Community Door Project

Over thanksgiving I spent my time working and praying with a community of monks in New Mexico that I have known personally for over 10 years. The community door that was chosen had been used for almost 50 years at the monastery. A local black smith and friend of the monks made the doorknob and locks. I really appreciated the craftsmanship that went into the doors around the monastery, which are all one of a kind.

Brother Francis was the artist monk whom I worked with on the “Door Project,” He shared with me the series of ideas they had for the side of door that represented being outside community. The final image selected was that of the devil over looking a city street at night. The devil representing all that is evil and destructive to community. Brother Francis describes the devil looking upon the city looking for the weak soul to take advantage of. This spiritual take on the evils of the world made me think of all that there is that inhibits the growth of community, may it be greed, addictions, the list can go on.

What I gained through working with community and the door project is the realization that doing meaningful art is a huge catalyst that forms deeper relationships. This “artistic socialization” through collaborative creative expression truly brings a sense of belonging even if there maybe a certain amount of tension involved with “strong wills.” I find that I am just scratching the surface of all that will be discovered in the dynamics of community and collaborative art. What I have learned through this project thus far is that the “key” to my own personal door is the recognition that acceptance is pinnacle to my own emotional growth. I found that I must first accept myself for who I am with all my strengths and weakness along with fully offering my gifts to those in need. I also have humbly recognized that I need community may it be my family, special needs friends, a religious order, artist community or my students. Having a young child, also reminds of the African truth that it does take a village to raise a child. I want to belong to a community that is life giving not just for me but also for Liam who represents another generation either lost or gained.