Burning Man community awaits word on founder’s fate
It’s been more than two weeks since Burning Man organizers announced their founder, Larry Harvey, had been hospitalized and was in critical condition after suffering a massive stroke April 4.
According to the event’s website, “his prognosis is unknown at this time” and Harvey was “receiving excellent round-theclock medical care and constant companionship from his family and very close friends.”
The news has deeply shaken the Burners community, a vast and sprawling network of like-minded souls that wraps around the world. Many have been sharing their thoughts online at various Burning Man forums and websites of regional groups, like the Silicon Valley fans atsouthbayburners.org.
The organization’s official website has invited well-wishers “who would to like to send messages directly to Larry and his family or share reflections more privately, please email Thehat@ burningman.org.”
In the meantime, while the Burners world awaits word about Harvey’s condition, and plans proceed for the next Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this coming Aug. 26-Sept. 3, we looked at some of the commentary fans are sharing.
All 26,000 tickets for Burning Man 2018 sold out in 30 minutes, each carrying a price tag of $425.
“While this is a challenging time, we are encouraged by our community’s ability to come together when it matters most. Some have asked how this may affect our organization and our operations going forward,” said the festival’s official statement. “Rest assured, Burning Man and Black Rock City 2018 will go on. If there’s one thing we know for sure, Larry wants us to burn the Man. We look forward to sharing more information when it becomes available. In the meantime, we ask for patience and support as we navigate the effects this has on all of us.
“Thank you for sharing your love with each other, and your love of Burning Man with the world.”
Here’s some of what people are saying:
From “Supernova”
“After 25 years of marriage and a surprise divorce, I connected with an old friend and attended my first burn. In the 10 years since, my life has been full of art, friendship and the love of amazing, intelligent, artistic people. Thank you Larry, for creating a worldwide movement of love and art. Words cannot express the love and gratitude I have toward you, and the gift of your burn. I reflect back the love and healing you have given thousands of burners. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, to yours.”
From Lisa Kellogg:
“Burning Man has changed my life in so many positive ways. I’m forever grateful, blessed and touched by the extra special gifts of life that I’ve received from Burning Man. I love you, Burning Man. Sending you lots of positive healing energy, Larry Harper.”
From Milan Prsa:
“I’m not a ‘thoughts and prayers’ type of person, but there is something I need to express. Most of all, gratitude. Larry Harvey was one of the guys who burned the first Man. He is The Guy who wrote the Ten Principles. Although I’ve never met him, I’m pretty sure that he’s not the Man. Just a Guy carrying a torch. A communicator of complex harmony. The spark, the idea of a creative sandbox is the best way out of the darkness. It saved me. That’s why I’m grateful.
“For as long as I’m aware of the Burning Man Project (10 years probably) I’ve learned that it pays off to be different — it’s the only way to change the world. And, Mr. Harvey, you sure are something else. Stick around, Sir, shine on!”
From Ralph Nauta:
“Lovely Larry! You changed the lives of so many by just doing what you believe in without compensation. What a ride. I hope you get well, lovely man, to see this year’s burn (and many more) that you worked so hard on. Your ideas are pure. Love you!”