Wanderings in the Delaware Art Museum

I have neglected my blog for way too long! A few months ago I accepted a part-time position at The Delaware Art Museum (where the labyrinth I facilitate is located) in Wilmington, DE. The Delaware Art Museum (DAM) has a large collection of Pre-Raphaelite art as well and other noteworthy artists. I will splatter a bit of art in between my wandering beginning with a Sir John Everett Millais painted titled  The White Cockade.

I especially like this particular painting because it is a mock depiction of a women in 18th-century dress sewing on a cockade (ribbons) onto a there cornered hat.

Here is a closer look...

The painting is an oil on panel and you can see what time has done to the panel - look closely at the line running up her right side. It was painted in 1862.

Happy Wanderings...

World Labyrinth Day Ideas (in case of rain or inclement weather)

The other day I received an email from a friend and fellow labyrinth enthusiast and artist, Linda Gordon (http://www.lindagordon.org.uk). Several years ago we collaborated on a joint Summer Solstice labyrinth walk. We both hosted labyrinth walks for the Aune Heads Art Centre ‘The Home and The World 2012’ conference at the same time but in 2 different locations, Linda was on site in Devon while I facilitated my walk at The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, DE. We shared our experience via Skype – we walked together, chatted with the participants after the walk and asked/answered questions about the differences in the 2 labyrinths (Medieval design in Wilmington and Classical design in Devon). It was a fabulous shared experience on both sides of The Pond.

Photo by Linda Gordon

The subject of her latest email was World Labyrinth Day. Linda is keen on offering a labyrinth in the public area outside her local library, Barnstaple Library, and the library is excited about this opportunity.  But Linda had several concerns including the weather (in case of rain) and the creation of a Plan B. A usual Plan B would be to move the labyrinth indoors but the meeting spaces have already been reserved, it is a long Bank Holiday in the UK so there may be a lot of people in the library (especially if the weather is rainy) and the Children’s Section (where there is some space) is extra busy on Saturday afternoons.

If the forecast is for heavy rain then Linda is considering offering the labyrinth on the Friday before (May 1) and give those who attend printed labyrinth designs to take home and ‘walk’ on Saturday at 1:00 pm. And/or possibly do a little workshop in the Children’s Section. She then asked me for my thoughts and suggestions.

Here are a few ideas I came up with...

You can use finger labyrinths. I believe finger labyrinths can be very powerful tools for meditation and connection. You can print them out or even make a few for people to use (here's one idea http://heatherplett.com/2015/01/make-finger-labyrinth-also-piece-art/).

Or gathering small sticks and stones to create a small labyrinth that they can walk with their fingers, eyes or if there is room then lay a plastic tarp down, place sticks, stones etc on the tarp in the design of a small labyrinth (3 or 5 circuit depending on room and size of tarp) and people can walk this labyrinth. 

Another idea is a virtual finger labyrinth (http://labyrinthsociety.org/virtual-labyrinth-walk). Set up a laptop or if you can borrow one or two, have several set up and add headphones or ear buds to lock out the distraction from other library patrons. Or, of your library has computer stations then maybe you can reserve a few in case of foul weather.

I loved how this simple email for a suggestion presented me with the opportunity to think outside of the labyrinth lines. What are your suggestions? Keep me posted!

Walking Together

The line at the labyrinth entrance was long but the 2 tables holding finger labyrinths were open. I decided to sit and walk the finger labyrinth instead of standing in line.

Sitting, focusing and breathing deeply, I prepared my body, breath and mind for my finger walk. Pointer finger poised at the entrance I looked up and saw Diane Terry-Kehner poised to enter the canvas labyrinth. I decide to walk with her. To pace myself on the finger labyrinth in accordance to her walk on the canvas labyrinth. We walked together, we paused together, we sat in the center together but Diane had no cognitive awareness of this. I held her in my thoughts, my breath and in my heart.

When Diane stepped off the labyrinth I approached her to envelope her in a huge hug. Later I shared my experience with her. It was a powerful experience of unconditional love, letting go of my own pace and inward thoughts and walking in unison with someone on the path.

Crocheted Rope Labyrinth

Single crocheted rope labyrinth installed today at The Delaware Health and Social Service campus in New Castle, DE. The temporary labyrinth will be part of a mandatory employee training.

Close up of the 2 ropes, single crocheted into one.

Supplies

Installation time

Denese helping with the installation

Completed temporary labyrinth

This was an inexpensive temporary labyrinth that can be used again. I used 18 packages of nylon rope purchased at a discount store for $2.00 per 100 foot package. The rope was colorful and can withstand rain and foul weather.After hand crocheting 2 different colored ropes together as one I secured the rope to the ground using landscaping sod staples that can be easily removed and used again!

DRIFT Marathon, ImPerfect City & the Finish Line

Saturday was the final run for The DRIFT - Three Month Marathon at The DCCA (Delaware Center For The Contemporary Arts). It was also International Knit in Public Day...

On Thursday I stopped by the DCCA and yarn bombed them with a knitted finish line.

Front doors of the DCCA

I also knitted 'medals' for all the participants and because this project followed my normal procrastination route I completed the 'medals' at the DCCA in celebration of International Knit In Public Day!

Knitted DRIFT 2013 medals

close up of one of the 'I's

Here is a group shot of us on the final day...which was the only day I participated!

Group Shot

The knitting completed, the run completed now it is time to celebrate!

Finished!

Mother's Day Pilgrimage

St. Mary Star of the Sea

Church and Cemetery 

917 Hoopers Island Road

Church Creek (near Hoopers Island/Golden Hill) Maryland

a May view

Keene & Applegarth Headstones

At the base of the Applegarth monument - translates to 'through hardships to the stars"

 

Kelly & I - my mom has our backs....casting shadows

the lane to the old family graveyard - now private property.

World Labyrinth Day 2013

World Labyrinth Day Walk at The Delaware Art Museum. A beautiful day complete with the angelic voices of The Cathedral Choir and over 40 walkers.

Singing and listening

Walking and carried...

A wave of peace.

A joyous day!