Handmade Labyrinths
I began learning how to throw and hand-build pottery for the first time during a summer intensive course in Seminary. Despite the struggle of learning a new and challenging hobby, I was hooked. I began making labyrinths out of clay to use in my prayer time and found great joy both in the creation and utilizations of them.
Labyrinths have been utilized as a tool for prayer by spiritual people for centuries. Labyrinths are often large enough to be walked, with each step the walker takes helping guide the prayers. A turn in the labyrinth can cause you to refocus your prayer (because we all get distracted when we pray) or guide you toward the next line in your prayers.
Labyrinths can function like a liturgical fidget spinner— tracing the motions of the path, even absent-mindedly, can be soothing and relaxing. Each turn can be a reminder to return your wandering thoughts to your prayers.
For two years, I sold my prayer labyrinths to friends and clergy colleagues around the country. They were used as art pieces in pastors’ studies and gifts for confirmands. Being a part of these special moments and spaces was a great honor for me and a wonderful way for me to use my creative energies.
My labyrinth sales are indefinitely paused as I no longer have access to a pottery studio. I hope to begin creating and selling labyrinths again in the future and you can see my previous work below.
