ENERGY PYRAMID

ART, SCIENCE, AND EDUCATION

Energy Pyramid’s mission is to enrich the greater community by weaving threads of art, music, science, and indigenous knowledge. Through the captivating guise of masks, theatrical performances, production, and music, Energy Pyramid blends art and science inspired by wonders of the natural world.

SCIENCE & NATURE

An “Energy Pyramid” is a grand solar dance, where sunlight provides energy for all living beings on earth. The sun, a transient force of light, masks itself through various plants, animals, and organisms within an ecosystem. Plants and aglae get their energy from the sun and are consumed as food for animals in the next level of a food chain. This energy transfer process continues throughout the ecosystem with 10% of energy available for the next organism to consume. Thus, each level of the food chain has 90% less energy available than the level before resulting in the symbolic structure known as an “Energy Pyramid”.

Science concepts such as this are vital to the understanding of the natural world and are represented within the immersive experience of Energy Pyramid.

EDUCATION & INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

Energy Pyramid’s mission is to inspire and engage diverse audiences in understanding the dynamic connections within ecology, science, and indigenous knowledge. Energy Pyramid utilizes music, art, and dance to embrace STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts, especially those centered around ecosystems, food webs, and energy flow.

Indigenous perspectives such as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), creative storytelling, and community based events offer an innovative approach to environmental science outreach and education that promotes curiosity, understanding, and collective stewardship – emphasizing humanity’s significant role in natural systems while also embracing the human inquiry of wonders of the universe and the unknown.

LIVE SHOWS & EVENTS

Rock n’ roll, surf-rock, punk, and doom-metal have not always been synonymous with environmental science or education. However, that is until now.

Over the past year, Energy Pyramid has collaborated with dancers, artists, and musicians to embark on a journey that defies traditional learning methodologies and transcends academic educational barriers.

Highly decorative masked performers representing various animals and symbolic entities have taken the stage to create visually immersive, and multi-sensory experiences that provide the audience with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the brutal elegance, balance, mystery, and beauty found within the natural world and beyond.

MASKS & SYMBOLISM

Many cultures use masks in spiritual, religious, and community-based events. Masks can represent deities, ancestors, spirits, abstract ideas, and are believed to have a connection to a metaphysical, subconscious – even enlightened realm. Masks are used in rituals, dances, and ceremonies to invoke blessings, protection, guidance, educate youth, and even ward off “evil” which for we believe is ignorance.

The traditional creation and use of masks has been a communal activity for cultures around the world. Thus masks vary widely in form, function, and meaning across societies, reflecting the rich tapestry of human philosophy and history.

For Energy Pyramid, masks reflect entities of the natural world and of the worlds beyond. Masks include The Wolf, The Fox, The Lion, The Sacred Clown, and many many more.

Native American and Scandinavian Influence

Energy Pyramid members bring together the cultural and symbolic traditions of their Native American and Scandinavian heritage.

Indigenous / Native American

  1. Ecological Philosophy: Interconnectedness emphasizes respect for the land, animals, and the balance of nature. All beings posses a spirit, a force, and are part of the greater energy systems we are all a part of.
  2. Storytelling Tradition: Storytelling is a means of education, connection, and spiritual growth. While most storytelling is oral – some stories are told through sound, visual representation, and immersive experiences.
  3. Visual Aesthetics: Design, art, masks, regalia, and costumes feature styles, patterns and colors often reflecting natural elements and symbolizing stories, messages, lessons, and blessings.

Indigenous / Scandinavian

  1. Mythology and Cosmology: Drawing from Norse myths, themes of transformation, cycles, and resilience, parallel indigenous cultures in North America – that of life, death, and cycles of energy through the cosmos.
  2. Aesthetic Design: Scandinavian influence includes intricate designs in masks, costumes, and symbolism evoking both Viking iconography and Nordic mythology.
  3. Themes of Balance: The Nordic belief in harmony alongside complexity between the natural world and humanity.