Biography: Lorrie Bell

Lorrie Bell, also known as Cookie on the playa at Burning Man, has had a remarkable journey influenced by her experiences at the event. Her initial encounter with Burning Man sparked a desire that she eventually fulfilled once her parental responsibilities allowed. Since her first attendance in 2008, Lorrie has returned each year, becoming deeply involved in the culture of gifting that defines Burning Man.

Her involvement began with the idea of creating small, meaningful gifts (swag) to give to others at Burning Man. Inspired by the community’s spirit, she started collecting these gifts herself and soon found herself returning home not just with memories, but with a collection of swag in a shoebox. Over the years, this collection grew, leading Lorrie to create shadow boxes to display these cherished gifts.

These shadow boxes became a significant project for Lorrie, evolving from a personal keepsake to public art displays. They were showcased at various locations within Burning Man, including Sierra College and Center Camp, where they attracted attention and engagement from fellow participants. In 2017, her project expanded into an interactive shadow box, allowing even more people to contribute and engage with the artwork.

Lorrie’s dedication to preserving and sharing these gifts reflects the core values of Burning Man, where creativity, community, and personal expression are celebrated. Her initiative not only enriches her own experience but also contributes to the collective memory and spirit of Burning Man. Through her website and ongoing projects, Lorrie continues to invite others to appreciate the personal stories and meanings behind each piece of swag, creating a lasting impact on the Burning Man community.

Her work are featured in Museums including the 2018 exhibit “No Spectators, The Art of Burning Man” at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC and is published in Karen Christians Jewelry of Burning Man.

See more of Lorrie’s work click here.