Labyrinths of Iowa

I had an exciting opportunity last summer and fall to photograph various labyrinths throughout the state for The Iowan magazine, which is now out in the latest issue in an article called Contemplating the Landscape written by Iowa City writer Emily Grosvenor. The assignment took me to Hubbard in central Iowa, Hiawatha just outside Cedar Rapids, and the botanical gardens in Waterloo.

In Hubbard, I met Mary Dreier who runs a spiritual retreat on her farm called Soul of the Prairie, and learned about building a labyrinth. I saw Prairie Woods, which has a labyrinth nestled in the edge of the forest of the Hiawatha retreat, and serves a quiet place of reflection and meditation. And then there were the lawnmower men, Stan McCadam and Manley Orum, who have dedicated many hours at Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Waterloo to carve a labyrinth from their lawnmowers. It was a great experience to see how much work, time, history and dedication went into creating these labyrinths as well as appreciating their beauty, simplicity and the calming essence they have on those who come use them. Here’s an inside glimpse of the  magazine story, which you can read by clicking on the preview below:

The Iowan magazine - Jan/Feb 2009 issue