Preparing for the Build

After receiving the exciting news that our Love Burn grant proposal was approved, we knew we had to hit the ground running. Rassera immediately started gathering more scrap foam and wood and organized it in our workshop. Meanwhile, Sarai registered an LLC, Alcehmized Art, and opened a new bank account, to keep project resources separate. We also re-created a new 3D model of the South Gate, with more practical building plans in mind.

New and improved 3D model, with building plans in mind.

Our first major purchase was the moon gate, a prefabricated, powder-coated, stainless-steel archway intended for garden use. This gate, which will be bolted into the base during the build, will ensure the stability of the South Gate's portal throughout the event.

Once the moon gate arrived, Rassera created a template and began cutting cardboard pieces to form the base for the fiberglass shell of the portal. After the fiberglass form is complete, we'll use LEDs and carved foam to achieve the desired volcanic rock and lava appearance for the gate.

Cutting the initial cardboard shapes that will provide some structure for applying fiberglass to later in our process.