Stairways are iconic, never mind functional. They are a favourite of photographers because movement is such a given within them. Every time we see a stairway, all of our cultural, religious and even evolutionary conditioning bounces around in our brains between subconscious and conscious, creating all sorts of tension. Think about stairways to heaven, ascents to the light, descents into hell, debutantes walking down curved stairways into social acceptance. The list goes on.
I have taken many stairway shots over the years and recently snapped this one in an ancient part of town.
What I love about this is the texture and patterns of the wall, which has such a leathery richness to it — it’s so finished in its unfinished-ness.
There is history in that wall, giving this stairway a place in the march of time. The slightly tilted angle of the stairs creates a tension that spills down the left side, drawing the eye and the mind towards the bottom, towards us — a kind of falling back.
The counterbalance to that is the railing that leads us upward. It’s the guide where you would lay your hand for support. The railing, as well as the stairs, leads us up into the light.
You can feel this shot isn’t about descent — it’s about climbing.
Once you have completed that climb, you see that, should you wish to enter through the final door, you will have to break it down unless you have the key.
Photo Credit
Stairway © ChrisholtPhotos
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You have the wonderful gift of seeing beauty in just about everything and describing it leaving the reader intrigued and even excited.
The mystery of the final part…the door.
Maybe though, I should describe it as THE door..or maybe even the DOOR.
Bravo and thank you for your eye openers.
Very intriguing. The ascent into the light is also blocked by a large swath of darkness at the top and the door appears set precariously at the top where there is no place to stand level on it as you attempt to enter through. and that lock is so high up on the door, making you reach even higher to unlock it or break it down.
Chiariia, did you also notice that it is possible the door is either a wee bit open to the left top
and along the right side or chipped paint, or ? And what IS that ‘stuff’ on the wall?
Christopher ??? Is it really that pretty mauve color or have you performed magic with the photo?
post script…
I suddenly remembered the chjldren’s story of Bluebeard and the curious wives and the DOOR..!
Oy !
Thank you and no photoshopping. The wall is just patch worked. I appreciate your thoughts.
Very much.