Beaufort, South Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Stephen Murray, the former mayor of Beaufort, experienced a life-changing journey at the Burning Man event. Showcasing his art installation ‘Perspective,’ he embraced creativity after departing from his political career. Murray’s piece featured convex mirrors and LED lights, prompting attendees to engage with their reflections. Inspired by the 400+ art installations at the event, he resolved to prioritize health, family, and creativity upon returning home, illustrating the impact of artistic expression on personal transformation.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Former Beaufort mayor Stephen Murray recently made a significant transformation in his life through art at the 2023 Burning Man event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. This year marked his third attendance at Burning Man, an event that focuses on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance, but it was the first time he showcased his own artwork.
Murray’s journey to the desert began several years ago when a friend offered him an extra ticket to his first Burning Man event. At that time, he was dissatisfied with both his day job and hobby, feeling a longing for a deeper creative expression. The 2023 event, which took place approximately 100 miles from Reno, saw an unexpected challenge with weather, as attendees faced rain and mud throughout the week. Despite these conditions, Murray described his experience as enjoyable and fulfilling.
During this year’s event, attendees encountered over 400 art installations from artists around the world, showcasing a vast range of artistic expressions and installations of various sizes. Inspired by the atmosphere and creativity surrounding him, Murray decided to embark on a journey of significant life changes upon returning home. He resolved to take better care of his health, focus on family and friends, and rediscover his creative side. Having devoted many years to business and public service, he felt these responsibilities had diverted his attention away from his creative passions.
Consequently, after returning from Burning Man, Murray resigned as mayor of Beaufort and stepped down from eight boards and commissions, aiming to prioritize his artistic aspirations. His installation, named “Perspective,” featured 230-inch convex mirrors that he purchased on Facebook Marketplace, designed to reflect personal and social viewpoints. The mirrors were deliberately crafted to create an optical illusion, making viewers appear skinnier and taller. Accompanying the mirrors, color-changing LED lights were integrated into the installation, creating a warm glow at night.
Murray envisioned his sculpture as a medium to promote a positive reflection of oneself, encouraging joy and whimsical interaction among attendees. He expressed delight as he observed festival-goers engaging with his sculpture, capturing playful moments through pictures, dancing, and reveling in the simplicity of the artwork.
Despite initial hesitations regarding his qualifications as an artist, Murray found the experience of presenting his work at Burning Man fulfilling and invigorating. He has begun to envision new ideas for future art pieces, expressing enthusiasm about submitting them for upcoming Burning Man events. After creating his installation, he found himself with a trailer filled with materials left over, making plans to work on new artistic projects in the future.
The transformation of Stephen Murray from mayor to artist demonstrates the profound impact that exposure to creativity and community can have on individuals, leading to explorations and expressions that might have long been dormant.
FAQ
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Key Features of Stephen Murray’s Transformation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | 2023 Burning Man |
| Installations | Over 400 art installations |
| Personal Art | Perspective – a sculpture using convex mirrors |
| Materials Used | 230-inch convex mirrors and LED lights from Facebook Marketplace |
| Life Changes | Resignation from mayoral position and focus on health and creativity |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
