(Originally posted August 13, 2006)

Doors, Windows & Portals

"the magic of transcending time and space when one quietly observes...
thus unfolds the beauty of the ordinary"

(excerpt from my artist's statement)

Before I ever picked up a camera, there was always something about 'openings' which drew me near, piqued my curiosity, and gave me a deeper sense of presence.  The long tunnel of light between rows of corn in the field, an entry to a cave, storm cellar doors, stable gates, flickering spaces between rail cars while watching a train pass by.  In my mind, these 'openings' were experiences waiting to be taken.....

Funny - just this moment I wondered if my choice of the word "opening" would convey to you the concept Im speaking of, so I did a quick thesaurus query and smiled as I saw the results:  gap... breach... aperture... hole... notch... cavity... opportunity... chance... lucky... break... prospect... gateway.

In 2000 (after I started playing with photography), extended family and friends pointed out the number of doors, etc. I was 'wasting film' on.  I began stashing these types of images away in my own private collection (as well as other 'weird' shots) leaving the 'safe/normal' shots out for open viewing.  The more time I spent behind the lens, the more 'openings' I caught on film, in secret more often than not, like a closet addict.  And by 2002, I began to notice that it wasnt just any 'opening' that would draw me in... just certain ones that seemed to pierce my heart with their silent beckoning.  It was then that I began an ongoing collection called "Doors, Windows & Portals".

It was even later when I realized why it is I am so drawn to this subject:

more about why here....

and here....

And then a friend's incredible blog (David Leeson's "The Portal" - June 20, 2006) led me to more specifically define the portal experience for myself.  Spontaneously, upon reading his blog, without 'thinking', the words poured through my fingers as I commented:

Though our fears, shame and self-doubt are indeed the beast awaiting us at every portal...
it is love that provides safe passage...

for when we love ourselves enough
to accept love from others
who are willing to hold the mirror steady
so that we can see our weakness
and properly arm ourselves
to face the awaiting beast
and enter this gift from God
the portal
humbly, yet with confidence

and when we love others enough
to stand by them in the dark
holding the mirror steady
encouraging them
as we hand them the armour
they have made for themselves
we prepare ourselves
to witness
a great journey
one which will, in turn
inspire us to prepare
for the next journey of our own

I hope you embrace the doors, windows and portals of your own life, as I share with you just a few images from this collection...

Portal 1    Princeton, New Jersey

Doors 13 Malta

Doors 10 Istanbul,Turkey

Doors 2 Istanbul, Turkey

Porch 2 Johnson City, Texas

Arches 1 San Diego, California

Doors 7 Malta

Summer Dreams 9 Johnson City, Texas

Wagamama Noodle Bar Soho, London

Temple Windows Istanbul, Turkey

Pompeii Promenade Italy

Doors 3 Malta

Windows 12 Cartega, Costa Rica

Colosseum 1 Rome, Italy

Windows 16 Cedar Crest, New Mexico

Doors 4 Malta

Pompeii House 8 Italy

Windows 1 Malta

All Photographs Copyright 2001-2007  Carolyn Collins, all rights reserved

If one of these photographs evokes any thoughts or feelings, please share... your insights continue to open my eyes, as I can never learn enough from you.   Every word you speak or vision you share is like music dancing its way through my crazy abstract mind.  :)

Just post a comment sharing the words or visions in your head via poetry, prose, drawings (add a photo scan), sketches (add a photo scan), thoughts, songs (add a link), etc... they're all welcome here.  And by ALL MEANS, you may choose to 'ink' about all four images if you wish.  The more the better!  I adore listening to you, and everyone else will get to step into your perspective for a fresh view, too!

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The season has finally come... this weather makes me want to snuggle under a pile of blankets at night and burst forth into a brisk, bright morning.  This is the time of year I'm all over the place... like squirrels gathering nuts, turning heads with each new sound, flitting up trees, and chattering to one another.  Much to do, much to do...

but I cannot go without time listening to you.

Come on inside and let me warm you up with a drink.  While I light the stove and grab the teapot, please fill my head with your poetry, stories, songs, thoughts, insights or feelings.  Your voice is missing from my kitchen.

If one of these photographs evokes any thoughts or feelings, please share... your insights continue to open my eyes, as I can never learn enough from you.   Every word you speak is like music dancing its way through my crazy abstract mind.  :)

Just post a comment sharing the words in your head via poetry, prose, thoughts, songs, etc... they're all welcome here.  And by ALL MEANS, you may choose to write about all four images if you wish.  The more the better!  I adore listening to you!

FYI, blogdicking is most welcome here!  I encourage my friends and family to support and inspire one another by responding to each others' writings and comments.  As always, I am leaving the locations and titles blank, lest I impose my own thoughts or feelings upon you.

(thank you for coming over... did you want jasmine tea or lemon spice tea with honey?... ah, yes... here you are, my friend...  I'm listening)

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all photos copyright 2001-2008: Carolyn Collins, all rights reserved

should i fall asleep while you work
make noise
carry on

should i catch a glimpse of you creating
don't stop
let me absorb

should i wrap myself in your arms
say nothing
just breathe

photo copyright 2006: Carolyn Collins, all rights reserved