighter.com>
540-338-3877

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

TSA, Airlines, and Tools

chrisairola — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 23:09:46 GMT

Hello All,

While traveling from Portland, ME to Seattle, WA, my Poi (in my checked baggage) were flagged by the TSA as Hazardous Materials and taken by United Airlines. They were completely burned off according to the standards that Tedward, John Voldal, Donia Love, Q, and I tried to establish a number of years ago. I have all the contact information for the Manager of the TSA in Portland, ME and she is interested in learning more about who we are (fire performers), who we are working with at the TSA, who we are working with locally, How we can work together to make sure this does not happen again.

I can pass this information over to anyone who is willing to take this on in a very serious and professional manner. I have informed her of the Fire Arts Guild, NAFAA, those fire performers who initially trained the TSA checkers, and that we work with our local and national fire departments directly.

Unfortunately I do not have the brainwidth to pursue this myself.
Please pass this onto anyone not on these lists.

Thanks,
-chris
http://pyrosutra.com
http://staticfactory.org
http://redllamatech.com

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 4 replies

NOMEX pants?

Michael — Tue, 11 Jan 2005 07:15:47 GMT

Hi,

While at Burning Man this past year, I saw a fire performer wearing these cool baggy black pants. I later found out the pants were made of NOMEX which is some kind of fiber that is nearly impossible to set on fire.

Anyone know of a person / fire props co. that makes clothes out of NOMEX? I have absolutely no skill at making clothes, and NOMEX is expensive.

you can email me off line at michaelkevinfarrell at yahoo dot com.

thanks a lot everyone.

michael

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

LA Fire Spinning Wish

twistedchick — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 20:37:32 GMT

I wish I may
I wish I might
Spin fire this Sunday night!

I'm travelling down to LA this weekend after my last final is over for some much needed relaxing.....Anyhoo this girl who dons her first pair of mickey mouse ears needs a place to light up.

Have any suggestions??

rachel
<<<who the f'are you?.... no no I won't burn the house down>>>
www.firepixie.com/fire/danc...rachel.html
www.circlesofconfusion.org/syne...video.htm
www.monkeyview.net/id/372/f...index.vhtml

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Boston fire performer coming to Hawai'i

Michael — Sat, 04 Dec 2004 02:34:17 GMT

Hello,

I'm a Boston based fire performer who will be in Hawai'i from Dec 30 - Jan 10. I'd love to be a part of a performance / public spinning session while I am there.

I am fully insured, and you can check out my pics and video on my web page at http://www.poispinner.com . If you would like me to be a part of your performance / spinning session, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Michael
978.430.0602

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Intermediate to Advanced Poi Tutorials

Leif — Fri, 29 Oct 2004 09:59:59 GMT

Taming Fire is proud to release a full free set of what we consider intermediate to advanced poi video tutorials. There are currently 20 particular moves, variations, and combinations provided. They have thumbnail examples of the execution of the move, text thoroughly explaining the dynamics and concepts of the move, and larger versions of the video provided for download (also provided in slow motion and occasionally from different angles).

The series is setup in a sequential fashion building on the concepts and principles founded in the tutorials before them. We have also added related categories showing you the move basis involved in the dynamics of each move, as well as a 5 star difficulty ranking scale to display the difficulty of each particular move. We have also indexed all of the quality online tutorial resources available elsewhere on the net, that we are aware of, for poi, staff, equipment development, and fire photography.

Are you interested? You can find them all at http://www.tamingfire.com/tutorials.html We hope that you find them to be a good resource which explains the moves and concepts in a clear and precise manner. Let us know what you think. And don’t forget to join the forum!

Regards,
Leif

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

Fire Arts Guild: How, Not Why

dyslexia — Sun, 09 May 2004 01:32:53 GMT

(I was about to post this as a reply to the "Why a fire arts guild?" thread, but I think it is really its own topic.)

I think the big question here at this point is not *why* a Fire Arts Guild, but *how* a fire arts guild?

There are numerous compelling reasons why a guild would be a massive asset, as outlined in some of the posts in this thread. If put together and run well, as well given the power and respect needed to affect real change, it would seem that such a guild could drastically change the terrain for fire performers in this country and make both the practice and enjoyment of fire arts a safer and richer experience.

Clearly we all agree on this basic concept, so I guess my question is: Where do we start? What concrete actions need to be taken to birth such a beast? Who's committed to helping make this happen, on what level and in what ways?

I wish I were the person to kickstart this thread with more than just questions, but I know I'm not. I'm fairly new to the fire community (about a year), and I am fully aware that most of the answers I could throw out would likely be under-informed or half-formed. I do know there are some experienced and talented people here, though, and I'd love to hear some thoughts on how we could make this happen.

We can talk all year about why it ought to happen, but maybe it is now time to stop talking and instead start pulling together and working on it on a large scale.

Thoughts?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 14 replies

WEDDING RAMPAGE TONIGHT AUSTIN TEXAS

Maredith — Sat, 16 Oct 2004 21:05:10 GMT

Get your ugliest bride's maid's dresses on, your frilly ugly orange or other coloured tuxedo shirts, or anything wedding style... we don't care, just come on out to THE GINGERMAN at 8:30pm to 9:00pm tonight where we will get good and sauced up before heading out to many bars and such.... Mark Wahl and Keely Grant got married today and we're celebrating the only way we know how.... RAMPAGE STYLE!! let's crowd the bars of 6th street with our loud obnoxious ways :) the more the merrier!!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

spin off bucket

liquidfiremantra — Mon, 16 Aug 2004 11:30:22 GMT

I have been using a paint bucket that I attached a poi chain to the handle to spin my poi and staff out in. I have had excelent results and now concider it to be a fundamental fire safety tool when I am performing.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 11 replies

costuming standards?

gigi-d — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 16:23:39 GMT

What are your standards for costuming materials? What peramiters are and are not acceptable in fabrics? Do you burn test potential materials? If so what standards do they need to hold to?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 7 replies

Makeup?

cassifras — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 17:17:30 GMT

I'm wondering if anyone has any performance face makeup tips: things you like to do, thinkgs you tried and would recommend against AND especaially, a good source for stage makeup supplies in the Bay Area?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

Fire Spinning at Burning Man

RogerLai — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 16:27:37 GMT

In case y'all missed this listed as an "Event".... Let me know about events missing from the list!
---------------------------

~*~*~*~
Orbit's Guide to Fire Spinning at Burning Man 2004
Version 0.8
~*~*~*~

I've compiled a list of Fire Spinning shows and jams scheduled at Burning Man this year. I know there are a million things happening on the playa, and it seems silly to make a schedule, but this will give you a concise list if you're looking for fire shows. Please contact me if you have any additions/changes to this list. I will send out an updated version in a few days that incorporates any additional information. I'll also post a copy of this at the Fire Conclave Convergence.

I'm also encouraging everyone to come spin at Kidsville for the kids on Tuesday, and Hookahdome on Wednesday night where I'll be hosting a jam. And come by the Winking Lotus camp and say hello! Look for the big orange dome with a tower at 5:45 and Esplanade.

Orbit
orbit (et) wackyfunstuff (daht) com

~*~*~*~

* Events fire spinners can participate in are marked with an asterisk.

MONDAY
------
8pm
Cirque de Flambe @ Circque de Flambe camp
4:30 and Esplanade
www.cirquedeflambe.com/

TUESDAY
-------
Dusk
*Kidsville
Come spin for the kids of Kidsville!

Dusk
*Opening party for "Deeper"
www.burningman.com/themecam.....allations/installations/04_art_theme3.html#deeper

8pm
Cirque de Flambe @ Circque de Flambe camp
4:30 and Esplanade
www.cirquedeflambe.com/

WEDNESDAY
---------
Dusk
Pyrosutra @ Center Camp Cauldron

8pm
Cirque de Flambe @ Circque de Flambe camp
4:30 and Esplanade
www.cirquedeflambe.com/

8:30pm
Temple of Poi @ Opulent Temple of Venus
www.templeofpoi.com

10pm
*Fire Jam @ Hookahdome
4:00 and Esplanande
Hosted by Orbit - a great venue for fire spinners to jam to some great music and show off some skills

11:15pm
*Procession to the Pagoda Burn
from center camp to 9:00, then to the Pagoda

Midnight
*The Pagoda burns

THURSDAY
--------
7pm
Temple of Poi @ Starlight Express
5:00 & Mercury
www.templeofpoi.com

Dusk
Infinite Kaos @ Center Camp Cauldron

Dusk
* Home of Poi gathering @ The Man

9pm
*The Enwhitenment @ Fire Muse Circus Camp
Center Camp and 9:30 (on center camp's "clock")
come dressed in white!

11pm
*Hot Sex @ Camp "...and then there's only LOVE."
8:00 and Mercury
sexy fire performance competition
Hosted by Jennifer Steele
www.jennifersteele.com/hotsex.htm

FRIDAY
------
late (after Conclave rehearsals)
Temple of Poi @ Sol System
10:00 and Esplanade
www.templeofpoi.com

SATURDAY
--------

9pm
something about a man burning...

1/2 hour after the man falls
Mutaytor farewell show behind Temple of Stars

Midnight
Rise and Return @ Burning Earth
4:30 and Esplanade

~*~*~*~

PLACES:
------
Center Camp
Noonish Juggling every day at 12:30

Convergence Villa

Thundercamp
2:30 and Esplanade
www.defever.com/thundercamp2004/

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

Fire spinning in Greece?

tserafina — Sun, 15 Aug 2004 06:53:32 GMT

Has anyone here spun fire in Greece? We will be going there to do fire shows on the streets of Athens as part of the Olympics entertainment and we don't know what kind of fuel they have available there. Our Greek correspondents haven't been too helpful with this kind of information. We would prefer white gas and lamp oil. Any tips about fuel over there?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 4 replies

pick pick picking at your gray fleshy brain matter

twistedchick — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 07:44:38 GMT

Any recommendations regarding procuring, making, breaking, and/or creating a titanium fire staff?

?:)?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

We need your fire for a Sept 1st burn on the Playa

Miranda — Thu, 29 Jul 2004 22:23:15 GMT

To all the wonderful peeps that have expressed an interest in the

Procession to the Pagoda of Infinite Reflection… we thank you.

Read on for all the details you'll need to know in order to participate. As I am getting ready to travel to the east coast Aug 6-23 with no email, this will be the first of two emails you will receive (the second email would only be to update everyone as to any last minute changes). It is suggested that you PRINT this out and bring it with you to the Playa.

Below you will find the 'what, where when" of it all, where to meet, route, safety details, and if you're a fire artist, a special section on putting together a handy Travel Burn Bag as well as Shimmer's totally awesome 'Fire Safety Kit" deets.

We NEED more drummers, musicians and Fire SAFETY people, so if you know any, please give them my email. We are also interested in having a few photographers and film makers join us. This does not mean that we're not looking for more other folks, the more- the merrier! Feel free to pass this email on to anyone or any groups you think might be interested.

After all, this will be the third largest burn on the Playa (first The Man, then the Temple, then it's us) and the biggest thing going on Wednesday night (our own humble opinion there).Please contact Miranda@southbayburners.com before Aug 5th if you have any questions (after Aug 5th I am incommunicado). Please refer to http://wizzard.com/bm2004/ for the latest information/updates and more information on the entire Pagoda project. Thanks everyone! Read on…

__)'(__ WHAT WHERE WHEN __)'(__

The Pagoda Burn Processional Wednesday September 1st 11:00 PM

Join the processional of lantern and fire carrying Pagodians as we complete the journey that will release the Pagoda of Infinite Reflection into the Vault of Heaven. Mutant beings, stilt-walkers, poi spinners, and all other BRC denizens are invited participate. At 11:00 pm, we'll meet just south of Center Camp to assemble and get last minute instructions. We'll officially begin the Procession as we enter Center Camp- raising a ruckus as we process through. We'll make a left onto the Esplanade and continue to process to '9:00" where we'll turn right onto the spoke, promenade towards the Man, then veer off to surround the Pagoda with love, laughter and fire as we bid it farewell.

~The Devil's in the details, so here they are…

__)'(__ WHERE TO MEET __)'(__

We'll meet just south of CENTER CAMP at 11:00 PM. We will be carrying over twenty huge 4-5 foot long triangular lanterns, so we should be a pretty easy group to spot. We'll hang there for FIFTEEN minutes and get our last minute instructions. At 11:15, we'll enter Center Camp and create a ruckus as we pass through.

Fire Artists: After we exit Center camp, the first wave* of fire artists, may Light up their poi or other fire tool (no flame throwers please) and process out to the Esplanade. We are asking that for the procession part, only experienced fire artists participate. Once we get to the structure, we will welcome intermediate level spinners. We are also asking that each fire artist be self sufficient, meaning that you provide your own fuel and any other gear you need to spin. Please see the section below titled 'Travel Burn Bag" for tips on how to put together your own portable rig.

*depending on the ratio of fire artists to safety people, we'll break out into groups so that we always have an appropriate amount of fire safeties. If we are short on Safety people, then each spinner will need to alternate between spinning a wave, then acting as a safety for a wave.

2004 Burning Man map here: http://www.giantmonster.com/burn2004/dl/bm_2004_map1.pdf

__)'(__ ROUTE __)'(__

If you miss the initial pre procession gathering, you can still catch up with us and join us 'en route". Here's the route:

11:15 PM, Just south of center camp, then through center camp, up the main lane, left onto the Esplanade, make a right at the street going out to the man at 9:00 position, along the spoke, then veer off toward the Pagoda… or you can just meet us at the Pagoda (believe me, you'll KNOW if it's burning yet or not).

__)'(__ ONCE WE GET THERE __)'(__

The Pagoda team will have a double parameter set around the actual Pagoda. An inner ring and an outer. Since the Pagoda will be loaded with combustibles and ready to burn, we will not be allowed into the inner circle known as 'no man's land" (yes, we're borrowing this term from the Man himself). No person, fire, or anything/one is allowed in this area. We will be performing/jamming in the second 'outer" circle. Anyone handling fire that appears to be under the influence will be asked to put out and hang with the crowd, it's just too dangerous. There is no 'agenda" or schedule for what happens, we'll simply let people express themselves with their tools/craft/performance art until around midnight when the Pagoda crew will clear the outer circle and light th' mo-fo on fire. What happens after that will be magical… and you'll have a front row seat!

888888888888888888888888888 Fire Artists, here is a section JUST FOR YOU! 888888888888888888888888888

__)'(__ FIRE! TRAVEL BURN BAG __)'(__

(totally optional, but a damn good idea!)

Fire Artists: We are encouraging each person to be self sufficient in terms of their tools, fuel, and safety. We will have a limited amount of fire safety's present, but need more, so if you know anyone that is a fire safety, please pass on my email to them. We'll also try our best to have a cart to accommodate your fuel soaking can, but can't guarantee it will be a reality come burn time so don't rely on this as an option. One thing we do suggest is that each artist creates their own portable Travel Burn Bag. Not only will it help you for the Procession, but will serve you for the entire time you're out on the playa. It's easy to put together, here's how:

Just imagine you're on the playa, chillin in your camp when someone comes by on their bicycle and yells

"HELLA BURN JAM AT THE [name of any art piece inserted here]! Come on, let's GO!!!" Whatcha do?

All your spin gear is sitting in a big ol milk crate that hella-tough to handle, much less carry on your bike....

whatcha do fire peep? what-do-you-do?

I'll tell ya whatcha do.... you say HELL YA, I'M THERE! and grab your handy-dandy travel burn-bag, hop on your bike,

and RIDE LIKE THE WIND!!!!

What's a burn bag you say?

Basically, it's an old beat up backpack that houses all the gear you'll need to Spin your heart out. Go to goodwill, garage sales, or scour your junk room for an old backpack (with a large main compartment). Then load it up with the following:

Backpack (yeah I know, it's the fourth time I've said it...)

Fuel (in approved container)

Soaking container (paint can w/ opener attached w/ string to handle)

Spin-out buckets

Poi (and/or fire toys)

Carabineer clips: to clip things like fire fans onto the outside of the pack (cause they don't fit inside it)

Beanie or hat (cotton/wool/silk)

Lighter (long snooted wind proof one is best, but any will do the trick)

towel

water bottle

first aid

mini flashlight

funnel

hoodie

and whatever else you need to be comfy and safe

Below is Shimmer's awesome packing list for a proper SAFETY Bag (again, totally optional, but good info)

Safety Bag Contents

Get an old backpack or duffel bag and pack the following items:

Lighter

Towel

Water (to soak towel)

Funnel

Cups

Aloe Vera

Bandages

Pen & notepad

Flashlight

Coat wool or cotton (optional)

Hat (hair protection)

Gloves (hand protection)

Plastic Bags (hold wet towels)

Back-pack to lug all these goodies

*Scissors (I've added this in the event you need to cut material from a burn)

*Wear dark clothing as a safety, made of cotton or wool. No rayon, or synthetic fibers.

*Crouch close to the ground, so you will not distract viewers.

*Do not use flammable products in your hair (i.e., hair spray, gel etc.).

*Remember to shout body part/area where a performer has caught fire.

Additional Notes/Agreements:

*Each safety should have his/her own Safety Bag if possible

*I recommend each fire performer create a bag of their own as well, for those moments you don't have your dedicated crew.

*Add whatever else you think may be helpful.

Peace-out,

Miranda
Southbay Fire Monkey
Freelance Human

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Defective kevlar wicking

Fire-By-Riz — Fri, 16 Jul 2004 09:48:41 GMT

Hey all Just a heads up on some wicking problems I am sure will be rolling everyones way shortly .

There are only two companys in the US that make Kevlar Blend wicking with alot of people selling it for them One of thoose companys has now offered a low price wicking from china.They sent me a couple of sample rolls of this stuff to test. it is pure crap for fire performers.
There are already a few people selling this crap at some pretty low prices all I can say is beware you will get less than you pay for .

This wicking has a very pale yellow(looks like a bleached blonde) color to it.For thoose who has seen quaility wicking it has a brownish tint to it that is missing from the china wicking ,another sign is when you un-roll the wicking it twists up real bad.

This wicking burns out very fast .A set of test wicks I made burnt out in less than a month compared to a year + with good wicking and had bare fiberglass on the bottom of the wick after the 3rd burn.the wicking also loosened up (strected) after making them into nice tight wicks without even burning them.

I contacted the company with the results of my tests and what I thought of their new line of kevlar ( I say that loosely) Thier view on it was it is still good as an insulator and meets the specs for that .In their minds that is what the product is designed for and they have no plans on changing the blend or droping the line .

Unless you like having throw away fire tools stay away from this stuff.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Address: workshop this saturday Flammaaeterna Poi Constuction La

tycyphy — Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:17:44 GMT

workshop this saturday Flammaaeterna Poi Constuction Hollywood,ca

Hey kids!!! this is about a poi/wick construction workshops held this saturday.

Firstly there is a smaller workshop(free) at Franken Cherries in Sherman Oaks(11:am)...should be lower key! Contact her for directions via tribe on lafireperformance !!

Later that afternoon(4:00pm) will be a more extensive workshop at the FirePlayce(sammy bliss's)in hollywood. After 9:00pmish people will be trying out ther new toys.YEAH!
Sammy Bliss's Place is in the back..and you need to park on the street(not in back ;) )
The FirePLAYce(5bucks cheap towards the space)
1613 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 90028

Please let me know if you are planning on attending both or either or whatever. Since its FREE/CHEAP;anyone wishing to buy supplies from flammaaeterna while in town, wishing to learn how to make the stuff your spinning, just meet your fellow spinners and meet matt ; should get there asses on out this weekend to sherman oaks or hollywood........word!!!

see ya sweet thangs!!

ty -cy -phy

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Photo ideas-spiritual, political, conceptual

julianc — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 03:15:39 GMT

First, thank you for what you do. The world needs magic. Without it, we forget why we're alive. Fire performing is one of the most magical things we humans can give.

I'm working on a book project. All the photographs for it are taken at Burning Man. Most of the book is currently white background studio photos. This year I want to take many night/fire photographs.
Here are a few night pictures I've taken from past years:
www.juliancash.com/view/fire_bm/set/medium_index.html

Traditional fire spinning photos can be beautiful. Nonetheless, I'm looking for something different. I want fire shoots that are planned to be political, conceptual, or spiritual.

- Writing spiritual symbols (like the anarchy sign or ying/yang) with fire using long exposure. Or an american flag drawn in the air with fire fingers.
- A person offering flame as a gift to another.
- One person at peace in the center of shot with flame in their hands. Around them are "monsters" and spinning fire.
- A person seeming to hold a giant ball of flame in their hands.
- The central figure is spiritual.
Another performer uses fire to "paint their aura".
- A person with flame for a head/face.
- Can we make an image that reminds us of 911, Hiroshima, or the Big Bang? Of birth or rebirth/phoenix. How would you represent a "fire god"? What offering would your fire god receive?
- Can we mix performance art and with fire arts in a "still" image?
- What's spiritual and magic about fire for you? Can you think of new ways to show that in an image? Can you use fire in an image to express an emotion?

Are there things that may not be astonishing in a normal performance, but with a long exposure photograph will be? Can you form a perfect spiral of fire in the air by winding up the rope that holds the flaming ball?

I still feel like I'm limiting myself by not going far enough from the images we're all used to. I'm hungry for any thoughts or ideas you're willing to share. Even vague unformed ideas can grow. What kind of fire images would you like to see?

If you're going to burning man and like the idea of collaborating, poke me a note (or remember me when a "julian" with a camera introduces himself to you one playa night).

More on the "concept/political" part of the book project:
www.supersnail.com/concept

Peace, joy, and safety to you,
-julian

P.S.
Old "Painting with light" photos of mine:
http://supersnail.com/firefly/old2/2index.html

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

Change of direction

theskunk — Sun, 27 Jun 2004 22:29:48 GMT

i've been meaning to have this discussion with some fire performers for a while, and finally i have found the perfect forum. that's right i'm talking about FAG (umm...should we do something about this acronym)?

here's what i'm thinking:

everywhere you go, anywhere you look, whereever you find people spinning, eating, trailing, playing with fire in general, it always falls under the collective umbrella of "art" or "performance".

what if we started looking at our pyromaniacal hobbies in a completely different way? instead of performance art, we could try to start thinking of our craft as a sport. why would we ever do that you may ask? well, a number of reasons...

first of all, it seems to me that it would be much easier to legitimize a "sport" than general "performance art", and by legitimize i mean arrange for permits and other such interactions involving the authorities. i think powers that be types would be much more sympathetic to a sport rather than descriptions of a bunch of crazy freaks calling themselves artists throwing fire all about...

i also think that we could organize much larger and more successful events, because people love competitions and superstar athletes. i'm thinking we could use the breakdancing model, have battles between individuals or crews, judged by respectable experts. this would also make it much easier to get sponsorships...

also if we were more of a "sport" i think people would be much more inclined to take lessons themselves or send their kids...

i know that many of you feel competition has no place in our artform. i also realize that in what we do it is extremely difficult to judge one performance as better than the next (once you get above a certain level and the flow is present, it is really a subjective thing) but hey, it's the same in breakdancing, gymnastics, ice skating, martial art forms, and any other sport with judges. but i do think that there are many benefits to be reaped from becoming "athletes" rather than "artists". also, i think the olympics would be much more interesting to watch if they had a firespinning event...let's shoot for 2012!

well the idea is out there, now...discuss!

skunk

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 21 replies

Drawing with flame - in search of a paint brush

julianc — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 19:45:45 GMT

I'm going to be drawing fairly complex drawings in the air with flame (for a long exposure photo). I want an easy way to have a flame for a long time with little hassle and without the wind blowing it out. A propane torch seems like the obvious answer. The only problem is that it's flame is so regular and too blue. Not enough of the dancing joy of regular flame.

Any compromise you can think that's in-between a propane torch and dipping an actual torch and relighting it often.

Thanks for any advice!
-julian (very much a beginner)

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 9 replies

Fire folks in London

ned — Mon, 21 Jun 2004 11:10:54 GMT

I am in London. Anyone know of any fire practices that actually practice with fire? I've been to Spitalfields but I'm looking for somewhere to actually light up.

Any recommendations?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Valley FireDrum

FyreChyld — Sun, 20 Jun 2004 21:38:22 GMT

Valley FireDrum in Santa Ynez Valley June 25th-26th.
http://valleyfiredrums.tribe.net

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Intros

Organizizer — Wed, 29 Oct 2003 23:11:57 GMT

Hi all, I'm john,
AKA jvol, tangent, lorax, Organizizer

Before rediscovering the flamebeast within, I had experience in event organizing, political & community activism, and wood/metal art & craft.

Since the mid-90s, I've gotten into a few pyro-kinetic things (anybody remember the Veg-O-Matic?), co-organized the BM fire conclave and a couple o fire troupes, including San Francisco's seminal Last Minute Midnite Circus (AKA Southside Fondue Club). Its former members are anchors of many other troupes.

My current project, Fyrestorm (http://torchery.com), has some firsts to its credit, including the first world tour in our field, and possibly -correct me if I'm wrong!- the first aerial fire act. Travelling under the Fyrestorm banner, I've had the great privilege of working/playing with a significant proportion (half?) of the most accomplished fire-ists working today.

I've taught fire & fire safety for years and have been active in attempting to galvanize a guild movement, starting in the late 90s, with quiet conversations with innovators, leaders, and safety-conscious people in the field. After one of my more public conversations - on the BM Conclave list in late '01 - NAFAA was born. While in the American southeast visiting family in early '02, I helped to launch the SFG (http://www.fyreworkers.org/), and served as its first chairman.

sorry that ws kinda dry. trying to keep it minimal.
jvol

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 44 replies

why a Fire Arts Guild?

Organizizer — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 23:33:45 GMT

here are some of my reasons:

1. Safety - two main thoughts:

a) fire & the law - there should be a conduit for working fire artists to have input into whatever regulation is imposed on us.
Speaking as individuals, we can create relationships with fire officials, and this is good - it can affect the way a given law is interpreted. Speaking as an "industry" (yeah, I know, that hardly begins to describe us, but thats the terminology that will get their attention) we can influence the makeup of the law itself! there is power in numbers.

b) promoting safe practices - a group with sufficient grass-roots support, once it reaches consensus on safety issues, can do a lot of good in promoting those standards, without resorting to draconian measures.
For example, when someone is taking safety a bit lightly, and hears one person voice an objection - or two people saying different, contradictory things - he's not likely to listen. But when he hears the same consistent thing from several different peers, hes more likely to stop and listen.

2. Insurance & permits -
Here again, a numbers- (and reputation-) advantage can create opportunities - group insurance policies are much cheaper than individual ones. Working as a group, we can also have a positive effect on the terms of these policies and on gov't permit proceedures as well. The key is consensus.

3. Learning -
Among fire-dancers, I see a lot of people learning bad habits that they may regret later, that will hold them back, slow down their learning curve.
I see a lot of people teaching, that aren't truly ready to be teaching, at least not at the skill level they claim. But who can blame them ? at present they have no support, no group setting an example, many have no training. no standard safety proceedures to refer to. (tho some have -laudably- made up their own)
I see a lot of people learning from the internet, instead of learning from a living person thats right there to spot oversights, to demonstrate, to encourage, to interact in real-time.
I see a lot of people that want to learn, but can't find someone in their area thats qualified. These people have to deal with crappy choices: either substandard - perhaps unsafe - learning conditions, or simply being patient indefinitely, waiting to bump into someone they can learn from confidently. Precious few have the patience and self-discipline to wait very long! (kudos to those that do!)

All of these people deserve better. A guild could make a real difference.

4. Support -
As with any other kind of performer, we can be subject to lousy working conditions - unsafe, unsanitary, exploitive. Even if you've chosen to work for free, you still have a right to decent working conditions. As a group, we can also work effectively toward better standards in these areas. For you sculptors, I'm not sure how this issue translates. But if you're thinking of taking your work on the road, or working with travelling performers it is entirely germaine.

5. Respect -
Our art form deserves respect. We work just as hard to perfect our art as musicians, DJs, dancers, and in the case of you sculptors, of artists who are getting corporate & government commissions. We deserve just as much consideration as they do. The experience of many other fields shows that by supporting each other through the consensus-building mechanism of a guild, we can have it.

This is by no means all my thoughts on the subject.

But I'd really like to hear from y'all. What would *you* like to see from a fire arts guild?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 24 replies

1st VOTE - Membership in the tribe

Organizizer — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 21:53:31 GMT

This will be our first exercise in voting. Please consider this a role-call request.

We now have membership requests from people in two borderline categories. So, here are two questions that I've been meaning to put to the group:

1) should membership in this tribe be extended to untrained people who are just curious or looking for instruction in any of the fire arts?

2) should membership in this tribe be extended to "support" people - photographers and others who have a particular focus on fire - non-performer fire safeties, DJs/musicians who like to perform with us fire-ists..

I think 10 days would be a reasonable length of time to wait before tallying votes.
I think 15% of our numbers would be a reasonable minimum of participation to consider the vote valid.

For clarity, if you have suggestions as to how votes are (or should be) conducted, please post them separately, & leave this thread just for the membership vote. (it will have to have at least 32 responses as it is!) Position statements with your votes are cool.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 51 replies

firespinning/equipment workshop in LA july or august?

tycyphy — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 17:40:21 GMT

My friend Matt from flammaaeterna(firespinning equipment company) will
(most probably) be doing some workshops in july or august here in LA.

He does equipment and kevlarwick construction classes and
poi/staff/tumbling etc classes.

What sort of stuff would all be interested in attending?

Ty -CY _PHY

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

New Thursday night spin LA/Hollywood

tycyphy — Sat, 22 May 2004 03:01:37 GMT

I'm hosting a thursday night spin. Its free and and low calorie. I'm teaching poi(single chainwhip and fire eating too if interested) stuff and learning as well. Pyrate girls brining hoops.....hope to see others with other skills. It you want to teach some newbies, learn or just get some practice and socializing in.... come to
the fountain at los feliz and riversid by I5...thursday at 5:00. As more people show up we'll work around schedules. This isn't a space to light up ...so we'll look for some places as things progress!!!!
Last thursday was a blast and newbie Franken Cherry was showin this guy a thing or two.....so bring your newbie and experienced ass on out.
lafireperformance.tribe.net is the site with the event listing

This night is NOT A CLASS but more of a community building night...I do not pass myself off as an "expert" ....though I've been performing almost a year.....so come to learn and impart knowledge as well. If you've been to FLam Chen's or Artofillusion/Flammaeterna's open spins in tucson you have the right Idea.

TY-CY-PHY

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 7 replies

Summit your website link!!!

jennifersteele — Tue, 09 Mar 2004 22:33:46 GMT

I'll soon be updating the links pages on my website, so please check http://www.jennifersteele.com/links/firedancerlinks.htm to make sure your link is there.

xoxo
Jennifer Steele

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 13 replies

Advanced spinners in Las Vegas??

qathi — Tue, 18 May 2004 02:23:42 GMT

A good friend moved to Las Vegas a few months ago, and is looking for serious, advanced spinners to practice with.

His name is Bret Hutchison, his number is 702-499-2380

he's bummin, cuz he hasn't met anybody there. D00d is a brilliant spinner, and particularly funny ;-)

please don't hesitate to call him, he's looking forward to meeting people in the area.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

FWD. - Sad news for Fire Performers in Seattle

gigi-d — Thu, 06 May 2004 03:20:32 GMT

I got this on a regional list and figuered I should pass it along.
GiGi-D

This is a forwarded message
From: Crimson Rose <crimson@burningman.com>
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2004, 6:46:24 PM
Subject:Sad news for Fire Performers in Seattle

===8<==============Original message text===============
Some of you have seem this, but others have not and I find that it is incredibly important that we all know what is going on in our own cities. I thought Seattle was one of the last places to be free with your fire, but this is sad news. This comes by way of Maque da Vis who runs Cirque da Flambe and who will also head up the Radio Heads (new name is coming) this year.

BAD NEWS

As of today, MOnday, May 3, 2004, The City of Seattle has decided that all Seattle parks are off limits to all fire performers, for practice or otherwise, unless they had a permit from the City of Seattle's Parks Dept., AND a insurance policy that covers the City of Seattle. This means gasworks and Golden Gardens are off limits, and fire performers are subject to a $500 fine per occurrence. This NEW information comes from Virginia Swanson of the City of Seattle Special Events committee and George Long of the Parks Dept. Ms. Swanson stated that due to other things in the world today, meaning terrorism, that the City needed liability coverage to protect itself if anyone was hurt, and tried to sue to the city.

The Seattle Fire Marshal's office had nothing to do with this NEW development. You still need an annual permit from the fire marshal, to perform with fire in the City of Seattle.

In the past, the Seattle Fire Marshal has set up fire performers to use Golden Gardens and other areas based on their issuance of an annual fire permit and a call in ahead of time to them. This has changed. As I understand now, all public areas of the city are under the need for a permit to be used, and all street or park permits need insurance coverage, as required by the City of Seattle Risk Management Office.

Please pass this on to other fire groups in hopes that none of us will violate the laws of Seattle, and add fire to the perceived fuel.

GOOD NEWS

Soon I will get the Cirque de Flambe a park permit for Gasworks and cover it with our insurance, so we and the NW Fire Conclave can practice legally. Until then we wait. Friday at Salish Indian reservation is still on.

Crimson Rose

Naked Fire Goddess by Night Administrative Director by Day )'( http://www.burningman.com

"When the tongues of flame are in-folded into the crowned knot of fire, And the fire and the rose are one . . ." [Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot]

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 7 replies

fire insurance?

hannah — Tue, 04 May 2004 22:22:02 GMT

does anyone know where I can buy fire performing insurance for my troupe? I know Clowns of the US sells individual insurance but not group.

Any thoughts here?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

PROPANE FIRE CANNONS

ismist — Sat, 08 May 2004 17:58:02 GMT

who can direct me to some links for plans to build propane fire cannons etc.
I desire to make a small fire cannon for my dragon puppet. It needs to shoot fire from its mouth..thanks

ismist

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

Oakland CA FPB contacts?

mt — Tue, 27 Apr 2004 19:20:41 GMT

Hey folks,
I'm seeking the name of Oakland's FPB officials
(Fire Prevention Bureau)
to discuss permitting an upcoming event...

Has anyone met with them recently,
so I could get the current name and number
of whom to speak with?

Muchos gracias!
MT

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

poi spinning fashion show! oakland, ca

pokiedot — Tue, 04 May 2004 20:08:28 GMT

hi all! please excuse the spammy blatant self promotion, but i wanted to invite you all to see what i've been working on. over the last year i've been focusing my sewing creativity on poi spinning costume designs; fashions catered to the needs of poi spinners.

this collection focuses mostly on costuming for non-fire poi, although two of the pieces are fire-safe. more fire-safe fashions will come in the future, i hope. i also hope to expand my designs to the fashion needs of other spinning artists, staffers, hoopers and the like.

anyhoo... my stuff will be shown in the annual cloud factory design collective spring show. if you haven't seen one of their spring shows, definitely check it out! the cfdc is an amazing collective of designers and i'm truly grateful to be showing my work along side of the work of such creative peeps. the cfdc shows are not your typical 'fashion show'. no anorexic waifs here! expect wild, fun, beautiful, inspiring works of art, and a show full of performance, great music and production value.. and a mighty booty shakin after party!

my set is first, so be sure to get there right at 9:00. and expect some fine poi spinning from my set as well. i've bribed, and coerced some quality poi spinning talents from the likes of rachel fulton, shaina johnson and roger lai to model my stuff!

the show is may 15, in oakland, but here's the rest of the deets:

http://www.cfdesign.net/

click on future for the whens and wheres, but take a peek at the gallery of past shows as well.

thanks all.. i promise not to spam this tribe again until next spring's show!

-josie

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Fresh torches on stage

kristina — Tue, 13 Apr 2004 01:32:08 GMT

I am looking for suggestions.

When doing a fire eating performance, I need to find a way to have fresh torches available to me in the middle of a performance and they need to be nice and wet. This means have a container with fuel in it somewhere in the performance area, at least that is what I have done so far. However, I am cautious about the safety dillemnas posed by having an open fuel container on stage. I have though about having someone hand me torches, and trying to work that into the performance.

What do you do? Any great suggestions? Innovative ways of keeping torches fresh on stage?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 10 replies

Another Firebreather Accident

Pele — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 17:16:18 GMT

"Black Metal Singer Suffers First-Degree Burns While Performing Fire-Breathing Routine - Apr. 15, 2004 The singer of a Chilean black metal band suffered first-degree burns to his face while performing a fire-breathing routine during the group's live appearance at a record store in Valdivia, Chile Saturday (April 10). MEGIDDO frontman Aldrin Montecinos, 25, was apparently unaware that his long beard had caught on fire just as he was about to launch the fire-breathing portion of the show, with the flames spreading to his hair before being put out with the help of his bandmates and members of the audience."

A professional acquaintence sent this out. Just thought ya'all might be interested.
Kindest Regards,
Pele

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 6 replies

Southern Burnnn

atlantatribal — Tue, 13 Apr 2004 02:58:30 GMT

So, for those who dont know me yet, I direct/instruc a tribal bellydance troupe called TechnotranceBellydance. I just relocated from Milwaukee to Savannah and am starting a new group here called BELLYFIRE. It will be a bellydance-fire performance group who also does workshops on dance, fire safety, fire tools, and to network dance/fire performers in the South.
If you are interested, write me!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Artist Arrested as Terrorist

Organizizer — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 11:27:26 GMT

In the back of my mind, I've wondered what uses the Guild may fill for firefolk more on the sculptural end of things. So far, we haven't had so much discussion there.

Seeing this announcement (thanks Mardi S!) I thought, "maybe this gives some clues as to what use we might be ..

"The Madagascar Institute is a space where people from all walks of life have learned that they too can radically express themselves; that they too can weld or solder or rig propane and learn all of the necessary skills to make their wildest dreams reality and change the way they look at the world. We built our Brooklyn shop from zero in two years. We want to do the same in Berlin, and spread the virus of radical creativity and the toolkit to make it a reality..." Chris Hackett, Madagascar Institute

On Saturday January 24 a machine art piece that
Chris Hackett, Founder of the Madagascar Institute in Brooklyn New York, was working on, detonated in his face. The explosion left him with broken bones in his face, a broken jaw, and burns throughout his body. Immediately after the accident, the NYPD pulled in an anti-terrorism team which proceeded to raid Chris?s home and the institute. The police confiscated all the computers, maps of various spots in New York City, and other professional materials.

The Madagascar Institute is a seminal arts organization in New York City. The artists at Madagascar have spearheaded dozens of street performances and events both in New York and around the world. Among their many performances are the Glastonbury Festival in England, Robodoc in Rotterdam, and has been a regular presence at Burning Man.

In addition to staging performances and creating art, The Madagascar Institute holds free and cheap classes on everything from sewing to welding and auto-repair. The Madagascar Institute has been able to harness the energy of many diverse communities and artists throughout New York and has been able to disseminate the message that spontaneous art is possible. With their educational programs the Institute has helped shape these individuals into skilled artists, welders, and machinists. Many of these artisans have in-turn moved-on to create their own projects and art throughout the country. For many people in New York City, the thought of welding or fabricating art out of metal was not ever an option. Madagascar Institute made it possible.

The Madagascar Institute's home in Brooklyn is in every way a community center for artists and the curious public. There are few organizations in New York City that have the capacity to create community and provide physical space for the community-- we want to make sure it survives.

Looking forward beyond the immediate concerns regarding our dear friend and the organization he founded, we need to raise awareness and generate dialogue in the arts community regarding the civil liberty implications for all of us. All of us need to gain a deeper understanding of our times, and step forward as a community to challenge the restrictive and questionably un-constitutuional compromises quietly unfolding in the name of Safety. Anything that can be considered subversive is by default linked to terrorist activity- and as of yet, there are no established legal precedents with which we can defend against this.

Like many working artists, Hackett has no medical insurance and no money to pay for the reconstructive surgery he will need. The only money Chris has is what he used to purchase the home for the Madagascar Institute.

Friday February the 13th there will be a benefit at SOMA ARTS to raise money and awareness for Chris and for Madagascar Institute.

We need volunteers.
Contact Laurie: ljsmimosa@yahoo.com.
West Coast PR and Media requests can sent to the the attention of Nina Alter: nina@nukaindustries.com

www.madagascarinstitute.org

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 6 replies

tribe design requests

Organizizer — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 21:36:22 GMT

Wow! I've just returned to the net (sorry folks, I've had to be offline for a couple of weeks) to find 30 membership requests!

Since the week I started this tribe, I've been lobbying the tribe staff to facilitate joint moderatorships, so that there can be more than one person to keep track of things, and i can have a little help. They tend to listen to requests based on numbers, so if you go to tribeideas and request it, they may listen..

another request I've been backing is the ability to merge and affiliate tribes - thus we could have one big fire-tribe family, linked. And redundant tribes could have the ability to (voluntarily!) merge, while preserving all their thread-lines.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

new web site

sky — Tue, 06 Apr 2004 19:58:38 GMT

As the web site is now up, this is the last email regarding the Pismo FireDrums gathering April 16 –18.

The web site with all the info about date, location, camping, beach access, & more is:
http://www.firedrums.net/

The tribe site for posting ride share, any & all other questions & ideas is:
http://pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

There has been a really good response and it’s looking like it’s going to be a really fun weekend.
Please come join us.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

New Tribe for Portland...

Charisse — Tue, 06 Apr 2004 05:31:57 GMT

Find it listed under Portland Fyre Artists.

charisse

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Email @ Fireartists.com available

starweaver — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 18:20:20 GMT

I have registered the domain fireartists.com and am offering forwarding emails for free and hosted emails for a small fee. Later on this month I will also be offering hosting options for webpages. Please leave me a message on tribe or contact me directly at starweaver@starweaver.net if you are interested in obtaining an email address or to talk about hosting for your fire related webpage

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

companys seized by goverment

Fire-By-Riz — Thu, 01 Apr 2004 23:56:22 GMT

www.bearclawmfg.com if you go look at the site it explains some of it seems Ted Ward and bearclaws has been siezed or shut down by the goverment
I tired calling Ted on the phone when i saw this but I never got an answer

after seeing this i searched around for some others to see if they knew what was up Adam rices site has the same thing on it www.fire-gear.com. if anyone knows what is going on please post it

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 7 replies

Kinetic Art / Robotics class offered

kal — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 05:32:08 GMT

I have been teaching at SF State and really enjoy it, but alas Ahnold has cut state education budgets and my class fell by the way side.
I do love it though and teach one on one in my shop for $50.00 and hour.
Heres my curriculum
http://www.monkeyview.net/kal@seemen.org/sfsu_class/index.vhtml
Email me if you are interested
Tobor__@hotmail.com
We cover kinetics, electronics, pnumatics(air-cylinders), gear motors, theory, whatever you like!
go to my website to see some of the stuff I have built, http://www.seemen.org
Yours,
Kal

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Goverment control in fire art

Fire-By-Riz — Tue, 30 Mar 2004 19:17:25 GMT

Hey everyone
I have no idea what is going on but I went to call in an order for Kevlar wicking a couple days ago from a company I have done business with for over 4 years.

They would not sell me any wicking and informed me that it is now regulated
by the government I have have been jumping through hoops for the last two days filling out endless amounts of paper work
They even went as far to ask for my customer list Of who bought from me in the last 3 years. We still do live in America don't we? Finally to day my lawyer got everything handled at least to were I can buy Kevlar wicking.

The government would not even give him clear answers as to what they are doing but he suspects the Hsa (Homeland security) he said what they were asking me for and how they are handling it is fairly basic protocol for seeking out terrorists.

This is a load of shit and pisses me off that i dont have the freedom to express and profit from my art.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

a little help please -Pismo

sky — Fri, 26 Mar 2004 23:02:39 GMT

The interest in the Pismo gathering has grown considerably.
There are people coming from all over and that ’s a really kool thing.
I ’m thinking of what we can do to make the weekend as fun, convenient & safe as possible.
There ’s no tickets or revenue income so it ’s up to us to create the best environment we can for ourselves.

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL REPLIES TO THIS POST ON THE PISMO TRIBE SITE.
pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

If you haven ’t made reservations yet, it is a good idea to make them as soon as possible.
www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/co...page.jsp is the site for Oceano Dunes.

(see the “Guidelines & info post for this and other important info)
www.tribe.net/tribe/servl...emplate/pub%2Ctribes%2CViewThread.vm

Here is the direct link for Pismo / Oceano Dunes that has additional camping info, tide charts and other general info;
www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/default.asp

I ’ll be renting an 18 ’camping trailer from a local supplier to act as a base station.
www.luv2camp.com/ in case any of you want to go in together on one.

I ’m also purchasing & will set up silt fencing in segments around the center circle for fire performance, drumming, dancing, frolicking & whatever group experience we conjure up.
We ’ll set up our camp around the center circle in a ‘U ’shape that will extend away from the water so that we can expand the camp as more people arrive.

On that note, several people have mentioned they will have there own trailers there as well.
The wind is generally from the northwest (so the locals have told me) so we ’ll create the ‘bottom ’of the ‘U ’with our trailers to help establish our camp while providing a wind break as well.

The ‘base ’trailer is well equipped but does not have a generator.

So here ’s my wish list & feel free to add your requests and ideas to the list as well.
I ’m sure with the numbers that are coming, we can bring a really great vibe to this gathering.

1) Someone has offered to loan me a small generator but a back up genie would be helpful.

2) Sound system; Someone earlier offered to bring a system but in the barrage of emails I can ’t find it @ the moment.
We ’ll be drumming on our own sometimes but that won ’t carry us thru the entire weekend.
If there ’s a DJ in the crowd it will add to the vibe & we can still drum & spin to the mixes as well.

3) Burn barrels; a few would be nice to have around the perimeter of the circle.

4) Tiki torches and lamps to outline the circle.

5) Lots of wood; We ’ll be having a fire pit & hopefully a second if there ’s enough burnables.
Every bit helps & adds up. If everyone brings a little something it will be a huge help.

6) Trash bags; Most of us already know & live by a “LEAVE NO TRACE ”attitude.
The area is home to several ‘protected ’species of birds and other animals as well as being simply, a clean environment for ‘everyone ’to enjoy.
It can & probably will get windy at times so don ’t leave things lying around that can blow away.
It really doesn ’t matter where or who the trash / moop came from; clean as you go.
If we all bring and keep trash bags handy, we can leave this a beautiful beach for everyone & be welcome back to do this again.
Let ’s all do everything we can to leave the area as pristine & beautiful as possible.

7) Tables; a few tables to set up out side the base trailer & at the fuel dump.

8) Fire extinguishers; I have one & I ’m hoping to borrow more but we need to have them stationed & available in several well marked areas around the circle perimeter.

9) Large chest; I have a 4 ’x2 ’x2 ’portable tool chest to ‘help ’protect and ‘temporarily ’store fuel at the fuel dump but we MUST have a well marked, safe, designated NO BURN area FOR ALL FUELS. Any additional protective, ventable enclosures would be appreciated.

10) Buckets or small tubs to keep clean wet safety towels.

11) Glow sticks; I ’ll bring some but we can use more to help designate & mark areas like the fuel dump.

12) Anyone who wants to take still photos or has a video camcorder (preferably mini DV, but whatever) there ’ll be some kool moments. And if we can collect enough footage, I ’ll put together a video of the gathering.

13) The idea has been presented that perhaps a specific web page for the gathering would be helpful as there are some people not on Tribe or in case the Tribe site goes down.
I don ’t have a personal web site and never set one up, so any helpful hints on web design would be greatly appreciated.

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL REPLIES TO THE PISMO SITE.
pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

SAFETY IS PRIORITY ! While this is a casual fun, campout, hangout gathering, we must all be aware AT ALL TIMES that the person next to you may not have the same experience and safety knowledge as you.
We will have safety guidelines in effect for the gathering & will make safety announcements at the beginning and during the weekend.

If you have not read the post about “Guidelines & info ”it is IMPORTANT READING that will help everyone to have a safe, trouble free and great experience.
www.tribe.net/tribe/servl...emplate/pub%2Ctribes%2CViewThread.vm

Remember that this is a group experience and as such we have the consideration of not only ourselves, but the other beach / dunes goers, wildlife, and the possibility of returning and continuing to enjoy future gatherings here and elsewhere.

This is only the beginning !
peace and burning bright, luvin, huggin, smillin, vibes to all !
sky pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

That Sound

Organizizer — Fri, 14 Nov 2003 12:49:38 GMT

Its obligatory.

Wherever fire performers meet, somebody at some point refers to That Sound.

followed by sounds and sighs of agreement, knowing grins and looks of rapt attention.. & then a respectful silence,

while all listen -often with eyes closed- to our favorite dance partner whisper her sweet throaty song to us..

SschWOOF! SCHWOOF! SCHWOOF!

fffwhhhuff?
how do you spell that? maybe we need some new letters..

seems no matter what our style, where we come from, even if we don't have a word of a common language between us... with a well-timed look, we Know what each other are thinking..

even the ‘fans’ are hip to it..
I once recieved an e-mail from a radio show, looking for recordings of That Sound...

Sculptors, do you know what I'm talking about? is it the same for you? I bet it is.. (I know it has been for me, on the sculptural projects I've worked on.)

Of all the lovely sounds around, there are two that are unquestionably my favorites. Between the two (and you know what the other one is ;) its really a toss-up...

Or is it just me?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 8 replies

Show Music & Copyright restrictions

musashii — Fri, 19 Mar 2004 05:05:17 GMT

What are the laws/restrictions for using artists music during a paid performance? And if there is a difference if the music has been mixed down or is being mixed real time? I know drag queens use other artists music exclusively for paid performance, where do we fit in?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

Biodiesel poi...

Fuego — Mon, 15 Mar 2004 18:12:57 GMT

Hi everyone. I was just gonna share some info on a less toxic fuel for playin with. I owned a biodiesel company until @ 1 year ago and decided one day to try spinning poi with it. It works great although it does smell like french fries while you're playin'. It's much less toxic to be around, in fact I lick it off my fingers at workshops to show people how safe it is. Often times I mix it with a little coleman fuel for a brighter flame but it is still much less toxic than many fuel combos. For those of you that aren't familiar, biodiesel is diesel fuel made from vegetable oil...in my case recycled fryer grease from restaurants, NO PETROLEUM!!! Love and Light, David

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

Where did it go?

tserafina — Mon, 08 Mar 2004 07:37:52 GMT

I was looking for that thread posted by Miss Satanica about tools/skills building because I wanted to reread something that someone had written. I don't know by whom or why its been deleted and although it was a charged up thread, it was an important one in my opinion because those issues reoccur in fire arts communities. There were some well thought-out comments made by others and it lead to follow up postings about patents, all important things.

just my 2 cents.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 7 replies

Green flame project

fyrespinner — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 13:37:18 GMT

I am curious to know if anyone has played around with chemical additives to their fuel, and if so what I should expect when adding boric acid to kero or clearlight. I have a small burning art project I want to start making using an old kerosene heater (salamander) encased in a steel pipe. It should work something like a fire cannon. I am looking for suggestions on that too..... ~Builder Bob~

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 9 replies

class outline?

qathi — Fri, 05 Mar 2004 23:13:55 GMT

I've been asked to teach formal setting Basic Poi workshops to experienced fire performers of another variety (cirque de flambe) Many are beginning, some are intermediate a few are advanced. I have two instructors plus myself, to break up the group acordingly. They need the workshops to be more structured than the one-on-one, and spin jam atmosphere I've worked within up to now.

I'm quite confident that I have materials to teach a group, but, being a titch _Adult ADD_ and fairly scattered, I was wondering if I could cop a glance at other peoples outlines to get a feel for how to lay out my materials for group instruction. Just looking for outlines =)

(briefly) I have thus far
Ø Brief History of Poi
Ø Learning Resources
Ø Making practice poi
Ø Warm up and
Ø Class structure
Ø 8 Classes by week
Ø Safety

classes
1. set up, making, holding
forwards, reverse, low and high turns, split

2. butterfly - forward, overhead, split, high wave, thread needle, stalls

3. butterfly reverse, same as above

4. Follows- corkscrew, windmills, giant windmill, helicopter
discuss transitions

5. Follows- chase forward, reverse, turning, applied transitions

6. changing direction, wraps, stalls, doubles, mirroring, choreography concepts, body movement

7. safety safety safety, space considerations, special poi safety, personal and costume safety, fuels, containment, transport (I have a fat safety .doc)

8. building fire poi
concepts, material options

--
I initially thought to suggest you all respond privately, but I think it'd be interesting to share our differences.

If you think I'm missing something glaringly obvious let me know. My brain might not have gotten that far in the sorting of information - I have some time to write my outline.

Thanks

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 4 replies

Different Standards II

Organizizer — Wed, 17 Dec 2003 07:11:15 GMT

I previously posted this statement, and didn't get any response. It may have gotten buried in inter-personal stuff going on in that thread. But I think this is an extremely important topic (Thanks Roger, for bringing it up in your original thread) so I'm reposting.

Please respond to these *issues*:

Before we get into specifics, evaluating each individual practice and tool, I want to look at the general framework.

I think that acknowledging the reality that there are widely differing levels of safety precautions being taken now is an excellent place to start.
I agree with Roger, that there are varying levels that are appropriate to different situations. Fire codes already acknowledge this, to some degree. They make a big distinction between indoor and outdoor venues/spaces.
I agree with Temple about the point system idea - I think its too complicated to be practical in day-to-day use. Something simpler may do the job.

Grouping practices according to environment seems to be the best reflection of what we actually do, and I think its a sound approach that could be compatible with existing fire codes.

I see four possible classes of safety precautions. In descending order:
1) performing with audience - indoor venue
2) performing with audience - outdoor venue
3) practicing/jamming with no audience but fellow pyros & other qualified safety crew - ie fire family
4) practicing/testing in "safe zone" - no vegetation/burnable materials of any kind within 6 meters/20 feet - beach/salt flat/asphalt/qualified shop space.

- class one and two are basically the way most fire codes make their distinctions already.
- class four is pretty much anything goes - these are our opportunities to experiment with those new tools, partner routines, etc before we take them into higher safety zones.

It is the performer ’s responsibility to take into account -and predict - changing conditions. ie if you light up your tool or contraption in a safe zone, but it happens to be on a public beach and you know theres going to be an audience gathered around by the time you finish your burn (as is virtually unavoidable - people love fire!) the presence of an audience –paying or not - has bumped you up to class 2). Therefore, you can either observe class 2) practices to begin with, or if you want to be able to do class 4) stuff, get a half dozen of your friends to maintain that six-meter/twenty-foot radius perimeter, which keeps you in class 4).

We might even be able to simplify further, and combine class 2 and 3, which would make it all easier to remember, and perhaps an easier to sell to public safety officials.

what do you all think? four classes, three classes, or something different?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 8 replies

Online source for bulk wick-tape and yarn

kristina — Fri, 05 Mar 2004 06:05:23 GMT

Anyone know a good supplier for larger quantities of kevlar wick, both tape and yarn?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

Copyright, Patent, Trademark and Trade Secret

natalia — Fri, 20 Feb 2004 03:07:04 GMT

OK, purely for everyone's information, here's information on what is covered in your Intellectual Property, what rights you have and for how long...

First Copyright:

Copyright covers works of original authorship fixed in a TANGIBLE MEDIUM of expression and includes things like literary works, musical works, dramatic works, pantomimes, choreographed works, pictorial works, graphic works, sculptural works, motion pictures, audiovisual works, sound recordings, architectural works.

Your rights under copyright:
-to reproduce copies of your work
-to create derivative works
-publicly distribute copies of work
-publicly display works
-publicly perform works
-digitally transmit sound recordings

Copyright is assigned to a piece of work AS SOON AS THE WORK IS FIXED IN A TANGIBLE MEDIUM OF EXPRESSION. If I write on a piece of paper, as soon as my pen leaves that page, I have copyright protection on it. However, if you ever want to file a suit of copyright infringement, you must FIRST register your copyright with the copyright office (cheap [~$20 I think] and easy) but if you do so before infringment, it gives a date on which to back your claim.

Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years or 95 years from publication for corporate works.

There are limitations on the rights such as fair use (for example, using part of the work not the whole), special rights for libraries and archives, nonprofit performances, first sale doctrine, adaptations of computer programs etc (I'll go into this more if there's interest but leave it here for now)

So what does all this mean for our community? Well, generally our fire tools are not covered by copyright. They've been around for way too long to claim copyright. Some of the decorative elements could have copyright protection (like Tabasco's eating torches) but even then, copyright offers very little protection in that a small variation in a new piece would make it unique and hence not copyright infringement, ie there's a low standard of orginality to meet in copyright. Our choreographies are definitely copyrightable (you don't need to record it to have copyright on your choreography - but you would to register your copyright!) and again, there's a low standard of originality so would be hard to claim infringment unless it's step by step or EXTREMLEY similar.

I'll dabble into Patent, Trademark and Trade Secret in subsequent posts..

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 10 replies

Pismo gathering performances

sky — Fri, 27 Feb 2004 20:26:33 GMT

Fire arts and drumming performance troops who would like to perform @ the Pismo gathering please let us know by posting to the tribe site as soon as possible.
http://pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

The weekend is getting closer & we'd like to get an idea of how many of you are coming.
It will add tremendously to everyones experience to have as many troops as possible perform in the 'center circle'.

We're getting more & more interest every day about this & it's just gonna get better with you there as well.

What could be better than to spend a weekend hanging with fire spinners & drummers from all over.

http://pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

The Dangers of Influence, The Glories of Strangeness

qathi — Tue, 17 Feb 2004 19:35:01 GMT

[while this commentary is written about poetry and fiber art, there are some fantastically pertinant points to current thread]

The Dangers of Influence, The Glories of Strangeness

Commentary from Fiber Arts magazine, JAN/FEB 2004 issue
by Empress Cindy

According to the pundits, poetry I the United States is either dead or dying. They’ve been wailing with vigor since Commentary published Joseph Epstein’s screed "Who Killed Poetry" in it’s August 1988 issue.

As usual, the pundotti proclaim from prejudice instead of reality. Editors are receiving more submissions than ever, poetry slams win more converts every month, and poetry workshops have been popping up like dandelions after a summer rain.

But—also as usual—they do make one strong point: the increasingly academic environment, for both aspiring poets and established ones, is having an effect. Since most poets can’t earn much money writing poetry, they teach. And when they teach, students fallow a fairly standard format, which means that the poems that survive them will have a lot of similarities. And since established poets spend so much time in academia, their poetry often starts sounding alike too.

I think fiber work is in the same bind, though so far the pundits have ignored both the work and the bind. And although its artists aren’t nearly as welcomed by academia as poets, many do make the rounds of conferences and workshops.

Although poetry and fiber workshops are dissimilar, they share a common danger: influence. If you go to a poetry workshop with Marge Piercy, you may find yourself writing poetry like hers, and if you go to a quilt workshop with Nancy Crow, you may find yourself making quilts like hers.

At first glance, this doesn’t look like a problem—after all, what’s so bad about serving an apprenticeship? Nothing, I would say, as long as you move beyond it and into your own work.

Unfortunately, this sounds easier than it is. The saying goes that imitators barrow and artists steal, meaning artists take everything they’ve learned and make it their own (while imitators display what they’ve borrowed)

But how do you do that? How do you so thoroughly digest Nancy Crow’s free-form style that it becomes an organic part of your work instead of a section here or there with her name on it?

From my limited experience with fiber and my 30 years of writing prose, my only answer is to make things, lots and lots of things, weird things and ugly things, pretty things and boring things, little things and boring things. And then to the courage to throw out all the imitations and start over again. And to keep going through this process until you’ve worked the influences out of your system and have only the antibodies left.

But that isn’t enough, because fiber also mirrors poetry in the way its establishment bestows acknowledgement. It’s almost impossible to get a first book of poetry published without winning a competition judged by a proper poet or two, and it’s also almost impossible to shoe fiber work without winning approval from a proper juror or three.

That’s why I feel we’re not seeing any strange and edgy work. People may be making wildly original pieces, but they’re not going to et those pieces past many judges, assuming they even bother to try. So we need to find a way to encourage the mavericks among us, those hardy and persistent artist who insist on making their own work in their own way. We need to develop venues—shows, galleries, magazines, and books—that showcase unpasturized work. And we need to stop during and judging everything in sight and make some shows wide open, choosing work by lottery, first-come-first-served, or any other random method.

Finally, we need to stop looking for “the best” and go back to just looking, suspending our expectations long enough to give each piece our full and unprejudiced attention. Original work is the lifeblood of any art, and if we don’t stop sifting fiber work through sieves of propriety and approval, it will again become decorative craft and nothing more.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 1 reply

body-work

Organizizer — Tue, 20 Jan 2004 12:46:07 GMT

This topic has been referred to in at least two other threads (as needing a thread of its own) so here it is.

Its probably the least clearly-defined area of fireplay, kind of a catch-all. Other activities are defined by their tools (like staff-spinning), or a specific activity like fire-eating - which would in fact fall under the heading of body-play, by some people's definiton. We don't even all call it by the same name.

different fuels and tools are used - in fact, almost any tool or fuel can be used for it, under its broadest definition - even an art installation. If you pass your hand through a candle flame, you're doing body-work.
flame in contact with skin.

OK, I've rambled long enough - anybody want to tell us about their favorite activity or fuel? or ask questions? or debate the definition (or label)?

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 21 replies

MACHINE & ROBT SHEW

kal — Fri, 13 Feb 2004 10:14:18 GMT

A LIVE PERFORMANCE
By
SEEMEN
At the ODEON BAR
Saturday, February 14, 2004
$6.00 admission
10pm-2am

3223 Mission Street @ Valencia
San Francisco, California
(415) 550-6994

A SUPER LOVELY SEXY VD DAY PERFORMANCE
Well, we are in several shows this month, even one in Switzerland, BUT we have been saving the NEW BIG MACHINES AND ROBOTS for this one!
Like the GYROSCOPE, LION LEAP, GROPEY CHAIR, MONKEY ON YER BACK and a slew of other goodies.
Jay, GEEKBOY, RANESSA, Kal and some of the gang are gonna DJ, show special rare videos and RUN MACHINES! Really! This a very rare show in a KILLER bar we are really jazzed about. This show is gonna kick-ass, lets show hallmark kards what VALENTINES DAY IS REALY ABOUT SF STYLE.

PLUS!
A SUPER LOVELY SEXY PERFORMANCE with SPARKLEMOTION!

SEEMEN create situations where audiences are encouraged to Interact and operate their machines and robots. You get to run a machine that can kill you. IT'S FUN!
To see what we have been up to go to:
http://www.seemen.org/

!!!ATTENTION !!!
!!!ATTEND AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
Neither SEEMEN nor any of it's members shall be held responsible or liable for any LOSS, DAMAGE, OR INJURY arising from any activity organized, sponsored or promoted by SEEMEN or the presenting organization anywhere in the universe, forever. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE AND ENDANGERMENT TO YOUR SAFETY!
!!!ATTEND AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

firedance influences

Organizizer — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 09:14:00 GMT

we teach each other a lot of moves with the tools, but a lot our distinctive styles come from other disciplines..

what are your influences, and how do they affect your dance?

Capoeira, martial arts, bellydancing, thai Chi, aerial, acro - I've heard lots of stuff privately. tell us about it..

which skills go best with which tools? do people recognise where your moves came from? (that wiseass Captain Chaos over at I-K still calls me Baryshnikov whenever i see him, cuz he recognized a tierge-a-te (jump) borrowed from ballet.. I've been called worse though!)

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 21 replies

The Fire Scouts' Fire Safety Oath

Kristal — Sat, 20 Dec 2003 03:12:13 GMT

J has *ahem* strongly suggested that I post this, so here it is:

The Fire Safety Oath:

On my honor, I will try: to serve {insert higher
power here} and the members of my chosen
community,
to be safe at all times,
and to live by the Fire Safety Law.

The Fire Safety Law

I will do my best to be:
Fearless and flammable,
Considerate and safe,
Educated and informed,
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to be aware of myself and those who are near
my flame,
Respect authority while I am in its presence,
Use fuel wisely,
Make the fire community a better place,
Be a friend to every fire-performer.

The Fire Safety Slogan:
Have a good burn daily.

(Courtesy of yours truly, except for those
passages that I completely jacked from the real
Girl Scout code of honor)

*evil grin*
Kristal

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

Pismo / Oceano Dunes gathering info

sky — Sat, 07 Feb 2004 19:06:13 GMT

Pismo / Oceano Dunes info

April 16, 17, 18, (the weekend after Easter) we'll be gathering @ Oceano Dunes (Pismo Beach).

pismofiredrums.tribe.net

I recently flew up and scouted the area from the air, and it's a really great place for us to have the gathering.

I've also heard positive things from several other people who have been there for other gatherings.

I spoke at length with the rangers about the regulations there and fires and fire spinning are allowed.

There are restrooms at several locations along the beach and even a couple of places back in the "dunes"

Access is easy and at low tide ( I'll post the tide times later) you can , and I have personally done this myself , drive any normal car on the beach as long as you stay off the dry sand.

We have the obvious choice to camp on the beach or we can trek a bit back into the dunes. It would be kool to make our camp further back in the dunes and be a bit more private, but you'll need 4 wheel drive in the soft sand.

There is a guy that takes people on tours of the dunes that we could throw a few $$ to and he'll get us wherever we want to camp. (anybody 4wd equipped?)

Also there is an outfit that has 18ft fully equipped camping trailers that sleep 6 people.

They are $95 per nite and if you don't have towing capabilities, they'll drop it off and pick it up where ever you want on the beach for $50.
They have a furnished kitchen, shower, toilet, heater, and awning.

Can't imagine doing this and certainly not suggesting it, but, there are also some reasonable motels very near by if you're really not into camping. (definitely not a suggestion, just covering as many options as possible)

You can obviously set up camp wherever you like, but it works really well to set up in a big circle. Parking the vehicles on the outside provides a wind break with the center area for an open fire pit and spinning and drumming.

It's is a $10 per vehicle (not per person) charge to camp in the dunes. There's no other charge than that, but there is a big fine if you don't have an over nite pass.

I know many of you have already joined firedrums which was originally created to be the Pismo gathering info site.
But that site quickly evolved into a more general events and happenings site and is serving that purpose well.

So now we've started this site specifically for the Pismo gathering.
I know there are many more people interested in this gathering so PLEASE let everyone you can know about this tribe and take a minute to join.

And if you have any info, suggestions or ideas, please post them to this site.

pismofiredrums.tribe.net pismofiredrums.tribe.net

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

NEED 3 FIRE PERFORMERS FOR SMALL SHOW IN SANTA ROSA

elsabella — Sat, 07 Feb 2004 10:49:31 GMT

I can't make a gig I agreed to do. It's on March 13th in Santa Rosa. What's needed are 2 or 3 people to spin fire outside for 20 minutes, more or less, and for one or both to give a short demonstration of how it's done. The pay is $100 each person. It's a polynesian theme party for a Jewish synagogue. It's a peice of cake way to make a quick buck for those of you who are good at performing and teaching fire technique, and it shouldn't take longer than 45 minutes.

Please email me if you're interested or know someone who is.

THANKS!!!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Fire suspention shot in album

Willow — Fri, 06 Feb 2004 20:19:08 GMT

Who posted the "Fire suspention" shot in the album? Can you tell me a little about what you used there? Is it a metal & chain rigging with wick woven through the chain? Also, what process did you use to fuel? Squirt bottle?

I have worked on one suspended flaming scupture before & am interested in doing more.

Thanks!

Willow

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

aRT shew

kal — Fri, 06 Feb 2004 07:02:12 GMT

Art exhibit For:
Kal Spelletich

At:
Jack Hanley Gallery 395 Valencia Street @15th Street
San Francisco, CA 415.522.1623
http://www.jackhanley.com

When:
OPENING FRIDAY NIGHT FEB. 6, 6-8 PM
BEER- DJ RAGI DA LAWYER -MAYHEM
exhibit lasts from February 6 – February 28 2004

FREE ADMISSION

Most of the pieces are prototypes for 20’-40’ tall public sculptures.

Some of the pieces in this exhibition are about:
The Fourth Dimension
Sound
15, 000 Volt Kisses
Whirling Dervishes
Alchemy
Time Travel
Polygraph Tests
Valentines day
Love
Sex
Machine Sex
Robots that respond to your emotions and Bio-morphic Inputs
Machines With Emotions

I am showing around 15 INTERACTIVE machines and robots in this gallery, which is very different for me, but, I told myself i was going to do different stuff this year. These are smaller pieces than I usually make, but, i am going to have a special SUPRISE NEW LARGER ROBOT THERE, like what I usually do, and, DJ RAGI DA LAWYER is gonna throw down for us, there is going to be FREE BEER, and

Some of the pieces in this exhibition are about:
The Fourth Dimension
Love
Sound
15, 000 Volt Kisses
Whirling Dervishes
Alchemy
Sex
Time Travel
Polygraph Tests
Valentines day
Machine Sex
Robots that respond to your emotions and Bio-morphic Inputs
Machines With Emotions

Hope to see ya there,
yours,
kal

and oh, I am helping curate 2 shows this year, one on ART and TECHNOLOGY and a POLITICAL one to coincide with the upcoming fall "ELECTIONS" , if you have anything to submit email to tobor__@hotmail.com

and, don’t ferget our ANNUAL V-D DAY SHOW AT THE ODEON!
http://www.seemen.org/

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

Klean Heat Awsome fuel but pricey

Fire-By-Riz — Mon, 19 Jan 2004 01:12:07 GMT

I thought I would start a new thread on this. even know It kind of goes with the biodesil one.

I was turned onto this fuel by one of my customers It is called Klean heat http://www.msiwix.com/Klean-Heat.htm it is a kero alternitive.you can buy this stuff at home depot it is 6.99 a gal but well worth the price if your working indoors.

I have done brief testing with it and have yet to get the msda sheet on it .but so far only the price is the draw back.

Here are the results i found from my testing and by no means am I ex-spurt on fuels

This fuel put out about the same smoke as white gas with very little after burn smell. The fuel it self has no odor before being burnt .The fuel is so stable you can ship it.

The light up was slower than white gas but faster than kero
the flame was almost as bright as white gas and much brighter than kero.but the best part it didnt have that eye watering after smell that white gas has.

I have yet to do anything indoors with it but I tested it in a 1.5 car garage and did about 5 burns and my eyes didnt water.
I would love to get some feed back from someone doing an inside show and see what the people watching think of the very slight after burn odor.

it slung off the wick more like white gas than kero and seems to evaporate fairly fast off the ground.

It did say the vapors were combustiable but it cant be by much seeing you can ship this stuff ups.

If I would have just picked up the fueled wicks and lit them other than the slow start up and no after burn odor I would swear this stuff was white gas.burn time was about 1 min longer than white gas as well.

Only down falls I saw are the price and it didnt seem to do transferes well

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 12 replies

Fire-breathing & fuel

Organizizer — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 06:56:14 GMT

Heres another topic that keeps showing up in other threads.

I'm not the worlds most experienced fire-breather -and you're about to find out why- but I have consulted with many of the best and most experienced in many places, and have personally witnessed a lot of things happen, including some amazing stuff, and also including blow-back (as in, a face engulfed in flame) and organ failure.

Even if you: have perfect tecnique learned from the perfect instructor, never make a mistake, never get a drop down your throat, never do it outside in wind conditions that are - lets face it - never 100% predictable (and blow-back is not the worst thing that can happen when the wind shifts), and never do it inside where - lets face it - its very rare that you can be 100% sure that nothing can be hit by your blast...

You are still taking a mouthful of god-knows what petro-chemicals (see fuel theory thread), and your mouth contains porous membranes that transfer those unidentified chemicals directly into your blood-stream.

If you do this on a regular basis, theres a good chance you'll do cumulative damage to the organs that filter toxins. It can result in permananent impairment. What *that* can look like is an expensive hospital stay that wraps up with a finger-waggling doctor saying things like "it will never again be safe for you to imbibe alcohol or other recreational drugs" - on pain of coma or even death.

So:
1) this is the branch of fire-ism whose safety parameters are the most difficult to reliably predict, and
2) accumulative organ damage is highly possible even with flawless tecnique.
This combination is why I refer to fire-breathing as the most dangerous branch of fire performance.

I never blow fire in a regular show with anything that wasn't *expressly designed to be imbibed by humans*. For me its strictly a special occasion thing, a few times a year at most.

And, due to the impairing properties of alcohol, blowing with it had better be your last fire-act of the night!

In theory, its possible that somebody may come up with some concoction that is safe to imbibe and gives you big showy flame like lamp oil - please let us know if you do! - but I suspect those two properties are mutually exclusive. As weak as they are, even 151 Rum and everclear are not the nicest things you can do to your liver.

In short, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Then again, maybe you should.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 8 replies

Fuel 101 – theory and practice

Organizizer — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 07:23:02 GMT

People often try to pin down which fuel does what, and why. Theres a reason that it all can seem a little slippery at times.

Organic chemistry (all petrochemicals are organic) has become a pretty concise science only in the last century or so. Theres a gazillion (thats one of those concise scientific terms) different flavors, all related, grouped into families that are similar in molecular structure and composition. This is reflected in naming convention. For example, you can tell that that butane, pentane, and octane are closely related. Ketones, alcohols, aldehydes - these are all names for different branches in the organic chem family. This is all fine and good.

The slick stuff comes up out of the ground (or out of bio-vats) with about most of the gazillion different flavors all mixed together. The exact mix is different every time.
Refining to separate them out is an expensive multi-stage process and is only done sufficiently to separate out those things that have a market value. Even what we put in our cars is not just one kind of petrochem - its got all kinds of stuff in there (thus the variously refined grades you get at the pump) - and thats a pretty big market!

To add to the fun, petrochems were being pumped up out of the ground and used for various things long before we knew all that structural theory. So some names - like kerosene - predate the nomenclature and don't follow the pattern. And some don't even have one particular chemical definition. They're really more trade names for a brew whose exact composition varies widely - especially when travelling across national boundaries, or even between regions within a country. Whats called "paraffin" (by one company) in town X acts suspiciously like what I'd have expected of "kerosene" back in town Y. Next stop, they stock both "kerosene" and "paraffin" but no "lamp oil" - but the "paraffin" acts a lot like what they called "lampolie" in the last country.

Composition/purity is sometimes labelled, but usually not. Some places, you don't even get a container! ..gotta bring yer own.

As noted on other threads, checking out what purpose its being marketed for will sometimes give you a clue. Jet fuel, as near as i can tell, is a highly refined grade of kerosene.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not discouraging note-comparing. Please do!
It can be a good idea to check on where the speaker at any given time is speaking from.

Bottom line is: any time you change location or brand, its really best to do a full test-burn yourself before you light up in front of an audience. Otherwise, unpleasant surprises may await.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 4 replies

Fabric Resource - FR, IFR, PFR Costume Fabrics

Carole — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:21:33 GMT

Hey! Just found a new resource for flame-resistant costume fabrics:

http://www.dazian.com/cgi-bin/page.pl?action=end_uses&cat_id=45&group_id=160

Cool part is that you can request free samples to test before ordering a whole big lot of whatever. Satins, velvets, some stretchy - I'm a happy camper!

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

What is a guild?

Fire-By-Riz — Wed, 28 Jan 2004 20:32:00 GMT

Maybe I have the wrong idea of what guild is.acorring to what I found by looking up this word

Main Entry: guild
Date: 14th century
: an association of people with similar interests or pursuits; especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen

I guess we fit in under that and have made a great place for chit chat and sharing knowlage between us. But I feel a guild is more of this idea

Main Entry: guild socialism
Function: noun
Date: 1912
: an early 20th century English socialistic theory advocating state ownership of industry with control and management by guilds of workers

To me this is what we should be doing bringing the lists 160+ members into one voice then making the number grow.To make us heard by who ever we feel needs to hear us . Goverment, Promoters weithter they are good or bad. Insurance companys. Fire tool venders.clothing vendors.
We are the workers but yet we have very little control over our own work place or play place if that is your only interest.
We are forced to comform to laws written out of ignorance to our art form most are forced to work under illegel conditions
because fire laws are so unfairly written or we are ran off by local law enforcement from our favorite burn spots we gather at.again by someone ignorate to what we are doing.Or saying we are using weapons I have heard both.and when they only hear 6 or 12 people trying to defend their right to do thier art it falls to deaf ears.
I am a memeber of a another group not fire that has gone though this same thing we are now over 1000 strong on an international level when we are ran out of a park (that is were we gather oh by the way we are Whip crackers) we plead out our case nicely and then leave if told too.Then that parks offical
hears the voice of the 1000+ members when the rep of the group contacts them with the knowlage of the group along with some printed matter to explain our art and our saftey guide lines for our selves and the people watching. so far 4 groups across the usa have been ran out of parks and after contact from a group rep all have been invited back. our group here in tampa bay gets invited to all kinds of public functions put on by the goverment.We do them for free trust me this comes in very handy
we needed permitts for one of our functions they already knew who we were and the permitts were given to us without any hassle.

This is only one example of what My concept of a guild could do for all of us.another would be going to vendors we do bussiness with letting them hear our one voice then ask for group discounts.This does work I have done it before for large companys.Yes I will put my money where my mouth is i will offer a 10% discount to any member of this guild for anything they buy from me.

another would be lobbying law makers contacting the NFPA trying to get better and clearer and more uniform guildlines for our art and most of getting out from under the grouping of pyrotechincs.Yes this requires work and time you wont get paid for and yes you might not even get to reap any of the rewards of your work but it might pave the road for that 8 year old out there who is spinning glowsticks who will be doing fire in 10 years or so.

Maybe I have just taken to many drugs in my life and my mind is really wacked out.And my concepts are mere delousions.If they arent and you agree please step up to the pump now and let your voice be heard. then go back to your local group and enoucourage them to join this guild.I feel there are enough of us there to make a differance.

Riz

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 2 replies

Best Fire Retardant Fabrics

natalia — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 21:31:06 GMT

I was just wondering what everyone's take is on the best fire retardant fabric (besides leather!). I want to make some costumes with layers and I've seen performers wearing all kinds of stretchy materials.. no idea if they were being safe but maybe somebody has some ideas??

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 19 replies

pismofiredrums.tribe.net/

sky — Sat, 24 Jan 2004 08:31:01 GMT

You are all invited & we hope you do join this tribe!
Sorry if you've already received this but trying to get the word out;
pismofiredrums.tribe.net/
There's a growing number of fire & drumming tribes & groups, many of which are on the west coast
There are gatherings & meetings of individual groups often.
This tribe is a way of creating, collaborating and motivating a larger gathering of fire spinners & drummers.
We are planning the first "gathering of the tribes" at Oceano Dunes / Pismo Beach (central California), April 16, 17, 18.
This tribe is not meant to replace any other tribe, but rather a way for us to communicate & organize.
Please post suggestions & invite all who would be interested.

Also see firedrums.tribe.net/ for local & regional gathering

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 0 replies

Environmentally friendly fuels?

raindrift — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 21:07:41 GMT

It looks like the 'Health and Environment' thread has produced some really good suggestions for keeping liquid fuel off the ground and off the performers.

Still, we light it on fire and it produces all sorts of nasty emissions. Is there anything we can do about that pollution?

A usual night for me will burn up maybe a half-gallon of fuel, which works out about the same as a 15 mile drive. Still, I bet poi spinning is way more polluting than driving any recent sort of car. All those toxic particulate emissions, all those unburned hydrocarbons, not to mention the CO2.

What about green fuels? People spin with alcohol a fair bit, especially indoors. I hear it's expensive, hard to find, and produces a dim flame though. I know that adding some compounds to ethanol will produce nifty flame colors (boric acid, f'rinstance). Does that make it more toxic, though?

What about biodiesel? I bet it'd be near impossible to light, but maybe biodiesel mixed with methanol? Methanol is farily toxic stuff, but is it any worse than naptha?

Is there even any place you can *get* methanol in California? I mean, that's not mixed with 15% gasoline?

I guess biodiesel/white gas would still be better than lamp oil... if it'd light... probably worth a try, though.

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 5 replies

New Circus and Acrobatics School in Seattle

qathi — Wed, 07 Jan 2004 17:23:30 GMT

http://www.astort.com/sanca/

Clowning, physical comedy and acrobatics - FOR ADULTS!! WOOT! In Seattle proper! Good Stuff

"It's called SANCA - the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts, and the website is www.sancaseattle.org Please spread the word for up-coming classes, for those who yearn to explore the clown within, or who want to learn to stand on shoulders, or swing from a trapeze. Feel free to call, too, if questions: 547-5254, or 527-1277."

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 5 replies

Biodiesel - Fuel Questions/Info (Fire Tribe Cross Post)

sidgabriel — Mon, 19 Jan 2004 00:16:18 GMT

Hello Fire Arts Guild,

I've heard a lot about Biodiesel in some other threads. Nothing too in-depth though. I have a lot of fire projects that I'm working on right now and I'd love to hear everyone's experiences with biodiesel. Along with where I can get some in the bay area. How does the burn time vary from other fuels? What about lumens? Is it brighter or dimmer? Is it toxic to ingest? Does it do fire-transfer(on the skin)?

I love fire but my life in general (walking bussing or biking when I can, preferring natural fiber to synthetic etc.) is mostly anti-petrol. The Idea of an alternative fuel made from soy is very intriguing to me.

Thanks for your help

_sydd

posted in Fire Arts Guild - 3 replies

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