Labyrinth – Habitat 1999
Johanna Poethig has been in this site many, many times. This mural is on the side of one of the Training Centers for Episcopal Community Services – The Cannon Kip Community House.
According to Johanna’s website this is what the mural is about:
In every culture and on every continent the labyrinth is one of the oldest and most universal symbols. Some of these existing labyrinths, such as the ones at Val Camonica (North of Italy), Kom Ombo (Egypt), as well as various sites in North and South America and Asia, date from 1800 to 1500 B.C. Built on sacred locations, they possess magical powers and various symbolic meanings.
The labyrinth both creates and protects the center, and allows entry only on the correct terms. Entry is thus a step on the path of knowledge. The Hopi Indians, the labyrinth form on which this design is based, called the labyrinth the ‘Mother Earth’ symbol, and liken it to their own underground sanctuaries, the Kivas. It was from here the Hopi emerged from the preceding world. ‘All the lines and passages within the maze form the universal plan of the Creator, which a person must follow on the Road of Life.’
The title of this mural is based on a labyrinth scratched onto a painted pillar 2000 years ago, in the house of Lucretius, a classic author( Pompeii before ad 79), with the text: Labyrinthus, hic habitat Minotauros.
This project will involved residents of Canon Kip in writing and tile glazing workshops in the creation of “Labyrinth – Habitat”. The writing workshops engaged participants in thinking about their own life paths in relationship to the ancient and universal form of the labyrinth. Finished text was then be transferred and fired onto tile. These tile became part of the mural which is a combination of paint and ceramic.
Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco helps homeless and very low-income people obtain the housing, jobs, shelter and essential services.
Fascinating artist….I wonder what the clients of the service center think of it. Isn’t there a real labyrinth in SF?
I like the energy in the words as they travel along the tiles!
That will certainly get one’s attention. And your commentary/explanation is excellent and the many words that appear speak to me … one of my psych profs in grad school noted that what we think is most personal is often most general…
Great post! Even if I’m still struggling through the maze that is my life! 🙂
Thanks for all the detailed photos and explanation. My mind is whirling in different directions with all the ideas that are presented. The thumbnail made me think of Hundertwasser’s work. The information made me wonder if the path of one’s own journey wasn’t, at least unconsciously, part of his intent also what with his line filled images. What do you think is the most potent intent of a labyrinth, to find your way in, or to find your way out? Thank you for this post and participating in Monday Mural.
Having a website to explain your work really helps.There is always more meaning than is apparent.