Earth angels are embodiments of an interplay between soulful matter and creative spirit. For me, soul is an inward motion toward depth, a magnetism that pulls me into its being. I speak of "the soul of a thing" as its kernel, heart, or pulse, whereas spirit flies out from it, like breath or a breeze, an aura, esprit, the spark that ignites my imagination. The way soul and spirit insist on penetrating one another is as interesting to me as their distinctions.
— Shaun McNiff, Earth Angels