The Acid Sweat Lodge is a website made by two guys from Vancouver called Kevin Romaniuk and Liam Hogan. Together, they are dedicated to ‘increasing and disseminating outsider knowledge’. They do that by meticulously collecting and cataloging images, films, playlists and things. It’s pretty easy to while away an afternoon on their site, jus’ lookin’ at stuff.
We’re just getting our Videodrone section off the ground at the moment, so we’re asking interesting people to choose videos and talk about them. ASL were a pretty obvious choice as they seem to track down all the cultural ephemera and outsider stuff that is just so good to look at. We’ll probably put up a few of their choices each day for the next few days. In the meantime, however, here’s a brief interview with them and a selection of images, each representing a category of their meticulously organised website.
What is the purpose of the Acid Sweat Lodge?
The Acid Sweat Lodge is chartered in Vancouver British Columbia in accordance with the laws of the Universe as an artistic and educational organization. Since its formation in 2007, The Acid Sweat Lodge has supported various explorations and research projects, adding immeasurably to freedom of thought, patterns of fraternal interaction, and aspects of the future.
What does the name mean?
The name the is derived from two traditional meanings and concepts:
Acid; A harsh or corrosive chemical sour to the taste.
And the concept of a Sweat Lodge, which is a traditional ceremony that gives its participants the opportunity to free their minds of distractions, offering clarity.
What do you hope to learn/achieve with the collection of images/videos?
Through our various research projects the Acid Sweat Lodge highlights and promotes the continued understanding and documentation of outsider knowledge and a new life philosophy.
Brotherhood Research
Brotherhood is an exploration of the values and concepts associated with fraternity, loyalty, comradery, obligation and the belief that individuals should treat one another like family regardless of bloodline.
Compound Research
The idea of the compound is that of an alternative style of living, an environment dictated by the skills, abilities and creativity of those living within it. This is manifest in shelters and dwellings formed mostly from scavenged and found materials. Research into various forms of alternative living is an essential part of the Acid Sweat Lodge philosophy for the future.
Control The Animals
The Acid Sweat Lodge is committed to researching the relationship between mankind and the animal kingdom. Harnessing the power of the animals, nature, and the wilderness are concepts, which we believe will become essential to scientific theories of the future. When mankind is able to control the power of specific animals, such as apex predators, only then will we be able to truly rule the animal kingdom.
Intimidation Research
Throughout history it has been important to intimidate your opponents. Half the battle is won before any fighting begins. Instill fear into the hearts of all those who oppose your ways.
Wilderness Research
The mystique of wild places is essential mental nourishment. Respect and understanding of humanity’s place within nature is key to the ASL philosophy. Rugged, wild and untamed, we must appreciate it.
Isolation Research
Introspection is an important step in determining your true self. Isolation, seclusion, or exile from civilized society whether physically or mentally is critical to this process.
Warnings Research
Learning and preparing for trouble ahead is a valuable skill. Read and understand the signs of life.
Freedom Research
Flight is the ultimate expression of freedom. You are no longer bound by the rules of the world below.
Weapons Research
Protection is a fundamental. Weapons can be created from anything and modified at anytime to produce precision hybrid defense tools. Intimidation should always be considered when designing a weapon.
We’ll release their videodrone choices as and when, in the meantime here’s a trailer they made themselves for their video section. It’s a good indicator of what to expect.
