Searching for the Tree of life

A selection of images from the developing series ‘Searching for the Tree of Life’. Genesis 3:24, KJV “So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the Garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” I put no stock in religion. I have discovered that it fails to bridge the gap between God and I because it provides no solution to my heavy burden of sin. In stark contrast to this, I am a Christian who is in a relationship with a very real, living God. I relate to my God on a personal level that is very specific to me. I have found my salvation in Him through trusting in His son, Jesus Christ. I have found the tree of life. This journey countless Christians and I walk is incredibly intimate. It fascinates me that we as individuals can all relate to the same God in such different ways. We put our faith in something other than ourselves and invest in this relationship with all of its challenges. We acknowledge our flaws, lay down our lives, and in exchange find life. Black and white landscapes depicting trees of various different shapes and states of growth represent the development of the Christian relationship. These sit in a sequence of portraits of a diverse range of people who identify as Christian. Each sitter is shot in a location of significance to their faith, either for good or for bad. Interviewing them, I document their responses; that along with images of objects and places, build up a portrait of their faith and relationship with God. In Searching for the Tree of Life I examine the tangible expressions of Christians in response to the intangible impression of God. Asking the question, what does it mean for an individual to put their faith in the God of the Holy Bible? Who is He to those who have a personal relationship with Him? And in what ways does He affect their lives?