I had the great honor of recently being introduced to the Lumonics Light Gallery. They host dance and moving meditation events with live DJ's. They are very much into the spiritual community out here in the Denver area. I proposed to them that perhaps I could write up an article on the Lumonic's experience. After much thought and deliberation I thought it best to just ask them a series of questions and allow them to fill in the blanks. This is part one of the piece. I will post part two tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the interview and please do go and experience Lumonics for yourself. As it is something that is an experience to behold with all of the senses in person.
What is the brief history of Lumonics?
Artists Mel and Dorothy Tanner are the creators of Lumonics, which was "born" in Miami right around the time of man's first landing on the moon. Mel Tanner had an out-of-body experience, which transformed his view of reality. Mel's experience added a new dimension and purpose to the art form the Tanners had begun to develop. It combined light sculptures, music, live projection and fountains as a total environment for a powerful multi-sensory experience that had a mind-altering effect on audiences. People were looking for alternatives in life, and found Lumonics to be a catalyst.
What is meaning of the name Lumonics?
A friend gave us the name back in 1969. It is a hybrid of illumination and harmonics.
What is the Lumonics philosophy?
Using art environmentally to connect with people of like mind...people who honor spirituality and positive change.
Where are you guys located and is the studio open to the public?
Our address is 800 E. 73 Ave, Unit 11 in Denver, 1/2 block east of Washington St. 303.568.9406. The studio is open by appointment. On event nights we open the studio for people to see works in progress and they often engage Dorothy in conversation.
How many people are part of Lumonics?
Dorothy Tanner, Marc Billard, Barbara Ungar, Ritch Mosias and I, Barry Raphael. We all live and work communally. Mel Tanner passed away in 1993, which was a tremendous loss for us and everyone that he touched with his art. But we are fortunate to still have his art with us...and his spirit.
What brought you to the point of combining art, dancing, and DJs?
In the '90s we became aware of the rave culture. PLUR was their motto: peace, love, unity, and respect. It reminded us of the hippies...the love generation that came to Lumonics in the early days. We resonated with their aspirations. The techno music was an extension of electronic music we used in the Theatre like Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Jarre' and more underground music. We wanted the addition of active audience expression that dancing encouraged. When PLUR was no longer as present in the consciousness, we lost interest in continuing. South Florida’s alternative newspaper paper New Times awarded Lumonics Best Art Gallery, Best Art Experience, and then Best Dance Club for three years in a row. We do find the expression of PLUR very present here which attracted us to this area.
How do you want to fit into the spiritual/artistic community out here in Colorado?
As a space for people to congregate and leave with more energy than when they arrive.
What museums has Dorothy had her work exhibited in?
Dorothy showed at The Everson Museum when she and Mel lived in Syracuse; and at the Loeb Center at New York University when they lived in Manhattan; The Museum of New Art in Fort Lauderdale; and The Coral Springs Museum in South Florida. They also exhibited in galleries in New York.
How long of a process is it to create a piece of this type of artwork?
It varies considerably, from one month to one year and more.
What are the price ranges for the artwork?
We have developed some limited edition light sculptures and tabletop water fountains that are in the three hundred dollar range. In addition to the aesthetics and the relaxing sound of trickling water, a water fountain is very beneficial in a climate like Colorado because it adds humidity to a room and adds negative air ions. Most of the pieces are one of a kind and go as high as $50,000. We have many of Mel's large wall sculptures in storage because we ran out of wall space. We have very happy clients from over the years that did invest in the art.
What, in your opinion, do you guys vision the lasting imprint of Lumonics on the artistic community?
That is really for people to decide what value it has.
Part two of this interview will be posted tomorrow. Thank you and take care.
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