In 1999, I returned to Trinidad and Tobago to live a fantasy most people only dream of – life on a Caribbean island close to the ocean and free from the trappings of a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

 

After a years of absorbing the cultural rhythm of island life, I felt very inspired to pick up my camera. For some unknown reason, an overwhelming compulsion came over me to photograph the roots of trees. I became fascinated with the visual characteristics of the tree roots and the way in which they function. This became the foundation for this extraordinary photographic journey.

 

I spent the next two years traveling between the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Photographing the cultural and spiritual parallels between nature and humanity by the juxtaposition of hair worn in locks and the organic structure of tree roots.

 

This body of work grew out of my spiritual journey towards a greater consciousness about God’s manifestation in nature. Roots and Culture explores the spiritual parallel between nature and humanity as it pertains to hair worn in locks. The spiritual parallel between hair in locks and tree roots became clear to me when I was able to grasp the simple expression, “One Love,” and its use within the Rastafarian culture to acknowledge Jah, an abbreviation of Jehovah.

 

Before photographing the roots of each tree, I asked the tree’s permission, and asked to be led to its most beautiful roots. I believe there is a strong spirituality in nature. If you respect and embrace it, a reciprocal reflection of this spiritual energy is returned.

 

As part of my discovery of these images, I now exist within a harmonious balance of knowing that all things physical and spiritual are connected and are part of one divine consciousness. I hope that it will increase awareness and understanding about the relationship, we all share with nature on a physical and spiritual level.