Cocoon

Cocoon by Jillian Culver and the Pilot Hill Art Collective, 2026.

Steel conduit, steel wire, nylon twine, acrylic beads, silk, and solar lights

It all began with a moment with a moth at Pilot Hill. A moth landed on me and stayed for a while. I walked around and did things and it just hung out on my leg. I felt like it was trying to send a message. I drew some moths, I drew some Cocoons. I felt more drawn to the Cocoon. I had decided to take a year of rest from Burning Man, and even from skiing and other events. I knew my soul needed rest so I could come back strong. I was in the Cocoon. I wanted to make my Cocoon. I was ready transform my fiber arts business into a focus on fine art.  I knew it would take time and I took a year to plan and bring Cocoon to live. I applied to the Burning Man Honoraria Grant program to see if they would fund my art if I brought it to the playa. Turns out the organization loved my idea, gave me the grant, and Cocoon was officially happening. This would be my 10th Burn. After 9 I was ready for time away and to only return with greater purpose. I wanted to contribute something and Cocoon was it. 

After about 3 months of crocheting and building the frame, I realized I needed more help than I hard originally thought, especially with the crochet. I recruited a few friends and internet followers to help crochet. I accepted donations from others who wanted to help.

Cocoon reminds us it is ok to transform. We can make prorgess without being in motion. We must stop and have periods  of rest before we can evolve. Reflection. Contemplation. Meditation. Transformation.   Take a moment and go inside this safe  space, this small sanctuary. Curl up into a  pile of goo, so you can rebuild the  strength to transform and fly up and away.

Cocoon at sunrise on the playa. 

9 months of crocheting 18  crochet/knit contributors 10k feet of twine (9.5 miles)

The future of Cocoon is uncertain. It will continue to exhibit at a selection of  events with the potential for sale. It may also live permanently at the Pilot  Hill Art Collective for our team to enjoy  and revel in for years to come.

Crochet Contributors;

Majestica Robinson, Ellie Krauss, Eva Graves, Claire Botsy, Nicolette Howell, Micah Soyland, Risa Matsumuru, Sky Sone, Gale Klenk, KC Carpenter, BadProductions, VonKnotty Designs, James Freeborn, Cortney Dodge, Troy. 

Financial Contributors: Burning Man organization, Haley Jay, Micael Crabb, Helen Mino Faulkner, Morgan Goodwin, Mari Fitzgibbon, Martin Carvada, Jess Culver, Judie and John Culver,