One of my photographic obsessions when I am travelling is unusual door knockers.

I have dozens of photos of knockers, handles and iron decorations, taken primarily because they intrigued me. But also somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought they might be used for some kind of future art project. That project became a reality this past spring!

I selected 9 photos for a “polyptych” – one artwork containing multiple smaller pieces. This was not an easy process. I printed out the dozens of images that I thought would be both fun and a challenge to paint. Then I arranged and rearranged them into a 9-piece grid on my drafting table, taking photos of each arrangement. After a day’s rest for my brain, I reviewed each arrangement and selected the one that moved me.

I then drew each knocker on 2.5″-square watercolour paper and started the painting process. I tackled the wood grain of each door first. Each piece had a unique wood texture, design and colour. This was extremely joyful work! And this is the part of this project that I am most proud of.

With the doors ready, I painted the knockers. At the same time, I was researching each knocker to see if they had any historical significance. Many were called a “grotesque” – a whimsical creature blended with human and animal characteristics, a form of decor dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Some were meant to ward off evil spirits, but others were meant to send messages of strength, status and identity of the home owner. As I was painting, I kept wondering if these home owners of today chose or knew the meaning of their specific knocker.

After each 2.5″ painting was completed, they were photographed and then mounted in a custom mat of 18″ x 18″ with 9 openings. Here’s a guide to show where each knocker can be found:

Once this artwork was framed, I didn’t want to part with it! Some completed artworks admittedly remain in my heart more deeply than others. This was one of them!

I did part with it though. A couple who had just returned from their Italian honeymoon bought it to remind them of their special trip. This polyptych will hopefully provide happy memories for years to come!

I’m already planning my second knocker polyptych!