Course Overview
We live in a creative matrix of nature’s communication. Artists have always known this intuitively, the science of ecology now confirms it.
-- Dr. Rich Blundell
What is Ecological Intelligence?
Ecological intelligence refers to the field of communication generated by nature that also infuses human consciousness.
This course is designed to give all artists, media-makers and cultural creatives access to deep ecological insights that they may not have gotten through formal education or art training. Here you will learn how ecological systems work and see how nature's intelligence can infuse your practice to amplify your creativity. You will gain new language, concepts and the confidence to talk about your work in a way that matters in the Anthropocene.
Note: This course is less about any particular discipline, aesthetic or artistic skill and more about developing your existing powers of attunement in conversation with nature.
Into the Artmosphere is Oika’s introductory course in ecological intelligence for artists.
Course Structure & Content
Over five weeks we will meet virtually to learn the three core concepts of ecological intelligence (NARRATIVE, EMERGENCE & FRACTALS) plus two elective concepts that include: Cybernetics, Tacit Knowing, Radical Affection, Quantum Ecologies, The Virome, Phenomenology, Reciprocity, Gratitude, Timeless Play, ENjoyment, Consilience, etc.. Class size is limited to seven per cohort.
Five weekly video calls and ongoing email conversations are supplemented with short videos on the core concepts (two sample excerpts shown below).
The course also includes self-directed practices in the artist’s home habitats called Earth Stories. An Earth Story is a moment of Oika practice that can be shared. Typically this means a photo, video clip, sketch or drawing, or poem or other writing.
The Oika curriculum draws on current science to tell a natural history of art in an accessible way.