For Burning Man 2012, I embarked on my first ever in-theme art project.  Yes, I'd built art (for Burning Man and other events) before, but never something that incorporated the event's theme.  "Fertility 2.0" was the announced theme, and it suggested that in a world of more than seven billion people and on a planet with dwindling resources, it might be time to rethink what it means to be fruitful.  So with that, I came up with the Fertile Minds Idea Deli and Lofty Thoughts Lounge.

Pre-Visualization was done using Adobe Ideas on the iPad.  A really simple sketch to get an idea of the shape of the deli counter was all that was needed.

Using layers I was able to also sketch how I wanted the shelves inside the deli counter to work.

Since I have access to a laser cutter and really enjoy using that tool, I made models of a couple different design directions using spare pieces of 1/8" thick luan.

Pani Page used my Illustrator file to create a model in Cinema 4D.

I took the Illustrator design for the side of the counter over to VCarve Pro, and then designed a few more pieces to be cut using the ShopBot PRS Alpha.  Additional pieces were cut in the wood shop, then assembled, primed, and painted.

The finished deli counter had a removable angled shelf, as well as a laser-cut Eridu Society logo on other side of the counter.

The completed Fertile Minds Idea Deli counter.  The lower shelf was filled plush meats and cheeses, while the upper shelf held a rubber stamp bar and a plastic bin of free spare parts that we called 'Murphy's Slaw'.

 

In addition to the counter, a small shade structure was built to provide shade and shelter for visitors as well as those working the deli.  To help convey the iconic mid-20th century diner/deli feel, a red & white valance tarp was used on the front of the shade structure, and wooden paneling was used for the facade wall behind the counter, complete with posters and a specials board.

 

The installation served as an interaction engine - participants had a lot of fun talking about good and bad ideas, sharing experiences (at the event and otherwise), choosing and using rubber stamps, and enjoying the occasional food and drink service we offered.  Upstairs, people could enjoy the view or relax in the shaded "Lofty Thoughts Lounge" situated behind the giant thought bubble.