Of particular interest to Abad during her time in Yemen were the intricately painted doors she encountered in cities and villages such as Sanaa, Manakha, and Al Mahwit. The artist was drawn to the decorative doors, painted in strong, loud, pure colors, softened by the sun and sand and designed with colorful symbols, hearts, flowers, and Islamic verses. She also appreciated the striking parallels between Yemen’s earthen and stone architecture and the traditional stone houses of her native Batanes. Traveling through the country with sketchbooks and a camera in hand, Abad captured the country’s striking architecture, focusing on the designs and colors of the doors and windows that most captivated her attention. Upon returning to her studio in Jakarta, these sketches and photographs inspired the creation of the vibrant Door to Life series.