This was done as I final project for a studio class. I think I put about 20 hours into it because its so big.... its 44"x32" I think.... Anyway... if you can't tell in the pic, the cross is made of human bones (femur and humerus) and is being struck by lightning. You really can't see alot of the detail in the pic which is very annoying for me as thats what makes this piece special... anyway, there are also two human skulls under the cross which is on a large rock. This was intended to portray my current views on religion. The angel is also being held captive in te ruins of an old temple (handcuffs on he wrists) and ya... thats all I have to say, you can interpret this however you like...

*EDIT** ~ I was required to writ an artist's statement on this piece, and I thought I'd include it here... some of the stuff I guess is repeated from above.. but whatever... this is what I handed in to my teacher.. and there's a lot more symbolism in the piece that was covered in the class critique nd not in the statement, but this is way too long already and I don't want to type it all out, so if you wanna know.. just ask

"As an artist it is often necessary to convey different views on topics such as politics and other issues that affect the entire nation and in some cases touch the world. In this case, I chose religion. Torn reflects my own personal views on religion at this point in my life. This piece is in no way a statement of God, but rather a statement of the societal rules that surround the following of this being. The angel herself is representative of religion in general, while the broken down temple in which she kneels represents society’s views and restrictions. Although those people who follow a religion can be said to be free, they are also bound by the guidelines encompassing this freedom.
The figure is slightly distorted to create a more vivid illusion of strength. The muscles are clearly defined giving the chains that bind her a delicate appearance making it seem as though she has settled into bondage willingly. The angel also bears such an expression that can either be seen as peace or sadness depending on the mindset of the viewer. Some may see her as beautiful, while others will claim her to be haunting. She is the essence of all that is religion in questioning, the confusion, the contradictions, and above all, the various ways in which she can be seen.
Other elements included such as the cross made from human bones and lightening, the broken pillars, and the monochromatic colouring. The cross is representative of the struggle or conflict between the heavenly world and the human world. The lightning striking the bones is symbolic of biblical views conflicting with those of science specifically evolution. The pillars behind the angel are standing unbroken and show the solidity of the beliefs of the past, while those that are to either side are broken down and crumbled showing the changed views of society today. The crisp black and white colouring is the clear right and wrongs claimed by religion when it is really merely a chaotic gray blur. The picture blends back into dark oblivion as the past and beginning of time are also dark and unclear. The underlying theme of conflict is true not only of the past, but also of today.~

If you actually read all that WOW and thanks