The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library officially opened a new labyrinth maze at the Cookstown branch this week called the “Tree of Life”, located in the field adjacent to the library, open to the public to visit and explore the grassy-maze’s intricate design.
Commissioned by the Town of Innisfil and in partnership with the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, the ‘living art’ was created by local artist and architect, Denis Bolohan, in celebration of Innisfil’s Bicentennial anniversary.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Town of Innisfil’s Mayor Lynn Dollin along with Councillors Rob Nicol and Bill Van Berkel praised Bolohan for his hard work and dedication to constructing the labyrinth while acknowledging the land it was created from.
“This meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people, and as settlers, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land,” stated Dollin at the opening ceremony. “The Town of Innisfil acknowledges the forced sacrifices that are the foundation of Canadian society today. We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit People,”
“This past year and a half have been challenging ones to say the least. Our community is still grappling with the uncertainty and stresses of the pandemic and we continue to grow, learn, and find strength in our community,” Dollin adds. “It’s about time we find a little more beauty and serenity in our world, even if we have to create it ourselves. This labyrinth is ‘living art’, representing Innisfil’s heritage. It creates opportunities for reflection, and it turns a simple walk in the park into an ‘experience’.”
The tree-like design is based on the Irish Celtic knot which represents the ‘roots’ of the town, and is cut into the grasses (mowed down along the shoulder) to allow the grass to grow and create a barrier between the paths for visitors to follow.
With help from his wife, the project took Bolohan 12 days to complete the 1.3 km labyrinth with use of tape, spray paint, and a weed whacker (and lots of grass raking!). The couple share they worked ‘day and night’ to complete the art project.
“As you start walking, you’re in the roots of the tree of life,” explains Bolohan. “It’s a ‘wave’ of movement – to and fro – allowing each foot to lead as you meander through the maze.”
Although this is not Bolohan’s first time creating a labyrinth maze out of grass, it is his first time creating the living-art piece on the property of the Cookstown IdeaLAB Library’s field. Bolohan has created other forms of art on the property in previous years, including his famous ‘fire sculptures’.
“The design is for Innisfil…based on the Celtic history of the municipality,” he says. “The lower part is based on the roots of a tree, and the upper part is the crown – the ‘tree of life’ is incorporated into the whole labyrinth.”
“It’s actually a beautiful piece from air,” adds Dollin, referencing the drone that took aerial shots of the maze, compliments of Henry Baillie-Brown of ‘Air Support Aerial Photography’. “Walking the Labryinth is a way to move forward at a time when a journey of hope is greatly needed. We know that cultural experiences enhance our quality of life and increase overall well being for individuals and communities.”
“Labyrinths, specifically, are recognized for their positive health benefits as a way to find calm and to ease stress. The pandemic has taught us how important it is to care for our mental health, and I encourage you to enter this space, one foot at a time, and with an open mind,” she says.
The labyrinth is a free, outdoor installation that will remain on site at the Cookstown branch until Sept. 22, 2021, and community members are encouraged to visit for a time of relaxation, reflection, exercise and fresh air (and for the kids, an added bonus of having the Library's splash pad right next to the maze).
“Thank you for sharing your vision and talents as we celebrate Innisfil’s Bicentennial, and the history and future of our community,” said Dollin to Bolohan.
“We picked the two hottest weeks in the summer to do this – it was more difficult than I imagined! But it’s great to have it done!” adds Bolohan.
Visitors are encouraged to take photos of their maze adventure and share on social media using the hashtag #Innisfil200 or #CultureInnisfil.
For more details on the new ‘living art’ maze, visit: www.innisfilidealab.ca/tree-of-life-labyrinth
