After a weekend of shared exploration at The Field in Derbyshire, Samm and Pierce discovered a profound connection through contrasting experiences of addiction and survival, symbolized by the motif of a door. Positioned between two spaces, a door can serve as both a barrier and a portal—an invitation to move between realms of experience. In response, they created a diptych of two identical yet opposing images, symbolizing two bodies meeting in reciprocity to share their truths.

Since the initial iteration of The Portal work, Samm and Pierce have revisited this concept together. When Samm relocated, the original door was lost, but the artists have now secured a new one. This new door serves as a continuing element in their collaboration, representing the threshold through which they explore their shared and individual journeys. In July 2024, the new door was used in a performance to camera at ASC Gallery in London as part of OTHER. The OTHER collective is composed of individuals living and working at the intersection of being queer, neurodivergent, disabled, and survivors. Their creative practice is deeply informed by their marginalised identities and lived experiences, making safe, supportive, and caring environments essential for initiating, developing, performing, touring, documenting, exhibiting, and sharing their work.

Images: Ian Whitford

All Images and Artwork © Pierce Starre 2025