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Labyrinth

© Chris Budny
Deluxe Website: chrisbudny.com

Labyrinth

Uploaded: January 18, 2014

Description

As part of the "Clearing of the Nave" event at Washington National Cathedral, two large canvas labyrinths were set out in the open space for visitors to walk. This view from above shows the labyrinth's center and some of the path leading into it. Labyrinths are similar to mazes, but where a maze has many branching options and false paths, a labyrinth has one unbroken, non-branching path to the center, with many turns and switchbacks resulting in a surprisingly long walk (approximately 400 feet in this case.) They are used as meditation tools, helping the walker achieve a contemplative state. Our two labyrinths are light canvas (hence the small ripples seen throughout) with deep purple path boundaries. I pushed the contrast heavily during b/w conversion, to produce a stronger graphic feel. A full view of one of the labyrinths is in the discussion thread.

Comments

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 18, 2014

View of a full labyrinth installed at the cathedral. #1560024

Joy Rector January 18, 2014

excellent shot, well done #10949938

JO ANN CLEVELAND January 18, 2014

How interesting Christ, I love it..

jo ann c. #10949992

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 19, 2014

Thank you both, ladies! #10951029

Mary L. Olson level-deluxe January 24, 2014

Hi Chris, I have seen your National Cathedral images and like them. I thought you might be interested in this image of a real labyrinth in what is, to this point, my favorite religious space, Notre-Dame de Amiens.
This really marvelous structure was one of the churches on the pilgrimage route through France to Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrims made their way through the labyrinth on hands and knees, praying as the went. It took hours, perhaps even days. The attractions were the relics these churches held -- Amiens' is the head of St. John the Baptist, although there is always some doubt about the authenticity of many of the relics. There is also a labyrinth in Notre-Dame de Chartres, that is original. This one is a replacement, but follows the original design. Chartres' is original, I believe, as you can see the wear on the stones.

Best,
Mary Lou
#10954897

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 25, 2014

Thanks, Mary! Our canvas labyrinths are modeled after the stone one at Chartres. I've not yet visited a European cathedral that has a stone one (most of my cathedral visits have been English.) Someday I'll get to all those French beauties! #10955843

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