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Marco Cochrane began production of his sculpture, Bliss Dance, on Treasure Island, starting with a foot-tall prototype.

The 40-foot-tall structure took over a year to complete and was unveiled for the first time at Burning Man 2010 in Black Rock City. Cochrane used two geodesic layers to build the 7,000 pound sculpture. It has returned to Treasure Island where it is now on display at least until October.

The statue could get a lot of neighbors, as the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on a 11-0 vote on Tuesday cleared the way for a huge housing development on the island.

Under the plan, nearly 19,000 people will eventually become residents of the island,  which will feature high-rises, shops and a school. The Board rejected transportation concerns. Backers say there will be a new ferry terminal, the freeway ramps will be improved and there would be increased bus service.

Burning Man website: www.burningman.com

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Cochrane miniature prototypes to create the statue. Photo by Monica Jensen/SF Public Press
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Photo by Michael LaHood/SF Public Press
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Photo by Michael LaHood/SF Public Press
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Cochrane welds separate pieces together and later fleshes the work with metal mesh. Photo by Monica Jensen/SF Public Press
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A clay version of Bliss Dance. Photo by Monica Jensen/SF Public Press

Monica Jensen, the multimedia editor at SF Public Press, is also a volunteer at the “Crosscurrents” news program on KALW Public Radio. She has been documenting a collective art project titled “Welcome to the NeighborHood” in Bayview-Hunters Point. The project has been exhibited in the Sargent Johnson Gallery in the African American Arts and Culture Complex, and will be displayed at Zeum and Art 94124. Jensen is also the winner of an honorable mention from the National Press Photographers Association Best of Photojournalism award.