Windows

Windows can mean different things to different people. Some may see windows as opportunities. Others may see windows as  portholes to the soul. Some see an open window, others see a closed window. What do you see when you look at a window? Let's explore the theme of windows and some of the elements of this painting.

A window of opportunity is the right set of circumstances at a specific time and it is usually fleeting. A window allows us to gain a different perspective, a view of something outside (or inside) of where we are and even allows us to imagine ourselves in another place or set of circumstances. Whether we are looking in or out, what is on the other side of the window can draw us out and into a whole new set of circumstances. Life presents us with countless opportunities to move forwards or backwards in our journey.

Eyes are often referred to as "windows to our soul". You can ascertain a person's emotions - both sadness and happiness, both confidence and fear - by looking into his or her eyes. Our eyes give our brains new perspectives, much like a window does for anyone looking through them. When you look through a window you see a little bit of who or what lies behind that window. By seeing toys strewn over a living room floor, you may see a family who values children and spends much of their time focused on them. By seeing a darkened room, you may see someone devoid of joy or happiness. So it is with eyes; you are able to see a little bit of the person by looking into their eyes.

A window can be either open or closed. We can see this theme in both of the aforementioned window quotes. A person can be open or closed to an opportunity. Also, we can shield our eyes from showing emotion, much like a window can be blocked with blinds.

The stone wall in the painting is rigid and a source of strength for the window. It symbolizes the idea of endurance, stability, and permanence. The wall also represents boundaries. The window provides the opportunity to see, whereas the wall provides safety. If we stay behind the wall we stay safe, but if we venture to the other side of the window we embrace opportunity. Does the correlation between the security of the wall and the vulnerability of the window reflect our life? Does letting things in or stepping out make us anxious? For every new experience ahead we can see a wall or a window.

In this painting, specifically the window panes the shadows are conflicting. In the left side panes there is darkness on the left; in the right side panes there is darkness on the right. And so it is in life. Windows may reveal conflict. Opportunities and change may provide conflict. What we see on the other side is not always what we want to see.

The flowers decorating the window of this painting can encourage us to "stop and smell the roses", to slow down and allow the colours to lift our souls. Flowers can brighten our moods and encourage us to see the positives in life, the positives in opportunities, the positives in our souls.

Windows...opportunities - conflicts - open - closed - strength - safety. Windows can convey so many things to each and every one of us. What does a window mean to you?​