Spirit Place
environments for the soul
Ancient
This finger labyrinth is a copy of an ancient pattern found all over the world in varied time epochs, in Crete, Peru, the ancient Americas, India, Iceland, Scandinavia, Sumatra, and Egypt.
16" x 1 1/4 "
cast stone
$150.00
Finger Labyrinths
As my art expands, so does my desire to integrate the art into sacred environments. Two years ago I had a Solo Show in which I installed seven pieces of art in unique grass labyrinths in the front meadow. Placing the organic contemplative art within the structure of a meditative labyrinth, set in a bowl of mountains was an exceptional opportunity to engage the body, mind and spirit in an integral experience of being.
The process has continued and is ever evolving. I have recently begun to create small Sand and Stone Gardens and to look at my fountains with renewed interest.
Earth, Fire, Air and Water. The four elements want expressing and can often be integrated into an environment for the art.
In addition to the environments displayed here, the Finger Labyrinths are explained and shown on this page. These labyrinths are sacred landscapes all by themselves.
Arial's Tarn
This piece was named for a water spirit, Arial. Tarn means 'a small pond' in Gaelic.
This soapstone fountain has a pedestal for art and is deep enough for a pump for moving water. In the evening the fountain frequently holds floating candles and then has all the elements of Earth, Fire, Air, and Water.
11"h x 37" x 19"
soapstone
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Finger Labyrinths
Grass Labyrinths
Sand and Stone Gardens
Fountains
Often people ask, "What is the difference between a labyrinth and a maze?" A simple answer would be to say that labyrinths are "process" and mazes are "puzzles". Mazes are mysteries to be solved, sometimes leading to dead ends. Labyrinths may twist and turn, but there is only one path, which always leads into the heart of the structure.
Humanity has been making labyrinths for millennia. They exist in many diverse cultures and occur worldwide. They are found on coins from ancient Crete, in cathedrals all over Europe, and are carved into the earth in many places around the planet. At the beginning of this millennium, we have become increasingly aware of them again.
However labyrinths were used in other times and places, today people find them an excellent meditation tool. Labyrinths help define the "process of going in" and "the process of coming out " of meditation.
I use an eleven-circuit finger labyrinth at the beginning of meditation. I declare my intentions for that meditation as I begin the journey inward. The act of physical movement and mindful intention take me deeply into my interior heart space.
There are four quadrants to the eleven circuit Breamore. Each time I cross an axis and enter a new quadrant, there is a feeling of having gone deeper and of integrating all levels of consciousness into the meditative moment. It is clear to me that body, mind and spirit conjoin in meditation. After my meditation I travel outward from the center of the structure., As I cross each axis, there is a sense of integrating whatever I have learned or seen in meditation into my everyday awareness.
Breamore
This labyrinth is a copy of a turf labyrinth in England, near Stone Henge, called Breamore. It is the same eleven circuit structure found at Chartres Cathedral, with the exception of the central circle being round instead of the Chartres rosette.
21 3/4 " x 1 1/4 "
cast stone
$200.00
Stone Fountains
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Flow
This soapstone carving is in the process of becoming a water piece. It will have hidden holes in the folds which will have water pumped through them. The flow of water will drip into a tray much like the white box and recirculate.
Shown at the Washington County Musueum of Fine Arts.
4.5"h x 60" x 16.5"
soapstone
Grass Labyrinths
Meadow Labyrinth
The remaining central labyrinth from the 2003 show in the meadow, shown above with Union, was maintained last summer and keeps evolving. More flowers bloomed last summer, thanks to Nature. Plans are in the making for a more extensive wild flower garden in the seven circuit structure in 2005.
Alliance from Figurines is set in the center of a brass form.
Solo Show Labyrinths
Alignment's labyrinth was made of spiraling Reuleaux Triangles, echoing the triangular structure of the stone piece.
Grace's labyrinth was a classic four circuit structure. The symmetry suited the soaring lines of the madonna form.
Sand and Stone Gardens
Using sand, stone, moss, rocks, Study #1 of Changing Perspectives , gains a Ground of Being. The art now demands the creation and maintenance of the "setting". Arranging and caring for the Sand and Stone Garden and orienting the sculpture is a meditation in itself. "Art gardening!"
Two different orientations of Study #1 are published above.
Study #4 of Changing Perspectives is shown here.
It was snowing as I took these pictures out on the snow covered balcony of the gallery.
Study # 2 of Changing Perspectives
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Union's labyrinth is structured with two paths and echoes the energy of the swirling motion of the piece.
This is the only remaining labyrinth still maintained in the meadow.
Courtyard at Cedar Grove
This commissioned fountain was placed in a courtyard of a newly established garden in Virginia.
28"h x 26" x 3"
soapstone
2005
Finger Labyrinths
