Jen Reed

#civilization

As we begin the journey back into the desert we're honored to share that @Compost_Playground was selected as an Honoraria recipient for 2026!! 🎉 The Apple Core Jungle Gym is evolving and has been redesigned, in the details. The playa, our community of artists, and the kids that we met along the way gave priceless feedback that prepared us for this new growth. Thank you @burningman ! You'll be hearing more about playground plans and how you can get involved soon. Artist @R88D Architect @zioanaai Core Build Lead @wagleyii Structural Engineering @oh_hey_revae

So excited to close out the year by featuring designer and fabricator Jen Reed (@r88d )! I connected with Jen through a touching circumstance this year and have since had the opportunity to learn about her practice and the incredible project she debuted this summer — The Compost Playground 🍎🤸🏿‍♀️🛝👷🏾‍♀️ We discussed what inspired her to start this playground project, why Burning Man (@burningman ) was the best platform to debut this work, the importance of encouraging movement & play, and her key piece of advice for maintaining relationships during the creative process. Hope you enjoy our conversation💙 Interview link is in my bio 🔗 Happy Holidays! ✨✨

I stand on the other side of a monumental project feeling accomplished and somehow the journey has just begun. To work with such a mindful and talented group of professionals and volunteers was my comfort during a challenging year. From beginning to end of the season, we overcame uncertainty and weather-induced hurdles. All while observing everyone rising from the ashes, each day. If you made it to the playa, you did it! If you completed your project, you won. If you came back with a stronger community, that's the real reason we do this thing in the desert. Thank you burners, for building the support system every sculptural artist needs to step out on faith. I'm proud to say we rose to the occasion. . . . . . Photo 01 by @arinfishkin Photo 02 by @djsoulara #bigart #compostplayground #theapplecore #youaretheearthworm #burningmanart #blackvanguard #youandilearn #compostisforlovers #leavenotrace

Highlighting Black/BIPOOC led art you can support this year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Projects I stand behind & am extremely excited to see heading to playa. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Today we are supporting @compost_playground led by Jen Reed who was the build lead for my barbershop project and on the team for Black! Asé 2022. Now it’s her turn. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jen Reed @r88d is a designer, fabricator, and herbalist native to Louisiana. Co-leading big art with engineers, architects, and artists across disciplines, her art bridges the gap between new generations and the third place. Her sculptures foster curiosity about sustainability and our relationships with structure. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “You are the Earthworm that discovered a new pile of compost. Discarded fruits and vegetables become a space for play, climbing, shade, and shelter. This moment of discovery is for all ages that feel drawn to recognizable silhouettes. We hope this experience sparks a lifelong composting practice.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whether you’re attending this year or not, one way to participate is by supporting art. Especially Black, BIPOC & women led art projects. They need all the support they can get to make it happen. Taking art to Playa is hella challenging and one way we can show up for them is to give what you can. $5 or $5,000 it makes it helps. Asking the entire community to show up for these teams who are creating the magic you’ll get to experience. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The gift these teams give to us all will live within us for forever even if you don’t know it. Help the @compost_playground team get to playa. Join in on their journey by donating whatever you can and sharing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your support is essential in helping them carry this to the finish line. Link to donate in stories ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ * Donations tax deductible ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #blackartmatter #burningman #art #blackburnerproject #blackart

🔩 First dry fit complete! This week we laid out an end of the Apple Core for the first time. Seeing it assembled on the ground like this helps us test connections, check fit, and ensure alignment. Because this structure is modular by design, every joint and junction has to line up so it can be transported and rebuilt with ease. Each labeled cut and corner brings us closer to a sculpture that’s not only bold and beautiful, but movable. This kind of groundwork might not look flashy, but it’s what makes the next stages flow. The dry fit gives us clarity, confidence, and momentum. 🔥 Onward to more coping, welding and bringing the Apple Core to life. #CompostPlayground #ModularDesign #DryFit #AppleCoreBuild #BurningMan2025 #InteractiveArt #SteelStructure #FabricationInProgress #BoxShopSF

I recently arrived to open arms in the Bay for the @compost_playground build season. At @boxshopsf , I'm immersed in a community that inspires me to stretch beyond my limits and get shit done. Before we get into the thick of it... I just wanna say... Last year was the best year #thankslarry #blackasé

my favorite photo on playa from 2011 rites of passage; the year I learned radical self reliance (Idk who took this but I was camping with the abundant sugar folks)

Diego’s medicinal garden, baby forest. @tierradelsol.oaxaca

I’ve been healing from a cold this weekend… thinking about the past. Eager to be productive again, but not just yet. I think these photos are from 2011 waiting for the Temple to burn. #ritesofpassage

everywhere you go there you are 📷 @aphotochick @blackburnerproject #wakingdreams

My Momma & her Momma