- It sounds creepy, what is the “Blood Vessel”?
- Who are you?
- Why do you have it? What is it for?
- The Temple Burn? What's that?
- You are doing blood drives for the Red Cross?
- I would like to support your art project, what can I do?
- Can I come see the project during its build or just as it is?
- How can I reach you?
Q: It sounds creepy, what is the “Blood Vessel”?
A: The Blood Vessel -Rue Morgue is a project with purpose. We teach people how to fold origami cranes that are then placed in our hand made art piece coffins and then we lovingly take them to the Temple Burn in Clarice. More on this as you read further.
Back to TopQ: Who are you?
A: We are several working professionals involved in this project; Lancelot Smith aka Gothalot (Filmmaker), Greg and Cindy Creech (motorcycle school training owner and dentist) Nick Chomicki (Motion Graphics Artist), Allison McGuire (Web Designer), Ben Steinert, and many others too numerous to list and to which keep the project alive. For bio's see the Minions page.
Back to TopQ: Why do you have it? What is it for?
A: That's a two-fold question really; It is an art project otherwise known as an "art car". It will be transformed into a rolling piece of street legal art that has a multi-tasking usage.
1. 1. It will be used to transport the well wishes of mourners that are unable to attend what's known as the Temple Burn (I'll get to that later). Consisting of a coffin containing a myriad of gestures like cards, art pieces, offerings to the departed. There are thousands of people each year that are unable to attend the event from all over the world but wish to make a statement or say good-bye in a way they couldn't before. They are sending me items to enclose privately with respect. Something akin to placing flowers on an ancestor's grave with a difference. The coffin is burned and something within each person is released. There is a lot of weeping and sobbing but smiling at the same time. A very cathartic event.
2. 2. As a piece of rolling art to entertain and make people think and question their lives and own mortality. The Blood Vessels design has many features to name a few. Inside there is a coffin, with coolers in it that we distribute drinks with during the Burning Man event as well as plans for Orange Juice during the Red Cross blood drives during the year. On top of the Blood vessel will be a platform of wrought iron fencing akin to those seen surrounding a cemetery. At each corner 8 foot stacks that resemble a new Orleans steamer to shoot propane flames. The kids love it, its fun, exciting and they marvel at the propane balls shooting to the sky.
Back to TopQ: The Temple Burn? What's that?
A: Well, I wont go into huge detail but it's a yearly event at Burning Man where 20 to 30,000 people attend to pay their last respects to friends or family. The Temple is a very large art piece structure occasionally designed by David Best, a local San Francisco artist. For more information on Burning Man and The Temple burn please go to www.burningman.com. I am not here to explain the Burning Man event and unless you have experienced it you may never understand it. Some say it's a week long arts festival in the desert, some say it's a hippy fest. Think for yourself and research what it is to you.
Back to TopQ: You are doing blood drives for the Red Cross?
A: Yes. Someone is arranging for a group of us artists and crew to dress up as vampires. I'm sure we will get a lot of laughter from this one, while we recruit people to go in and donate blood. This is still in the planning stages.
Back to TopQ: I would like to support your art project, what can I do?
A:
Learn about us, get to know us. With knowledge there is understanding, tolerance and growth. We can also use help welding, pre-fab, event organizing, and fundraising. The project probably at some time should become an official entity w/ a non-profit status. We need attorneys for that.
Basic materials are in need like: 2x4's, 4x4's plywood, wood screws, spare propane bottles full or empty.
What really helps is funds to make the art happen. This way we can hunt for the cheep deals and make the money go further.
PAY PAL us donations at: SoCalLegalVideo@yahoo.com. Be sure you state "Blood Vessel Donation from Tribe.net community or from where ever you heard about us so we know who to thank and include an email address so we can thank you personally. Checks can be sent to Blood Vessel and payable to: Lancelot Smith, 64 Baker Street, SF CA 94117.
Q: Can I come see the project during its build or just as it is?
A: Hmmm, sure. The car will be in two locations over the next 7 months. As long as it does not become a problem for my neighbors and or traffic issues I am happy to show the car to anyone. Ill even give you a ride.
As we say don't let your first ride in a hearse be your last!
Be advised that 2 months before The Burning Man event, the Blood Vessel and trailer (The Last Caress) will be under wraps and unavailable for viewing. There will be a showing August 15th, 2007.
Q: How can I reach you?
A: E-mail works great, info@bloodvessel.org, we check it regularly.
Back to TopI hope these FAQ's have answered all your questions and hopefully dispelled any myths you may have heard or thought about our hearse or the art project itself.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Best regards,
Lancelot F. Smith / Gothalot
