Article November 15, 2004 Issue

Through a spiritual lens

FINDING BEAUTY IN SAFFRON WALDEN

Jo Andreae

I never enjoyed living and working in London when I was in my 20s. To me it seemed dirty, ugly, overcrowded, unfriendly. Nothing could compare with the fresh air, open landscapes, and natural colors of the countryside.

Yet now, it's cities and towns around the world, with their wonderful architecture—be it old or modern—that bring me inspiration and creativity for my photography. I see color, light, reflections, patterns, shapes, life. For me, these represent some of the ways God expresses Himself. Also, people are fascinated and friendly when they stop to see what's inspiring me as I take my pictures.

I took this shot of some houses in the quaint market town of Saffron Walden, because they expressed all the qualities I used to find only in the countryside—vitality and freshness in the colors, love and care in the maintenance over the centuries, a welcoming feeling of home. How my perceptions have changed. And what a buzz I now get from exploring and creating images in urban places!

Jo Andreae
Reading, England

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