The Scarlet Solace: An Art Nouveau Sanctuary
Protection from Enchantment and Spells
The Scarlet Solace: An Art Nouveau Sanctuary
Protection from Enchantment and Spells
Goddesses' Entrance
Goddesses' Entrance
Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes
Calling Autumn
Calling Autumn
About The Sister Suite
About The Sister Suite
A Triptych of Kinship and Color
A Triptych of Kinship and Color
These three works represent the homes of close sisters living just steps away from one another. While they share a similar architectural spirit—each framed by a hand-painted brick façade—they are defined by their differences. From the unique scrolling of the wrought iron to the distinct colors of the timber, these doors celebrate sisters who are fundamentally alike, yet beautifully individual.
The Red Door: A Beacon of Welcome Historically a symbol of hospitality, the red door signaled a place of rest and a warm meal. It served as a sign of a safe house on the Underground Railroad, represents a mortgage-free home in Scotland, and invites good luck in Feng Shui.
The Green Door: Harmony and Growth Symbolizing prosperity and renewal, this hue brings the energy of nature and tranquility to a home. Perched on the frame is a Gray-crowned Rosy-finch, a herald of peace, freedom, and positive transformation within ourselves.
The Blue Door: A Calm Sanctuary The blue door represents trust, stability, and peace. It acts as a serene boundary between the world and the home, signaling that the inhabitants are dependable, honest, and welcoming.
Welcome
Welcome
Harmony
Harmony
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
Gustav Mahler Accompanied by Crows - The Story behind the Art
Gustav Mahler Accompanied by Crows - The Story behind the Art
These doors tell a story about Gustav Mahler one of the greatest composters of classical music and a revered conductor. He conducted the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra in 1899 at the neoclassical Musikverein, but he wrote in composing cottages far from the glitter and din of Vienna.These doors are my interpretation of the grandeur of Musikverein. I drew my concept for the doors from a ceiling panel in the 'Great Hall' which depicts Apollo and the nine muses. The actual panel was painted by August Eisenmenger.Inside my design of multi-colored textures, Eutrepe on the right, the Muse of Lyric Poetry and Music. Original painting by Jakob Emanuel Handmann 1775. On the left I have depicted Terpsichore the Muse of Dance, whose name means “delight in dancing.” The original by Eustache Le Sueur, 1646-47The inner doors are my interpretation of Mahler’s 3rd composing cottage which stands today. The engravings on the walls are excerpts from his manuscripts. Gustav Mahler reveled in the quiet and calm of Tyrol, accompanied only by the cawing of crows.
Mahler Accompanied by Crows
Mahler Accompanied by Crows
Composed in the Cottage with Crows
Composed in the Cottage with Crows
Inspiration
Inspiration
This is the actual opulent ceiling of the Golden Hall in the Musikverein in Viena in which Gustav Mahler studied, conducted, and had major works performed. There is a dedicated Gustav Mahler-Saal (Mahler Hall) nearby at the Vienna State Opera. Visiting Vienna is next on my bucket list.
The Story Behind Viking I
The Story Behind Viking I
Viking: The Shield-Wall Icon
Viking: The Shield-Wall Icon
This singular piece is not a box with secrets, but rather an "icon" or a spiritual boundary for the home. It is designed to evoke the rugged power of a Viking longhouse gate, protecting the sacred space within from the chaos of the world.
The Exterior: The Iron-Bound Barrier
The Exterior: The Iron-Bound Barrier
The facade is built to resemble the fortified timbers of a Norse stronghold or a segmented shield-wall.
Aged Defense: Deeply distressed wood grain is banded with hand-painted "iron" straps.
Hardware: Heavy-duty, faux-aged hinges and a ring pull complete the feeling of an impermeable, ancient barrier.
The Interior: Guidance and Divine Power
The Interior: Guidance and Divine Power
Opening the icon reveals the true "Viking" narrative—a collection of symbols known for protection and spiritual strength, rendered with historical reverence.
The Ægishjálmur (Helm of Awe): Protection in Crimson Dominating the inner left door is the powerful stave known as the Ægishjálmur, rendered in striking crimson. While historical debate continues about whether Norse warriors truly wore these as tattoos (archaeological evidence of Viking tattooing is extremely scarce), the stave itself is a well-documented magical symbol used for protection and to strike fear into enemies.
The Voyager and the Map The back panel of the cabinet features a detailed engraving of a Norse Longship, complete with a carved dragon-head prow. This ship, a masterpiece of maritime engineering, is set against an ancient-style celestial map, representing the daring spirit of the voyager.
The Center Panel: The Eagle of Two Powers Centered on the back is an intricately carved, dark knotwork panel depicting a Double-Headed Eagle. This ancient symbol, which predates the Vikings but was present in cultures they interacted with, embodies a powerful duality:
Material Power: The raw, physical strength needed for survival and conquest.
Spiritual Power: The divine, protective influence of the gods. Together, they represent a warrior or leader whose strength is grounded in both the physical and the divine.
Original Work: A powerful, singular icon for the modern warrior or explorer.
Viking I
Viking I
Front & Back
Map
Map
Inside
Inside
Cafe Doors
Jewish Wedding Doors
Viking I Map
Viking I Map
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