GATEWAY TO THE SACRED
GATEWAY TO THE SACRED
Honshu, Japan
It is an ancient belief that torii represent a gate between the mundane and the sacred. They remind me to focus on things of greater importance and value. Almost like a bell struck out of silence - torii ring out a tone of peace, love, and presence.
In Japanese tradition, a person walks through a torii to get closer to the sacred. Sometimes there are several torii in a row, each marking a new level of hallowed space. I love this concept and the physical practice of an internal journey.
But I also love how the symbol of a torii can outreach its material structure.
I believe that the sacred world exists within. We can escape to an inner stillness in even the most chaotic moments. When I see a torii, I don’t have to walk through it to achieve its power. Even from a distance, I am reminded to access an inner tranquility.
The gift of photography is that sometimes an image can present a deeper truth than the reality of a subject.
The torii gate beckons us to enter but does not present a physical path because water surrounds its complete form. We must transport our attention through the gate instead. We must make the journey within.
This same internal action is necessary when we examine any photograph. A picture can show us places we can’t necessarily travel to and, at the same time, lead us on a journey to new emotions, thoughts, and ideas.
I also see meaning in how this torii’s powerful structure sits in a soft, seemingly endless expanse. Were you to pass through it, you would be in essentially the same place you had come from.
So often, we think of wholeness and peace as rewards at the end of a journey - that serenity must be achieved only after intense practice and dedication to personal growth.
Those things can help make the sacred more easily recognized, but serenity is always there, simply waiting for us to align with it.
As you look at this image, you can imagine journeying through this gate or just traveling from the other side. You will find the sacred either way.
This photograph is a very important one to me. It represents all of what I want to achieve with an image. It has peace, beauty, depth, and mood. It’s clean and simple and tidy. Its spaciousness gives the viewer room to breathe while remaining dynamic and powerful.
It is always my goal to give something deeper with my art. With this image, I hope people will find their inner stillness... their Gateway to the Sacred.
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EDITION SIZE: 45 + 5 Artist Proofs
PRINT TYPE: Dye-Transfer Chrome Print16x28” Gallery Float -or- Flush Style: $1600
16x28” Museum Framed Style: $190024x42" Gallery Float -or- Flush Style: $2900
24x42" Museum Framed Style: $360036x63" Gallery Float -or- Flush Style: $5800
36x63" Museum Framed Style: $680048x84" Gallery Float -or- Flush Style: $8600
48x84" Museum Framed Style: $980059x103” Prices upon request.
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GALLERY FLOAT STYLE: print is backed with 1/4” Sintra and a 3/4” deep metal inset frame attached to the back, to provide a floating look from the wall.
GALLERY FLUSH STYLE: has a 2” deep wood Flush frame, available in Black, White, Cherry or Walnut.
MUSEUM FRAMED STYLE: a 2” deep by 3/8” wide moulding frames the print, with a 1/4” float between the print and the frame.
FINISH YOUR DESIGN DURING CHECKOUT:
On all prints - select between a Matte non-glare print -or- a Semi-gloss print.
Select a Black or White Sintra backing.
On Flush Mount Style - select a Black, White, Cherry or Walnut Flush frame.
On Museum Framed Style - select between: Smooth Black, Black Grain, Smooth White, White Grain, or Brown Grain.See Collector Info for pictures and further details.
All pieces come with general hanging hardware, and instructions on how to hang and care for your artwork.
CUSTOM OPTIONS: If you would like to discuss Custom Finishing Styles or Sizes, contact us.
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Your order will be confirmed via email within 24 hours and then put into production.
Every piece is custom made to order. As a result, all orders are final.
We work with the top printer and fine art finishers in the country to produce the finished works and impeccable quality is of the utmost importance. With that said, the Dye-Transfer Chrome Print and finishing process is a sensitive one and does require a timeline to produce.
TURNAROUND TIME: GALLERY FLOAT & FLUSH STYLE pieces take 4-5 weeks and MUSEUM FRAMED STYLE pieces take 5-6 weeks.
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Designed to evoke stillness and spaciousness
Throughout human history, people have voyaged far and wide in search of peace and understanding of the world. In new lands, they were met with visions that filled their hearts and minds – towering mountains, soft waves, spiraling branches, and expanses of brilliant white snow. And though many of us have not embarked on extended spiritual pilgrimages, we have all experienced the expansion of our minds and hearts as we witness a breathtaking view. Embracing the power of beauty and the landscape on our mood, these photographs are designed to evoke peace and stillness - and provide the space to embrace the full breadth of our emotions.
Science tells us about the power of beauty
Studies show that focusing on beauty and serenity in nature creates lasting positive effects – increasing happiness, positive social interactions, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. In one study, 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside – noting a decrease in depression, stress, and anxiety. Time in nature has also proven to increase our ability to pay attention and live in the present moment. Nature is vital to our well-being, but not all of us have a beautiful setting outside our windows. That’s why we need art.
Bring beauty into your home
Scientists have confirmed that viewing scenes of nature in art can positively impact your health and well-being almost as effectively as visiting a beautiful environment. Art allows us to enjoy our morning coffee at a temple in Kyoto and cuddle up with our pets by the stunning coast of Maui. To spend our days in the bustle of the city and return home to the tranquility of a breathtaking view. Fine art photography is more than an image - it is your calm in the chaos, an uplifting breath on a troubling day, and the stillness to embrace your most authentic emotions and nurture your best self.
