CAPTION: Labyrinth for the Youth Art Connect on the Beach event on Great Western Beach, Newquay
Beach Labyrinth Artist Seeking Seaside Churches in Devon
A beach labyrinth artist from Cornwall is looking for seaside churches in Devon to collaborate with.
Andrew Nicholson has already created a number of beach labyrinths in Cornwall.
For him, creating them is an act of reflection, mission and prayer.
Andrew said, “Much of my labyrinth work on the beach involves an invitation to reflect on each individual’s journey and issues they may have been facing.
“During this past year I have also broadened this out slightly at different labyrinths to include elements like positive mental health and well-being; environmental concerns, [the significance of] special places and relating Easter to the experiences of lockdown.
“There is always an invitation to let go of any burdens, to reflect, pray, pause and to be thankful, move forward, be transformed in some way.”
Circular labyrinths have been used by Christians for hundreds of years as a way of praying and reflecting. People are encouraged to walk the circular path from the outside in, as a symbolic physical and spiritual journey to be closer to God.
Unlike a maze there are no dead ends.
Andrew said that he had created labyrinths during different seasons and for special events – working with charities and arts organisations as well as churches:
“Through the pandemic, when the lockdown restrictions have allowed, I have still been able to create a few beach labyrinths, plus a daffodil labyrinth I created in Tresillian Churchyard over the winter which bloomed this spring.
“I created one labyrinth last autumn at Porthcurnick as a fundraiser for Mind on World Mental Health Day, while in recent weeks I created one at Par for Kneehigh Theatre’s Random Acts of Art and in Newquay for a Youth Art Connects event which featured activities sharing the therapeutic benefits of art with young people and families.”
While labyrinths, like the one at Chartres Cathedral, have stood for centuries, Andrew’s creations are more transitory – lasting until the tide comes in.
To see more of his beach labyrinths go to the 
Beach Labyrinth Facebook page.
If you have a seaside parish with a beach, would you be interested in partnering with us to host a pilot Beach Labyrinth in Devon?
Andrew said “I’m very willing and able to work with a small team from your church or community group to put these on with you, to host one in your area.”
Please email, Jon Curtis, Diocese of Exeter Lay Discipleship Advisor if you are interested in hosting a beach labyrinth this autumn or next summer.
