Main fundraiser photo

THE LENS Project

Donation protected

This is a campaign for all of us.
For YOU, you amazing human, and for your adventurous spirit that you've been craving to share with the world! To connect with and inspire one another while we collaborate to bring more interactive art into our communities, spreading joy to everyone who contributes!
To talk about the things we've been yearning to talk about.
To practice self-love & acceptance!
Thank you for being here!

THE LENS is a playful yet confrontational interactive art piece that challenges participants to experience shifts in perspective. By creating space for a sudden shift in focus from the external world, to infinite images centered on one’s self, participants are invited to explore the unknown through self-inquiry.

Our aim is to travel with this project to foster community-driven engagement with its installation at Burning Man 2019, regional events, community events and beyond.

THE WHY:
THE LENS elicits philosophical self-inquiry by evoking perspective shifts through play, awe, wonder and exploration of the unknown. By getting the opportunity to move past their habitual perceptions, participants are urged to see more widely, more deeply, more profoundly. This challenges how they see themselves, other people, and their connection with the universe. Thus allowing us to metamorphose into greater alignment with what we discover to be our authentic selves.

THE LENS PROJECT website. 


THE PHYSICAL:
27 door-sized panels form a round roofless structure; its exterior is hand painted with curious images & philosophically challenging statements.

Circling the exterior, a welcome mat & door handle invite entry through a self-closing doorway marked “'YOU'”. Inside, mirrored panels form a faceted ring. Suddenly isolated from the exterior world, participants are transported into an infinitely fractalized experience of themselves.

Visual reflections dance expansively as the participant moves. In company, participant’s reflections intertwine, emphasizing shifting perspectives and our interconnections.

From inside, the entryway doesn’t open; exploration is needed. 2 self-closing exits are subtly marked “CHOOSE”. They sit directly opposite the entry, at opposing angles to each other, their exterior marked "Love over Fear" & "Fear over Love"; the nature of the choice is now apparent.

Written on the 4 panels between the exits is: “What in your life inspired YOUR most powerful PERSPECTIVE SHIFT?” Roped pens invite self-expression.


THE INTERACTIVITY:
As an immersive experience encouraging spontaneity, a diverse range of people can play with reflections, find their way in & out of the installation like a puzzle, dance, meditate, practice yoga or hold a ceremony, class or party inside.

Burners can also examine the symbolism behind the piece & explore the alternative philosophical perspectives provoked by the writings on the outside of the walls. Playful conversations, healthy debate & potentially challenging self-inquiry are triggered.

Physical, emotional, metaphorical & spiritual levels of interactivity create art that is personal & and not merely observed. The art is internalized; life discussions, listening & storytelling become creative expressions in themselves. Individuals are free to reveal their authentic selves by fostering deep connection to and empathy with one another, initiating lasting personal transformation.

This is the beauty of The Lens, each participants ability to BECOME art, making their collaborative mark on the project.


THE GOAL:
In order for us to build THE LENS, this campaign needs to raise funds for the acrylic mirror material, our highest single cost @ $13,188.

This cost includes: Abrasion Resistant (AR) acrylic mirror, custom cutting fees, special mastic for mounting & delivery of materials. Mirror with AR coating insures against playa dust hazing, makes the acrylic chemical & UV stable, plus protects the mirrors as a community resource.

Being a custom order, lead time is 6-8 weeks!! Please help us raise funds ASAP so we can meet our production deadlines!

THE WHO:

UNCŪTH COLLECTIVE 
We are a collective of explorers, philosophers and artists that have adopted a playful exploration of the unknown.
We create interactive art that inspires and aims to extend its reach to connect community on a global scale. We believe in a single idea being able to ripple out and create positive change far beyond our immediate understanding.

Would you like to join us?

Come say hi to the uncūth collective!
This is your chance to take part in the magic.
We can only create with your support! Come meet our crew! 

There are several ways you can contribute towards our full construction goal:

1) If you resonate with our philosophy or project idea, please hit share and help us to spread it. The power of crowdfunding runs on a "trending" campaign and each share, like & follow helps to reach more contributors!

2) Of course your hard earned monetary contributions will be forever in our gratitude. Fundraisers tirelessly say this but it still stands: EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS! Thank you! <3

3) If you happen to stumble across this project and have an idea to contribute in a cash-less way, please contact us!
We foster the power of collaboration!

>>> We're in need of build materials: 2x4's, 2x6's, 4'x8' plywood, wood sealer, acrylic mirror, hardware (wood screws, lag bolts, metal brackets etc.), artist paints for the murals on the exterior panels, spray paint, epoxy resin, tools we could borrow for construction, and the list goes on.

>>> Any fundraising event materials that you could offer as a donation: food, wine, photography services, blank T-shirts for schwag printing, entertainment through music, dance, or fire displays etc.

>>> And the life-blood of the project: Volunteers!
Do you have time & skills you'd like to contribute?
We need help on build days to construct THE LENS & to painting the exterior panels as a mural for the community to enjoy.
If you don't have skills but the motivation to learn, we will teach you!
Contact us now as we begin building soon!

Last but not least!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking interest in our project and in helping to support the global community experience interactive art! WE CAN ONLY DO THIS BECAUSE OF YOU :D ♥ )'(

Thank you again and again. YOU ARE JUST AS MUCH A PART OF THIS AS ANYONE ELSE! YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS OF SO MUCH VALUE and way beyond the scope that anyone can even imagine yet. This project will be touching many AND you will help us create that!!!

Fundraising team: uncūth collective (2)

Lauren Kilb
Organizer
Raised $100 from 1 donation
Costa Mesa, CA
Lauren Kilb
Team member
Raised $215 from 5 donations

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