Priestess of Paradise

I'm fascinated by cultures that honor the Natural World and all Living Things as sacred.... more

by Cristina McAllister

Title

Priestess of Paradise

Artist

Cristina McAllister

Medium

Painting - Digital Painting

Description

I'm fascinated by cultures that honor the Natural World and all Living Things as sacred.

Societies that recognize the interdependence of All Life - including humans - also recognize the necessity of respecting and protecting the wild places. They understand that All living things are our kinfolk, our ancestors, and have as much right to live their lives on the lands we share as humans do, and that each being contributes something valuable to all other beings.

I like to imagine a world where the ever-evolving Web of Life is considered a sacred and holy thing - a society that values balance, harmony and sustaining abundance for All Life on the planet and future generations.

What would such a culture be like? How would their worldview influence their lifestyles, clothing and communities?

Elves, fairies and trolls have their origins in the ancient, animistic religions of Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Celtic, German, etc.). They were considered by the people to be nature spirits - mysterious and powerful beings that inhabited the wild places, protecting them and serving to remind humans to be careful and respectful, lest Nature unleash it's vast and humbling power in vengeance.

Thousands of years later, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his epic works of fantasy fiction that integrated many concepts from Scandinavian and Germanic folklore. In his imagining, elves were a regal and civilized race known for their mystical connection with Nature.

I enjoy envisioning what kind of art, fashion and architecture such a civilization would create, what kind of rituals and holidays they would design to celebrate the abundance and interconnection of All Life.

Uploaded

October 23rd, 2019