This installation is intended as a reminder that each of us is manifesting the American Dream, by choice or by none.  Will the future (or the present) allow a discussion on which type of freedom we wish to achieve?  Will we achieve true freedom by destroying the order we have and starting fresh with a new form of freedom…one with no boundaries,  or by transforming into our culture from what is already established?  Unlike hope or fear, this vote offers three choices:

·       Order

·       Anarchy

·       Abstain

The method of voting is still being considered, but the evolving concept now suggests voters register to vote by performing an expression of freedom on stage, before an open mike…each person must stand and be heard. Participants would choose a red, white or blue flag or long ribbon, to be added to one of 3 corresponding wooden poles, so that burners can watch the vote progress.

The installation should be erected in a prominent place, along the Esplanade, to accommodate an attending theme camp, set in place to protect the vote from violators. It will include two separate renditions of the Statue of Liberty, each carved from a single, massive tree trunk:

• "The Hand of Order," or "Order": A Liberty still in progress, she is scaffolded and far more futuristic than her counterpart, though immediately familiar. Since she is more established, she is much larger, perhaps 30 feet tall…a robust statement of an evolving freedom through reciprocal order. Will she survive to symbolize our evolving freedom?

• "The Reign of Anarchy" or "Anarchy":  A Liberty transformed by the very hand of anarchy, just like the Man at Green Man; except this target of terror survives. She is 10 feet tall, displayed on a high pedestal with all of her incredible charred textures—effects not possible without the arson's torch…will unrestrained freedom be our guide in the coming era?

Participants may ascend the scaffolds of Order, touch the sculpture and see the process up-close, maybe talk to the artist or an apprentice. More skilled artisans may even be allowed to carve on the evolving Liberty.

Visitors may also participate, one at a time by ascending a ladder and slathering with melted paraffin wax the charred Liberty, or Anarchy, to create a huge Liberty candle, to be retired…burned in a spectacular ceremony! Witnesses to the burn of Liberty will be asked to cheer for anarchy or remain silent for order, as a kind of popular vote where everyone who watches Liberty burn must make their choice.

The winning vote will be the exclusive subject of a '09 installation by the artist (Matthew "Timeless" Welter). So the burning community will not only vote for the preferred mode of freedom, they will influence a course.

The stakes are high, dear burners…what will be your choice?

 

To learn about the history of Anarchy, click here.

To learn about participating in The Choice, click here.

To learn more about Timeless’ artistry, click here.