Unity

Unity, 2024 Pendant by Joel (Sargent Pepper) Briggs.

Sargent Pepper writes,
“The Unity Pendant is based on the Burning Man coming together as one. It starts from the center compass point and the dot in the center, you. From this, we all come together from the North, South, East and West. Each of us brings a culture that forms the compass point. From the compass point, we come together by love. The heart is composed of two heart shapes of individual dots. The inner heart represents the new Burner, and the outer heart,  the seasoned  Burner. There are no prejudices, just a love of new and old love that starts to build the city outward. Surrounding the heart are 36 circles. This represents the original 35 who attended the first Burn and the first spontaneous performance back in 1986 on that San Francisco beach – the holding of hands! 1990 Burning Man moved from the San Francisco Beach to the Black Rock Desert. From this, Black Rock City was formed. This is captured by the Burning Man head symbols representing the city points at 2 and 10 clock positions. This city is composed of art, fire, and the effigy itself, the Burning Man. This has happened for 34 years and is represented by the 34 circles surrounding Black Rock City. The tiny dots that hold the 34 circles together represent life and death. Those who attend and those we have lost. It’s a bond that they will always be part of the city and shall always be remembered for their participation and legacy. The ten large silver circles represent the 10 Burning Man principles. Each dot shines so it enlightens us to be a better Burner. They hold the 10 Burning Man Principles together and infuse them into the inner workings of the city itself. 38 individual dots surround each symbol. Each dot represents the years since 1986 that Burning Man has existed. The 10 smaller shiny circles remind us to be a true Burner both on and off the playa. The finished silver color mirrors the soul, helping us see ourselves as others see us. The black finish represents the Black Rock Desert and contains playa dust… 

The back of the pendant contains a Rumi quote, “The world exists as you perceive it. It is not what you see, it is how you see it. It is not what you hear, but how you hear it.”   The Unity Pendant is just not a something to wear, but something to learn from!“

Joel (Sargent Pepper) Briggs is one of the Playas most prolific and artistic makers. Each year he produces a variety of pendants based on personal Burning Man experiences. Joel’s language of  Sign, Symbol and Metaphors creates a deep visual story. His use of materials and production methods pushes his Story Telling past the boundaries with the addition of 3D texture and a sculptural feel. Joel also uses precious metals of Gold and Silver to add a status of importance . The Gold and Silver comes from his own mining claim. He blasts out the ore which is then crushed and refined to pure Gold and Silver! He unique pieces are highly treasured by collectors. A pendant of Joel’s appears in Karen (Suki) Christians and Christine (Lady Bee) Kristen book, Jewelry of Burning Man. p75.