Co-written and produced with Bryson Jusko
What’s one of the best parts about attending a concert?
Most people would say the music, or the food, but if you ask Skylar Ward, her favorite part is making art and taking it to trade with other people at the concert.
“I’ve been participating in PLURR and going to concerts since I can remember,” said Ward. “Concerts are a place where I feel at home.”
PLURR, which is an acronym for Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, and Responsibility is an ideology that people have followed in rave culture for many years. Rave culture is a subculture within the rave community. Those who follow rave culture focus on expressing oneself through fashion, music, dancing, and similar values. The idea behind PLURR is to bring a sense of togetherness and trust within a concert. It’s been a common practice in the rave community since the 1990s and continues to expand into other music cultures as well.
“You could go up to someone randomly and compliment them. It’s all about trying to make the setting seem like a unified family,” said Ward.
PLURR is shown and given in many ways, including trading Kandi, fidget toys, stickers, cards, keychains…art.
“I’ve been given clips, rubber ducks, stickers, bracelets, and even Pokémon cards. There’s a whole different array of things you can gift and receive, that’s the most fun part,” said Ward.
Ward’s favorite art to create for PLURR is called Pearler or Kandi. This art style uses beads to create 2D images of anything you want to create. She has been doing Pearler or Kandi for as long as she can remember, and with that she’s created some cool art.
“I’ve made real things like cats, ducks, and dinosaurs, but I’ve also created fake things like Megamind, different Pokémon, and even characters from Animal Crossing,” said Ward. With Pearler or Kandi art, there is no limit to what you can create.
If you’re interested in learning how to do Pearler or Kandi art yourself, below is a step-by-step video on the process and creation of this art style.
“I typically go to a few concerts every single year and want to continue to spread love through my art and PLURR. I’ve gotten some really cool drawings, cards… you name it, I’ve probably gotten it,” said Ward.
One of her favorite events to participate in PLURR and trade art with other rave community members is EDC Orlando, a 3-day rave where loads of people come from all around the world to enjoy the music, but also participate in PLURR.
One way to get art from Ward is going to a concert, but she also enjoys trading art around town with friends and strangers.
