PIONEERS OF FULLNESS A Brief Story of the IS of Art

Its Story

The IS of Art (or Integral Salon of Art) is an organic integral artist collective. The members form an experimental laboratory for integral art and integral consciousness. The group was primarily active in 2003, with three all-member meetings, in February, July, and November. Artists from every medium convened for workshops in Boulder, CO, (and continue to meet in smaller scales around the United States) to explore what it means to be an integrally informed artist in the contemporary world.

Stuart Davis founded the group, and midwifed the initial gathering. For many, the occasion was the first opportunity to share experiences with artists familiar with Ken Wilber's integral theory. Stuart guided the weekend as an alchemical engine to push forth the creation and dissemination of integral art knowledge and practice in the world, for those fortunate to attend the gathering as well as for those beyond. James Wagner, Dana Tanner, Andy Acker, and Tripp Lanier coordinated the two subsequent all-member meetings.

The IS of Art was blessed with the guidance and light of other Integral Institute consultants. Ken Wilber met with the group on two occasions to discuss the integral model, integral artwork and interpretation, as well as ways to formulate an integral artistic practice. Robert Richards spoke to the group about IOS and subtle energy technology. Willow Pearson faciliated a discussion about the feeling of surrender via performance. David Deida spoke about energy body transmission, and coached two artists at their edges. Ronit Herzfeld spoke about the dream and commitment it takes to organize large-scale art events that matter. Matthew Dallman spoke about IOS for artists. These and other integral consultants maintain extended relationships with the collective.

Fundamentally, the IS of Art explored integral artist consciousness using the AQAL model, IOS, and ITP, supported by various means. These include: subtle energy exercises, the Mini-Model, artist critique sessions, creativity and improvisation games, collaborative art, guided meditations, theoretical discourse, contact improv, Nia dance, group performance, online threaded discussions, community service, spontaneous art, a family vibe, collaborative cooking, howling at the moon, and much more. The explorations included the creation of integral artwork, as well as the development of coherent and constructive integral interpretations of art, both in ways relevant to the world.

The activity of the IS of Art is ongoing and ever-changing. Members are producing art events around the country, in many major cities. Others have founded art salons in their home cities in order to sustain and facilitate the continued development and emergence of integral art in the world. Others are directly involved with Integral Institute.

What all of this can mean is that as the leading edge of art pokes forth just beyond the horizon, and just behind our every breath, the IS of Art can continue to be an alchemical engine that flutters as the Eye of a worldwide kosmic art hurricane. It takes one brushstroke, one note, one word, one step, one tie, one touch, and one question at a time. Spiritual art requires a growth in the artist's soul. In essence, the IS of Art would have it no other way.

Its People
(in no particular order)
Dana Tanner
Paul Salamone
James Moss
David Hollen
Derek Tresten
Mike Harris
Matthew Dallman
Hannah Dallman
Matt Demerritt
Jennifer Evonne
Emilio Martinez
Colin Bigelow
Mike Hagan
Chris Jones
Willow Pearson
Matt Rentschler
James Wagner
Andy Acker
Mark Binet
Rommel de Leon
Jason Digges
Justin Bolognino
Andrea Davis
Nikki Dunas
Stuart Davis
Marci Davis
Bob Richards
Ronit Herzfeld
Brian Dunn
Erik Fabian
Bob Fink
Link Swanson
Isaac Bouchard
Deb Sclar
Tripp Lanier
Alex Gibson
Marco Morelli
Christos Vagenas
Leor Herzfeld

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