Maarten Schaddelee, creator
It seems so very simple, the concept of allowing and accepting any individual or culture’s construct of understanding and expressing the divine, yet respect for religious differences and spiritual harmony have historically eluded humankind. We long for peace in the world, and wonder how we can “make it happen.”
Jump to the Doorways to Spirit video interview below.
Photo credits Tony Bonsil
Victoria sculptor Maarten Schaddelee, whose works in wood and stone often address themes of compassion, peace, and unity, has created an inspired installation entitled “Doorways to Spirit,” A large, colourful, architectural construction of 16 full-size doors hinged together to form a circle, each depicting a different facet of the collective spiritual journey humans take: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Taoism, Nature, First Peoples, Shinto, Goddess, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Confucianism, Jainism, and The Arts.
Photo credits Tony Bonsil
Viewers were invited to walk around the structure, which cannot be physically entered. The only way to pass through a door is spiritually, regardless of which door or doors you choose to ‘go through,’ the space in the centre is the ‘Great Mystery’, says Schaddelee. “I hope I have included everyone in some way, if not through faith, then through art. These doors must stand together, or they fall down; the most important message is respect of each other.”
Photo credits Tony Bonsil
The intricately detailed bas-relief doors are each hand-carved from a single piece of board, then painted and gold-leafed. The brilliant colours are inspired by the artist’s experience of art he encountered in the Mayan Riviera during a vacation there. “Each panel incorporates Nootka roses, which grow wild on the Gordon Head property where Maarten’s studios and home is located, and serve as a symbol of healing. The circle of Doorways, reminds us of a huge prayer wheel for peace, except it is people moving around them or sitting still with them that sets the intention of peace.”
This three and a half year labour of love was unveiled in Victoria in August 2007 and had toured during the following year. Currently, it resides at Maarten’s gallery If you would like more information contact Maarten.
Doorways to Spirit Video
Explore the ‘Doors’ of the ‘Doorways to Spirit’.
In gratitude for their support and belief in Doorways to Spirit.