July 2010 Archives


RECESS bunker feed


The RECESS occupation experiment begins on Saturday July 31, 2010.

In this initial experiment, I will occupy the bunker for one week. I will eat, drink, work, and survive with the resources and equipment I have cached; hunting and gathering when absolutely necessary. A live video feed will be displayed at Mark Moore Gallery through the duration of the experiment. When I leave the bunker (on raiding runs) I will document and stream the results via cell phone.

The experiment ends on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2010. Visit Mark Moore Gallery to experience the live show. Recordings will be made available on my website and youtube channels following the exhibit close on Aug. 16, 2010.

This only the beginning.


As I continue to shape and organize the space inside the RECESS I felt it was time to share a few images of the inside of the bunker:

standing in the bunker

Standing is a bit tight inside my RECESS. The ceiling height was capped at 5'5"  in order to keep with the original concept of the retrofit. The floor (epoxy sealed and painted with traction grit) sits exactly where the deep end of the swimming pool had been. It's plenty comfortable while sitting or lying down.

The drain in the center of the room re-imagines the pool's filtration system as a waste-removal port and emergency flood relief. The walls are bright white from the waterproofing compound. To date, I have hand-powered ventilation, solar power (seen illuminating the room), cellular service, pirate radio, broadband internet, grid power and city water (seen below).

water jugs to be used as a table base



This is a video demonstration of the firing of an improvised 12 gauge shotgun. Pellets and wadding have been removed for safety. The gun showed no signs of stress following several test shots. This model can be adapted for fully autonomous use. Plans can be found in the DIY section of the site or seen here.

*This post had been temporarily removed pending the outcome of recent confiscations by the BATFE. It has been restored to its original form. For more information see this post.


I've previously written about the many benefits of 550 paracord. Here is a DIY of the cobra stitch (the knot used to create my paracord bracelets) so that you can tie your own.

I wear my paracord survival bracelet everyday. My dog has one, and so does our infant child (see pic after the jump).




Starting a fire is easiest with good tinder. This video demonstrates my favorite method of producing tinder using shredded currency (useless in a long-term RECESS situation).


Here is a demonstration of a modified paiute deadfall. Please see the DIY for this animal trap to build your own.