The Short Version
This year, the Temple was designed to burn with music. The music might not align with the quiet, down tempo sound that many people are accustomed to. We recognize the historical precedence at regionals, where the Temple burn is often quiet; however, we also recognize that people have different understandings of what the Temple and the Effigy represent. Furthermore, people practice rituals and process emotions in different ways. Read to the end 😊
What’s going on
In less than a month, the Temple will be built, becoming a part of the living history of the earth upon which it will soon stand. Once constructed, its healing energies embrace all those seeking reflection, resolution, release, and renewal. Alchemy intends to help provide a safer space so that everyone may have the experience and expression they need at the Temple. In return, respectful consideration of the space, the land, and its people are asked of those visiting.
Artist Statement
“For the past 2 years, I’ve had the honor of designing, building and bringing to life Temples at Alchemy; my first temple would be the last one hosted at Cherokee Farms and this year I get to bring another to life, bringing the total to 3. Since I’ve been creating temples at Alchemy, I have included music with them. Temples are a way to process through difficult emotions and, for me, I cannot do that without music. Music is a large part of my life, both in times of sorrow and joy. Music helps me through stress and anxiety, music brings life to the creative juices in my brain, and music helps me through my workdays. While music is not a type of art I create, it is Art, and it is meaningful. Each temple I have designed has a personal playlist I created for myself with songs that bring it to life inside my mind as it’s designed and built.
Last year (2023), someone took it upon themselves to change the artistic vision of both me and my DJ by first complaining about the music during the burn, and then escalating to someone physically unplugging the music equipment. It was then further disrespected with commentary and howling. Howling in the silence may be how others grieve, but for me, it was painful to hear the sound intended to be played removed without consent and that others chose a new soundtrack. Put frankly, last year I didn’t get a chance to grieve my losses at the temple I designed and put very literal blood, sweat, and tears into. It is difficult to process your grief and the grief your friends are sharing when the space you have created to do so in is vandalized.
This year, the Temple will have music again. As the artist designing the temple, I feel it is an important piece of the artwork and how I, and I am sure others, process emotions. Not everyone and not every culture shows moments of silence in respect to loss or grief, many celebrate the times they had and shared before their loss. Coming out of a hard time doesn’t mean we can’t also celebrate the good times on the horizon or the triumph of making it through a period we sometimes feel like we’ll never leave. It’s hard when you lose something or someone you didn’t think you would. It’s challenging to work through those emotions when they linger long after the temple burns. There are still songs that make me cry, just because they were attached to someone or something no longer in my life.
Alchemy is about change, trying something different, and about being able to be yourself and not having to adhere to the default world’s norms. Why are we stuck then in the mindset that the only acceptable way to grieve or remember or process emotions is in silence? I, for one, don’t. So, this year, we get music.”
— Tweek
Temple Burn ‘24
Large Art Burns (LABs) are focused on the artists’ vision for the piece they are creating.
The Temple, our traditional Sunday night LAB, will have music accompanying it when it burns.
We are seeking feedback to provide to the 2025 Leadership Team for ensuring artist safety, accessibility for participants, and best practices for honoring artist’s vision. The form linked in the comment will remain open through 11/31.
Authentic Consent
Regarding the Temple Vibe, in past years, there have been misunderstandings about what it means to be in community with each other. Some community behavior, such as vandalizing art or unplugging DJ equipment, has been unacceptable and violates our code of conduct, which could result in a ban or removal from the event. Remember, we have resources available to navigate conflict. To this effect, we also recognize a clearer understanding of consent, which is:
Trauma Aware
We recognize our nervous system, the trauma response cycle and its impact on our bodies, our voice, and our movements.
Radically Responsible
Each person is radically responsible in both the way we are impacted by others and our impact on the lives of others.
Culturally Conscious
Cultural realities exist, and we want to make space for our autonomy and safety to exist within them, while maintaining a sense of belonging.
Clearly Communicated
Use non-violent communication models to allow us all to coexist safely.
Ongoing & Negotiable
We hold space for the renegotiation and withdrawal of consent at any time.
Enforceable & Empowered
We want to amplify a sense of safety with language and practices that empower us to stand in our truth about what we want and don’t want, as well as help consequences be enforceable.
Community Standards for Discourse
Practice recognizing judgements.
Avoid positive & negative judgements when describing yourself/others.
No name-calling! This becomes an attack on a person’s whole character, rather than on a single observable behavior.
Don’t use moralistic language. These are judgements about what should be considered good and what should be considered bad.
Avoid catastrophizing language and other exaggerations. These are exaggerated judgements of just how awful, or how unacceptable, something is. These are also used to dramatically emphasize how strongly a person feels. This can feel manipulative to the other person.
Recognize totalizing language. These are disguised judgements and exaggerations of the frequency, predictability, or receptiveness of a behavior, thus drawing an unspoken conclusion about what the behavior means.
The Temple Design & Build Process
Alchemy Temple designs have historically been sourced from members of our community. If you wish to see your artistic vision realized at a future Alchemy, we encourage you to engage with the process of submitting your vision for consideration in the future. All of you are encouraged to participate, even if you don't have prior experience creating large art. In the past, we have offered guidance and resources to first-timers who may need help navigating the building process and meeting the safety and logistical challenges inherent to building and burning large art.