Ephemeral art can be found everywhere, but in natural settings, the inspiration and effect does seem more meditative. Using stones, bark, pine cones, twigs and whatever else may be readily available, people assemble compositions ranging from intriguing to wistful or even amusing.
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This labyrinth created (and recreated several times) by Eduardo Aguilera at Land’s End is a meditative piece, changing as it does from dawn until dusk. In this particular setting, Aguilera’s “shrine” invites contemplation.
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We found this similarly themed arrangement at Big Basin State Park, breathing inspiration into a tree trunk.
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This old labyrinth on San Francisco’s Bernal Hill reminds me of Pre-Colombian art.
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This arrangement in McLaren Park has me wondering whether this might be a shrine for lost pets. McLaren does have a lot of pet owners and dog walkers, and this particular labyrinth reminded me of the small memorials created by the children in “Jeux interdits” (Forbidden games) for dead animals.
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Some creations can be as simple as stacked rocks, letting you know someone was there and feeling playful. They somehow look like small folks.
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This cheerful example of primitive art was set atop San Bruno mountain, perhaps in reverence of the sun-god.
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