Behind the door, I keep the universe by Rachel Herman

Rachel Herman grew up a child to Midwestern art dealers. It took her years to see the possibility of crossing the line into creativity and calling herself an artist—something that often requires a good deal of confidence and guts. These days, Rachel is interested in the way that places are witness to so many of the trials and tribulations, loves and romances, and all-around living that is contained within them. In her words...

I get in and out of places surreptitiously, like a good voyeur. I work episodically, like a diligent short story writer. I return to themes over time, specifically those that have to do with couples and family and the spaces in which these relationships unfold. I use the camera to nestle in and ask questions about how and where we live with the people we love.

Sometimes, I think the most powerful portrait can be unpeopled. The images I'm submitting here show a very special place that, in turn, reveals the magical, romantic and complicated couple who lives there.

If you keep them coming, then so will I. One entire week, just for you! Enter before it is too late. But since the pressure has ebbed, I offer a bit of uplifting worldly wisdom from Rachel: "Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in what you're doing. Then everything looks different, better." I like the way Rachel thinks.