Travelling Through The Doorways of the Past: Puglia Inspired Art

For me, Europe has a charm like no other place on earth.  It's rich history, picturesque countryside and ancient buildings that still stand today make my imagination run wild.  My home of Canada has its own beautiful landscapes, iconic buildings and history but its still a young country in comparison to those such as Italy, France or  Greece.  You won't find many Medieval castles popping up around  here on your Sunday drive. 

No matter which European country we visit, I have this one odd fascination that has me snapping pics left and right.   The doors.  Or as I like to refer to them, Portals Through Time.  Whether they're painted in bright rich colours, adorned with brass knockers in the shapes of  lion faces or mermaids, or they're constructed with studs and rusted steel, they all get my equal attention.  It's awe inspiring to think some of these doorways have stood for centuries guarding the occupants, welcoming visitors and worshippers and providing safe havens for travelers.    

The stories these entryways could tell us, if only they talked.  What battles or struggles passed by these doors?  What storms from sea or dessert did they defend against? Who were the people who worked or lived behind those doors?  How did they make their living? How did they live and survive?  Who were the passersby?   Of course, history can fill in some of those answers, but my curiosity dwells on those specifically who lived behind the doors.  I love to spin a story in my mind bringing this space to life. 

Some of my most favourite doors and alleyways are found in Italy.  These doors soon become my next painting subjects.   

The acrylic painting below is my favourite Puglia door with its old, gnarly, weathered wood entry, crumbling plaster and a  very determined little bush clinging strongly to a crack in the wall.   I titled this  painting, "Weathered By Time".

We  found this beaten up door down an alleyway next to a bakery in  a little town called Mola Di Bari.  I imagined it was battered by decades of salty winds blowing in off the Adriatic and the scorching summer sun.  Its character spoke of strength and duty, living a long, hard life on the edge of the sea and its commitment as protector of all who dwelled within, the keeper of their secrets and a portal to another time.

Do you have a favourite photo subject when you're travelling to new countries? 

 I'd love to  hear from you!