Labyrinth
It seems like the labyrinth image comes into my life coincidentally when things are complex. I saw this photo recently by Bill O’Leary of a child navigating the new labyrinth at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. At first I thought it was an illustration because the light seemed so surreal, yet the lines appeared so sharp and photo-realistic — similar to Norman Rockwell’s hyper-realism. But, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a photo that captured a lovely childlike moment in time and just happened to have fantastic lighting and great composition, as well as an abstract, graphic quality with bold color.
I wish I had a labyrinth in my back yard. I could use one right now since there are so many things to muddle through. I have walked several different versions of labyrinths at different locations and they always help me make sense of what seems puzzling. They are very meditative, thought-provoking vehicles. But what’s interesting to me is the labyrinth image appears at most confusing times in my life as if it were a symbol sent to help me when I’m not looking for it.
My earliest recollections of the labyrinth was when I first saw it in Art History books and then experienced it in Medieval churches in France, I believe. Then again when a friend died of brain cancer, and it was her will to dedicate a labyrinth to her Alma mater. My son Piers went to help in the hurricane relief effort for New Orleans, my hometown, and one of the projects was to paint a labyrinth. And here again it appears when other friends are also struggling with a similar life threatening illness. Why does the labyrinth remind me of a brain too? Could it perhaps be ever so symbolic of not only the puzzle but the mind itself– having both psychological and practical qualities?
Here’s an interesting video link that I found of another new “green” rooftop labryinth in DC. It just happens to be on the top of the American Psychology Building’s Headquarters. Uncanny or not…and my last post was about surgery.
casart
I'm an artist, wife and mother of two boys. I started my illustration business, The Occasional Palette over 35 years ago, when my oldest son was an infant. Once my children were in school, I began painting decorative, faux finishes and murals through my second business, Casart, now over 30 years old. My third business, Casart Coverings, is a springboard from my second. Click on the link on the sidebar to see innovative, custom, designer wallcovering, removable and reusable wallpaper and coordinating decor.
