“Doors”

Mixed Media – 2019-2021

I have always been drawn to things that show signs of age, a past life, forgotten and abandoned, long past usefulness. My fascination with old doors stems from the questions they raise, the stories they tell. Who lived there? What’s behind them? Who made them?

I strive to use the same materials that the original doors were made from – wood, metal, glass, cement, plaster, etc. I like to put them into a bit of context as to where they are, but not more than that. I hand-make every component – hinges, latches, tiny locks. I use a combination of old and new materials, aging, distressing, painting and scraping, sanding and gouging. I strive for believability, credibility, incredulity. Just enough of a feeling of time and place. I love the magic of age and abandonment. The lives lived and untold stories never told.

A door offers possibilities as to what is behind and beyond. It is an entrance, a prison, an escape, or an exit. Slammed in anger or closed softly on a sleeping child. Kicked open when bringing in the groceries or pushed shut with our backsides. Hand on knob, foot in door.

Doors. Some let you in, some keep you out. I hope mine let you into an imaginary world where you can be outside yourself, if even for a bit. The doors in this collection were made from photos of doors around the world.

“Doors” are on display by the artist with the exception of “Door 2” which resides in a private collection in Westport, CT.