Doors, like this door at the Quinta da Regaleria estate, trigger connections in our psyche. They serve as entries and exists and as such, co-relate to beginnings and endings. They are dual in nature, inviting us into adventure, while also being a barrier for protection.
Doors in a neighbourhood say a lot about the culture of an area. Is a door open or closed? What distance or levels of gates are required before reaching a front door? Who attends the door?
There are many things you can learn about a culture from the doors to their houses. For example, The Embera Indians of Columbia and Panama do not have any doors on their abodes. They live in small sustainable communities that have a concept of expanded family.
Other communities have gates that close off an entire area. A visitor must pass through a guard before getting to a front door.
In Siena, Italy, I saw a small street where every door was colourful and decorated with flowers. It was warm and inviting. The doors faced right on the street where any passerby could reach out and knock.
Doors in condominium complexes need to have the same look. Individual homes often decorate those doors with something personal to make their passageways more meaningful.
Doors reflect personality and are a fascinating view of who we are, how we live, and what we show the world. No wonder there are so many artistic depictions of doors! When photographing doors, we look beyond, the thing that drew us there. Ask what a door opens for you creatively, where it takes you?
In life sometimes, in the universe, you have to close some doors to have others open ~ Gene Ween
About the image:
‘Initiation Door’ By Jamuna Burry
This doorway is on the estate Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal. The 4-hectare estate is rich in architecture and symbolism relating to alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. This locked doorway is a little off the beaten track on the estate, however by the etchings in the stone and in the door, one can tell that many have passed here. To me, the marks that people have left on this door, in this place are a symbolic ‘knocking on the door’ of knowledge and light.
This image is available for purchase in the shop.
Exploring ideas on creativity through digital art.
