Coal Ash Art: Labyrinth
LABYRINTH
ARTIST: CAROLINE RUTLEDGE ARMIJO
Title: Labyrinth
Date of Work: 2022
Medium: Encapsulated Coal Ash Hexagonal Posts, Paint
Dimensions: Object H: 8 1/2’ W: 12’ D: 12’
During the discernment process for The Lilies Project in Walnut Cove, labyrinths became a reoccurring theme. Community members wanted to walk, meditate, and pray for healing. Armijo considered the labyrinths, events and art installations in various locations around Walnut Cove to be similar to acupuncture needles, healing the community at each point.
This installation provides a simple path to walk around the posts. The exterior eight posts represent the retired coal ash plants. The interior six represent the strength of community among the six active coal plant sites. The interior of the six remains empty allowing for the Spirit to flow through in the healing process. Visitors are encouraged to walk meditatively around the space. Prayers may be tucked gently between posts, similar to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, in Jerusalem.