Art Installation. We are building a modest hillside 11-circuit Chartres style walk path adjacent to Innis Park Studios. Chartres style walk paths historically represent a symbolic path from earth to God by way of walking meditation prayer. The journey consists of three (3) phases. Release (let go of distractions, quiet the mind), Receiving (prayer, meditation), and Returning (integrate what you received to carry out into the world). Chartres style walk path centers symbolize the City of God; and, we have chosen a fire pit design for multiple use and reflection on our history. Completion is anticipated late 2024, early 2025. Smoothing of terrain divots, ruts and design of viewing area remain outstanding at this time.
Innis Park Studios (retitled from Oxford Street Studios), fleeing repeated conflagrations, relocated from California during 2022. More than one massive fire struck within four (4) doors of the studio and another struck across the street from a potential new worksite that never came into fruition. One morning, just after dawn, I woke to 35-50 mph winds, airborne debris, +90 temperatures, and 360-degree fire yellow skies. It seemed no matter where we turned, we could not escape evidence of fires, multiple fires. Relocated in Pennsylvania, in 2023, we again wore N95 masks to protect ourselves from conflagrations that coated most of the upper NE United States and regions of Canada with ash, debris. During that time, ash laden skies encroached westward into the Central Midwest where we travelled to address ailing family members. Then, unbeknownst to us, we returned home one day from routine shopping to find the adjacent property burning down. We were grateful no one was hurt in the fire and recognized following stressors from the lost property were immense for our neighbors who had only expressed gracious kindness from the day we had arrived months earlier.
Before the season's first snowfall., first draft placement of final "stones."
We have been using 2x4x8" red and yellow bricks.
Surveying four coordinates.
Chartres walk path beginnings, decorative fence, and hedge wall opening.
Central fire pit design before finalization.
Walk path entry will not be traditional and will open at the south. Here, looking uphill toward SSW. The walk features uneasy hillside terrain until smoothing of divots, ruts. The site is a private installation, not entirely ADA accessible.
Demolition and removal of debris from the adjacent fire torn property.
Adjacent property under demolition.
Tragic fire remains.
