“Door #1” is the first piece in my ongoing Door Series, a body of work exploring the symbolism of doors as thresholds, barriers, and choices. This particular door is about being trapped, having no way in and no way out. The stark brick wall, with its sealed green door at the center, reflects a sense of confinement — a visual metaphor for what it feels like to be stuck with no options, no escape, and no clear path forward.

I created this painting during one of the darkest times in my life, as our business was beginning to fail. The stress was overwhelming, and this door became a mirror of my own inner state — closed, immovable, and suffocating. In many ways, the act of painting was both cathartic and confronting, allowing me to acknowledge the fear and pressure I carried.

For collectors, “Door #1” is more than a painting; it is an emotional artifact of resilience. It captures a universal experience — the human reality of being trapped by circumstance — while also standing as a testament to the power of creativity during crisis. This piece marks the beginning of the Door Series, where each door embodies a different emotional truth.