Labyrinth VII

Here's my seventh labyrinth.  It is based on instructions to draw "the simplest possible labyrinth" in a book called The Unending Mystery--A Journey Through Labyrinths and Mazes.  Of course, I modified the pattern to show that the path is uneven and has some predictable and unpredictable elements along the way.  I also included some symbols from my Camp Fire Girls days.  I loved Camp Fire Girls.  We got to dress in long brown "Indian maiden" dresses and decorate them with honor beads.  We had Indian names and designed symbols around our names.  This labyrinth is in memory of my mother, who set me on that path...Camp Fire Girl, young woman, mother, grandmother, and now the somewhat wiser (but still learning) person I am today.

Labyrinth VI

This is a variation of the "Mother and Child" Labyrinth.  I converted the design to a circle, still with two labyrinths.  The outer one (Mother) encloses the inner one (Child).  

Labyrinth IV

I learned about this, and many of the unique labyrinths around the world, from a book called The Unending Mystery by David Willis McCullough.  This one is from a Native American culture, specifically People of the Desert and People of the River.  The basic design is seen in baskets, mostly, and is called "Man in the Maze."  I took that design and added some images that I connect those peoples.   The size is 22" x 24" and the medium is watercolor with metallic gold highlights.

Labyrinth III

When walking a labyrinth, a person travels a well-defined path that eventually winds up in the center and then returns to the entry following the same path.  I worked on this painting in more-or-less the same way, and incorporated various symbols and steps as I moved toward the center.  On the way back, I refined those symbols and steps, and reflected that we don't really get that chance in real life!!!  I think this labyrinth painting reflects the beauty of living...even when there are some "snakes" and "bugs" along the way...and I am very happy with the colors in this work.

Working in a series is very rewarding and leads to thoughts like those above.....and more.  I am continuing with labyrinth studies and will be posting more.  This one is 20" x 20".   I will be framing these in simple black wooden frames with no mats, using "Artspacers" to separate the art from the glass.   

Labyrinth I

I was inspired to create this painting when I walked a labyrinth for the first time about three months ago.  While I was walking I was reminded that the path of my life, or anyone's, has wide parts and narrow, easy passages and difficult ones, ones that take your breath away by their beauty and ones that cause you concern, etc.  I imagined a labyrinth design in which I could express that.   It contains big and small steps and symbols of some of my encounters and experiences along the way.  This one is called "Personal Journey"  It is 22" x 22"  While researching how to draw a labyrinth, I discovered some very intriguing labyrinth patterns.  Consequently, I want to paint more of these. This is the first painting of a series that will be at least five labyrinths.  A whole new direction for me!