Visual Arts
TERRY DE VRIES
Our labyrinth and maze
Both our Vergenoegd Löw labyrinth and maze are the work of Stellenbosch-born Terry de Vries. A leading authority on labyrinths, she has built over 300 to date, some in the Cape Winelands, but many further afield in South Africa and abroad.
Initially she worked as a journalist and lectured in journalism at Stellenbosch University, before taking a break to rethink her life and her career. It was on a road trip to the US, where she had stopped to study yoga that she encountered a labyrinth at the Omega Institute, upstate New York. Her young son, who was with her, was enchanted by the experience of walking its path, and she knew she had found her calling. She built her first labyrinth in 2001.
For the decades since then, she has continued to visit sacred sites all over the world, often travelling on foot, building her understanding of labyrinths and the spiritual awakening and deep emotional healing they offer.
She explains that the labyrinth symbolises a sacred journey, a safe space where those who walk it can reconnect with their authentic selves.
She is also a yoga teacher and sound healer, and she has established a luxury retreat and spiritual sanctuary in Barrydale, Klein Karoo, where she lives.
WALKING THE LABYRINTH
Our 7-circuit medieval-style labyrinth is positioned so its centre lines up with the Botmaskop Mountain in the distance.
Suggestions
1. Begin with an open mind and heart. Breathe deeply.
2. Find your own pace.
3. As you walk, notice your own emotions.
4. Memories may surface. Allow them to.
5. Engage your senses. Listen. Look. Touch. Smell.
6. Relish the challenge and the experience.
7. Have fun!
THE MAZE
Mazes have multiple paths which branch off, sometimes leading to blind alleys. To find the point at the centre and to exit is to solve a puzzle.
May your walk be enriching, satisfying and fun.
There are two paths that lead to the blessing well in the centre. Opened doors may reveal or obscure. To find the centre will require focus and patience, but the effort will feel immensely rewarding.
When you walk the maze, follow the sound of water to find the centre. You may be confused, but if you listen closely, you will find the blessing well.
VERGENOEGD LÖW BLESSING WELL
Water is life. The flow form of the blessing well mimics the rhythms of nature.
How to bless the water
1. Cup your hand to receive the water from the spigot.
2. Offer love, goodwill or prayers from your heart through to your hands.
3. Drink the water.
4. Repeat and then throw the blessed water into the well.
Join Us
Explore Our Farm
Our art walk has been devised for you to explore our sculptures, paintings and landscaping in a way that we hope will surprise and delight, enchant and intrigue. Of course, you may wish to discover our works in your own sequence and that’s fine too. Although very individual in expression, all the works here are emblematic of values we cherish. From the conservation of our natural environment to the protection of our rich and layered heritage. From opening ourselves to new possibilities, innovation and ideas to being challenged by different ways of seeing. And as importantly, to celebrate artistic talent. You can find out more as you stop at each work. Scan the QR codes on signage or the one on this page for online profiles on the artists. Pursuing an anti-clockwise path, your discovery will take you to: