On a windy estate in West Virginia Rania Peet is busy conjuring up her next big idea. Gigantic mushrooms are being built , in the distance towering 25 foot tall circus characters are being draped with fabric, and in the background you can almost hear the carnival music playing... Rania was kind enough to sit down with me and answer some tough questions. Event decorations for NightMare Festival featuring The Haunted Garden * Big Social: How does it feel to have The Haunted Garden showcased at Nightmare Festival this October? A self portrait: In the Artists studio Rania: It feels like a full circle really. I started decorating raves in the late 90s and then took a long break to start a family when the EDM scene basically died in the early to mid 2000s. As the years passed, I started The Haunted Garden, which I absolutely fell in love with. When i heard of Nightmare Festival last year, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. And now here I am. I'm really excited to bring my Halloween madness to 4,000 people at the type of music event where it all started for me. * Big Social: There’s no i in team. Now that your events are becoming more complex talk with us on the importance of your design team and the nuances of art direction in a group setting. Two truck loads might not cut it. Rania: I think it's really important to collaborate with others. Everyone is good at something different and there is no way you can do this kind of production alone. Everyone has different skill sets and they all bring something unique to the table. My talents really do lie in art direction, set design and bringing a large vision together. My husband is on the team now and he has that mechanical / building brain which is great because I hate the raw carpentry part of building. Then there are others who are great at drawing, painting, costuming, makeup,acting etc. Decorating events is no easy task and there are many layers to bringing a vision of this scale to life. You just have to find the right people who really want to be involved and can be proactive in getting things done and then giving them the freedom to do what they do best. I have a lot of faith in everyone and am so honored to get to work a long side so many talented people. 4am laser vortex show at Big Dub Festival * Big Social: You pay homage to getting your start designing for raves and nightclubs in the late 90’s. Pausing for a moment, how has EDM shaped American culture? Rania: The EDM scene has certainly gone through a few transformations over the decades. I took a long break from it all only to come back to a whole new generation of youngsters with new dance styles, new fashion trends and a whole new lineup of music genres. It took me a little while to grasp it all and not be judgmental of the super hyper b.p.m.s, l.e.d gloves, hula hoops and the "less is more" fashion attire. At the end of the day, everyone is still there for the same reasons - to escape to another world, leave their stresses behind, make new friends, dance to music and be part of a community where everyone is accepted as they are. Some say "PLUR" is dead but as long as there are those of us who work hard to bring culture and art into these events, then everyone will continue to grow and learn and have life changing experiences to pass on to the next generation of EDM lovers. As for how it shaped America, I'm just glad more and more people embrace the culture, the music and the overall acceptance of others. Mainstream or not, its totally awesome. Big Dub Festival * Big Social: What was your first experience with art and how has this experience shaped your trajectory in life? Rania and her pink gas mask Rania: I have been creative since I was a little girl. At first I tried my hand at music as I had a good ear for it, not to mention a very talented piano playing father. But I soon realized I loved visual arts when I was building miniature foam cities and Barbie wonderlands in my house. I loved decorating and crafting as a kid. I built my first life size prop at the age of 10 when i made a 6ft Knight in Armor out of cardboard and tin foil. I presented it at school and everyone loved it. Then I volunteered at a haunted house at the age of 16 and just LOVED the excitement back stage. The costume racks, the makeup rooms, the sets, all the people, the long lines outside. It was awesome! I lost my way creatively for a few years but then i found the rave scene and BLAM - eyes wide open. * Big Social: When did you know that you wanted to be an Event Designer as a career? Masquerade in The Haunted Garden Rania: As soon as I found the EDM scene. My first rave was in 1996 and was just blown away by the environments - the lighting, the lasers, the way it all came together as a giant masterpiece for everyone to experience. I had really unique, life changing experiences at those events and I knew I wanted to be a part of creating that for others, so I immediately got involved. I spent years decorating parties like Buzz at Nation, Ultraworld and many more. It all led me to work in a variety of venues for many different promoters, which in turn gave me opportunities to design corporate galas, fashion shows and parties of all kinds. I even got to design a couple shows for Dj Sasha in 2 cities on his tour which was a dream come true for me as him and John Digweed's Twilo nights in NYC were the most visually inspiring shows I have ever seen. I love being behind the scenes of special events though. It is very rewarding to know you are a part of something that creates special life experiences for people. At the end of the day, I really just love putting on a show and entertaining people visually. It is my life passion. * Big Social: Everything you build is big..big mushrooms, massive black tarantulas, 30 ft tall smoking pumpkin heads-it’s impressive. But even more intriguing is your use of stills and film. Where would you like to take it? 15 foot mushroom Rania: I love photography and videography but I'm just beginning and have a long way to go. I am working as a camera operator on a tv pilot with Blue Ibis films right now capturing b-roll type stuff, which is a lot of fun. I have always wanted to work in tv and film as either a production designer, editor, or director of photography. I am doing my best to learn as much as I can and work hard to better myself in all my creative endeavors. I love to build, create and capture it all. As long as I am doing that, I will be happy because every opportunity leads to the next. Who knows where it could all lead me. * Big Social: What’s on you Designer’s Bucket list? i.e. Before I die I’ve just gotta build ________” Mirror ball for a DC rave Rania: My end goal right now is to open a haunted attraction. It is the sole reason I am doing everything that I'm doing. I have the new haunt name trademarked "The Haunted Wonderland" which will be a non-traditional, outdoor fantasy type haunt that will make people feel like they have entered another world. So I just need to keep moving forward with building unique props, organizing a team, finding a location and raising money to make it happen. Eventually I would also love the haunt to be attached to a summer camp that teaches teenage kids how to build and operate a haunted house. My dreams are big and I realize they may take a while to accomplish, but with dedication and hard work, I think it will all come to fruition. After all, once I set my mind on something I want, I usually make it happen. Wonderland entrance for The Mad Tea Party Jam 3 Be sure to follow along by visiting Rania's DIY blog www.stopandeattheroses.com
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