How to Make a Finger Labyrinth in Clay

A Simple Step by Step Process Provides Relaxation in the Classroom

Jan 21, 2009

Students make a clay labyrinth, which when glazed becomes a beautiful, subtle art form. The process will provide a relaxation opportunity for the classroom.

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that has been adapted over the ages and is still used in modern times. People have walked Labyrinths for 1,000s of years. They have been used in many faiths and cultures, from places as far apart as China, Crete, Ireland, India, Scandinavia. This practical activity suggests how teachers can make use of the symbol in modern classrooms today.

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is a path that once entered, travels in a circle to a centre and back out through the same exit. Labyrinths are not designed to confuse the user. In contrast to a maze, which is intended to be a puzzle, the labyrinth, is a right-brain task that involves intuition and creativity.

A labyrinth artifact can act as a metaphor for life's journey. It is possible to centre through the process. Users gently reflect about where they are in their lives. Walking the Labyrinth is a gentle activity. It can help students find peace and serenity, even amidst their busy student activities.

The Modern Labyrinth

Modern labyrinths can be used in hospitals, schools, prisons, wellness centres, and places such as retreat centres. The simple, easily available tool will help people relax within the context of a busy world.

The younger children learn about how to make a labyrinth the better. Once they know how to draw the structure, they will be able to create one any where they go, with whatever materials they have available to them. It will help students develop a sense of responsibility for their emotional wellbeing.

A Simple Finger Labyrinth Clay Activity

Students first trace, then draw and then create a small labyrinth in clay. It can be dried, fired and glazed, thus becoming a beautiful calming artifact for their desk top. It can remain available to students so that they use it to relax whenever they feel the need. Experiencing the process will be helpful because students will realise that people consciously choose to move towards creative styles of thinking. The labyrinth is a tool which will help them do so.

To create an opportunity for students to draw the labyrinth, download a table top finger labyrinth template. Print one off for each student. Invite them to learn to draw the pathway. They can do this at first by tracing, but with practice should soon be able to draw the structure.

Take this experience to a state that is more tangible, both physical and textural, by using the template to create an impression, which can then be carved in clay. This can be done by

A Peaceful Experience

As the students become engaged in the carving process, it will facilitate relaxation. Have relaxation music playing or set up the activities outdoors, so that students will hear the sounds of nature. This process will take them to a peaceful exploration of the textural qualities of clay. The template acts as a physical pattern to follow. Ask the students to let go, allowing the experience to take over.

Because the labyrinth is intended to provide the students with a permanent easily reached relaxation tool, it is fortuitous to ask them to decorate the pathway with patterns. They can use sticks, or even pen caps to create patterns in the clay. Ask them to keep the patterning consistent but quite pronounced, so that it can be felt and sensed easily when finger walking the structure with eyes closed.

Glaze with a clear glaze so that the labyrinth becomes a subtle, but beautiful, art form.

Source of Information

The Labyrinth Society website provides not only a great deal of information about the history of the labyrinth, but offers activities, resources and suggestions that are valuable for teachers.

The copyright of the article How to Make a Finger Labyrinth in Clay in Visual Arts Education is owned by Jo Murphy. Permission to republish How to Make a Finger Labyrinth in Clay in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.