THE INSPIRATION behind the image Organic Religion was partly the way that a lot of impressive cathedrals simulate forests in the way the stone pillars are erected almost like tall trees along the aisles, but the image is mostly to do with my personal belief that you do not need man made churches and places of worship to be connected to the divine/God. Nature is the most perfect place to feel close to the creator, whatever he or she maybe, and we do not need the dogma of organised religion or wealthy churches to allow us to have a direct link to divinity.

My image Organic Religion incorperates not only the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, but also the 5th element of Spirit, respresented by the open sky,the Moon and the Stars in Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is inside you and all around you.
Split a piece of wood and I am there. Lift a stone and you will find me.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN interested in and drawn towards the mystical and the magical.

From an early age I was interested in ancient landscapes, ruined castles and the stories and folklore attatched to them. I cannot remember a time when I wasen't intensly aware of the natural world around me, the energy of living things and the magic of the stars. I had a very vivid imagination as a child and had many strange experiences which I can now recognise as Astral travelling and comminicating with spirits. I also had prophetic dreams, which at that age scared me very much. I was keen to draw and paint, mostly (to my parents horror) on the walls.

I had an idylic childhood in the 70's full of Huckleberry Finn type misadventures and getting down and dirty in the elements... den making, mud pie throwing, sledging in winter, fishing and general rolling in the hay. I believe that being in the elements like this began my love affair of the natural world around me and the beauty of the changing seasons. I am very sad that young children seem to be denied this freedom to explore and play and interact with their natural enviroment. Many of my early experiences and dreams led me to create the images I am producing today... The magic of the changing seasons, the continual cycle of birth, growth, death and renewal, the myths and the customs which accompany them.

At 14, begining to recognise that I was a bit different (odd) from most other kids, I began studying Wicca and natural magic as well as the teachings and beliefs of the Native Americans, which made far more sense to me than a celebrity-obsessed modern society and restrictive orthodox religion.

Since moving from England to Western Scotland, I have found a new passion and source of inspiration from the landscape around me. The age of digital photography and digital software has opened up a whole new way of expressing myself, giving me the tools to be able to reflect how I percieve the world around me.

Great Britain is a truly enchanted Isle - from the majestic mountains of Scotland to the stone circles of deepest Cornwall. It is in my heart and soul.

© Angela Jayne Barnett, 2008

To contact Angela, click on her picture at the above right.
Her gallery may be accessed by clicking the topmost image of "Organic Religion" on this page.
Please note the links to both may also be found on our Contents page.

Angela's work may not be used in any way without her written permission. Like all featured artists and photographers on PlanetLightworker.com, Angela's images are not public domain.

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