Portals of Time, the Mind and the Past

Portals

While working on my photographs over the past week, I came across several that were of openings in structures. As I began to study the photos, the word "portal" came to mind and has been floating in my memory ever since. I decided on this post to explore the concept of portals and why I am drawn to these subjects in photography. Furthermore, it seems that I am not the only photographer sharing an interest in this subject; many photos by friends on Facebook also are of portals.

When I goggled the word portal, a number of different applications came up under the term. There is "Portal" the video game, "Portal the Flash Version" and a "Web Portal" which happens to be a links page. The Princeton definition of portal caught my attention, "a portal is a grand and imposing entrance (often extended metaphorically) or an opening in a wall or such structure", and this is where my interest lies. I am always fascinated by various shapes that allow for portals. Being the curious soul that I am, I wonder what is on the other side, so I would like to explore some of my favorite portals and what drew me to take the photo.

Residing in an area that during 1800's was once big in mining, I run across many structures that are still partially standing. Peering through these portals gives me a glimpse of how life might have been while living at higher elevations, out in the desert.

Some portals that I discover have such strange structures; it is hard to imagine what they were used for. Was this once the bank to store all the gold and silver from the Aurora mines? As I peer out at the road beyond the portal, I can imagine the wagon trains coming down the hill, carrying the ore.

A portal in the Cabin at the Fletcher Stage Stop leads into a small empty, deserted building. But as I look beyond the entrance, I can feel the presence of passengers waiting for the stage so that they could be transported to and from Nevada and California, during the 1800's.

Other portals  cause me to wonder, was this open view of the sky  to provide sunshine and light to the workers at the Stamp Mill, or did the harsh desert wind eventually take its course as it does on all things standing.

The portal looking through the side of an old building in Schurz, Nevada gives the lonely feeling of watching for the next train and what it might bring.

And our final portal is perhaps just that, a final resting place for the weary and worn. We shall only be privileged with a look at, not through this portal, until it's our time.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

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