Amaze-ing

A childhood fascination with labyrinths mapped out a creative future as a land artist for Jim Buchanan. And his journey has only just begun

AS A child in Co Donegal, Jim Buchanan spent hours on the beach, building sand-castles. He would construct elaborate moats and drainage systems around the castle, only to see the tide come in at the end of the day and wash away the fruits of his labour.

Thirty years on, by now a land artist with a particular interest in labyrinths, he found himself on a beach on Scotland's west coast, using similar skills to construct a work he knew would soon be washed away by the incoming tide. Yet as the water ebbed and flowed on Irvine beach, Buchanan became mesmerised at the gentle way in which his labyrinth faded. "The labyrinth was there for two more days, with the tide getting gentler and gentler until it faded away," he says. "It was magical."

His work is all about making connections, he explains. "A labyrinth is all about a journey, with a beginning and an end, with its heart at the centre. I'm interested in our relationship with nature and a lot of people come to view my work to enjoy some quiet moments of reflection."

Buchanan is midway through a ten week stint as artist in residence at Crawford Art Centre in St Andrews, where he is working on various projects, including the forthcoming construction of a labyrinth in Buckhaven High School, assisted by pupils and parents. He is also keen to project a labyrinth on to one of the historic pilgrimage sites around the town.

He created his first labyrinth in 1991 and since then, has built his earthworks in several sites including the world's largest labyrinth, at Tapton Park in Derbyshire. Most recently, he forged a labyrinth for the Forestry Commission in Galloway Forest. He has also created his own personal labyrinth in the garden of his cottage, within the grounds of Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries.

Labyrinths, according to Buchanan, have been used throughout history as a tool for getting people in the right frame of mind. "There has always been a sense of reverence for the labyrinth - they are a metaphor for our journey through life."

To contact Jim Buchanan, call 01387 770400 or email him at jim.buchanan@virgin.net

Copyright 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.