Wheel of Thwarted Ambition

People approach us as we are unloading the formidable hunk of metal from Chip's crane: "What is this for? What's going to happen?"

It's still daylight. Anton Viditz-Ward, a local Telluride welder and friend, has built spinning metal carriages of fire for four years now. This particular wheel was seen by fellow Burners on the 2008 playa. They decided to rent the wheel for the rehearsal dinner for their wedding. Descending from Mountain Village on the Gondola, the wedding party would be surprised to see a sparking ring of fire.

The newlyweds-to-be





Due to the last minute rental of the Wheel of Thwarted Ambition, Anton called upon his crew of friends, or Team Fuck Yeah, to get things spinning.



Most of the crew suited up in orange jumpsuits, goggles and helmets; the crowd that the event inevitably drew was fully aware of who was in charge:









Bri and I got to turn the crank shaft first:






This year, Anton has built a double wheel that spins in opposite directions and the theme for our Burning Man camp is Palindromes. Our motto is one of the oldest palindromes known, a latin phrase that was used to describe the behavior of moths: In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni. It translates to “we go wandering at night and are consumed by fire." Seems pretty appropriate . . .

If anyone wants a closer look at any of Anton's metal projects, come to the next mine party! David Byrne, Summer 2012!




Wheelside


Sparking Stars


Photos courtesy of Merrick Chase - - - check him out!