Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Will there be events held at the Temple?

Where would the temple be located ideally?

How will the fire be created on the Phoenix?

What is the Phoenix made of?

What is the playa schedule for the Temple?

Is the Temple supervised 24 hours a day?

Will there be events held at the Temple?

We will offer the space to performers who wish to create and perform acoustic, vocal, spoken word, or dance art that considers our theme of renewal and rebirth. Fire dancers are welcome to dance with the Phoenix as it burns. A schedule will be announced. All interested performers should contact the Phoenix Temple at: bobbie@holonet.net

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Where would the temple be located ideally?

The Phoenix Temple is a contemplative and mellow retreat within the celebration of Burning Man. We will display the temple and Phoenix on the playa as an art installation at an assigned location on the new walkway at 3 o’clock from the man.

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How will the fire be created on the Phoenix?

There will be three systems of creating fire for the Phoenix. The first will be an alcohol-based bath that the Phoenix stands in. This bath will also catch any unburned liquid fuel from the third system. The second is a propane-based flaming system used to generally highlight the Phoenix’s wings and tail feathers as it ignites the third flame system. This last system is to create colorized flames and uses liquid fuel. This alcohol-based plan will produce the five-colored flaming plumage of the Phoenix.

The first two plans are straightforward. The third will require some experimentation with colorants to get the best blend. We will utilize jet nozzles for this. The liquid fuel will be pre-mixed in soda fountain canisters using a reserve of nitrogen to pressurize the containers. A simple control PIC will be used to control the flow of the liquid fuel; this system is a simpler system than we used on the Dome-A-Deer Fire Dome at Burning Man 2000.

The following are resources for colorization of liquid fuel:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/flame.html

http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00269.htm

And here are some colorants:

Sodium: golden-yellow

Potassium: violet (lilac)

Lithium: carmine-red

Calcium: brick-red (yellowish)

Strontium: crimson

Barium, molybdenum: yellow-green

Borates, copper, and thallium: green

Lead, arsenic, antimony, bismuth and copper: blue

Copper chloride: blue

Lithium chloride: carmine

Copper Sulfate: green

Calcium chloride: orange

Potassium chloride: purple

Strontium chloride: red

Sodium chloride [table salt]: yellow

Here are some sites for tips we are finding useful:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/flame.html

http://newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00269.htm

http://www.kyantec.com/Tips/flame_colorers_for_firewood.htm

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What is the Phoenix made of?

The Phoenix stands in a steel nest or pool of fire that is on a burn platform. His structure is steel with various metals as well as the necessary piping and fixtures for the creation of colored flames to emit from his wings and tail. He stands about eleven feet tall. His entire surface will be treated to create a vibrant patina as it is licked by the nightly flames. Fire shoots forth from his plumage.

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What is the Temple made of?

The Temple is a steel dome with clear plastic and canvas laced to the bars. The plastic is painted to resemble stained glass and the fabric dyed. When inside, the viewer will be surrounded by an illuminated motif of feathers and fire. Cushions of all sizes in various vibrant tones will surround the space. They face the center and an imposing altar. On the altar stands an enormous and intricately decorated egg.

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What is the playa schedule for the Temple?

See Temple Schedule page.

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Is the Temple supervised 24 hours a day?

No. There will be someone there when the Phoenix sculpture is emitting fire. We will also plan to meet the performers, assist them and be available during the performances scheduled. Beverages will also be served at these times. While the egg and altar will look rich and elaborate, much of it will be battened down and have no real value, hopefully limiting the possibilities of theft.

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Last revised: July 6, 2003