In this podcast episode, Chris Krug and Charlie Smith discuss their experiences at Burning Man, the intersection of art, technology, and community, and the importance of storytelling and self-expression. They highlight the need for platforms that incorporate artists' visions and help others understand the creative mind.

Charlie shares his journey of sobriety and his struggles with addiction. He also discusses his metal sculptural art and his involvement in community-building art projects. They touch on the power of art to unite people across geographical boundaries and the importance of being present and authentic at Burning Man.

Artist Statement of the Now "The day is short and filled with consistent challenges, sociological stressors, political nightmares, and communication breakdowns. The work I'm producing is a positive release of the angst that the daily trudge through the information overload highway of life we are experiencing on a moment-to-moment basis. So fast, so weird! Our psyche is so worked up that the relief valves must be set, The clogged brain needs plunging and a good flush from the chaos-filled world we live in today. These objects and characters stem from the ground on tendrils of energy- resonant nature-nurture organic, with the machine and metallic textures and hard lines of expressionism burst from these playful creations in the comedic struggle of life - we create the object image in our heads to exorcize our common pomp and circumstance! looking for solace = Finding peace! Gratitude Flows" -- Charlie Blackcat Smith - http://www.sparceland.com/

“I Love to dream, I make amazing art experiences that bring people together and speak to the participants on a ritualistic, communal, and individual level. so driven to see this take place time and time again instigating, creating, and sharing in a magical space in time, where participation literally creates the vibration around the sculptural expressions. “I love people and love to see them share extreme art spaces that open the mind and push the human experience through art to new levels." -- Charlie Blackcat Smith - http://www.sparceland.com/