"They stand for justice, peace and the work of God. They are protectors and warriors." This is how artist Belinda McGrath describes her angels. 

To Belinda an angel is more than a mythological creature with wings; they are a visual representation of a deep spiritual belief.

CQUniversity student and artist Belinda McGrathA few years ago, the budding artist began an artistic pilgrimage that would eventuate in a series of 20 artworks depicting angels as she sees them. "I think that the image of an angel is striking and is more than just a person with wings."

However, it wasn't so much a spiritual journey that led Belinda to create Angels. "It was something that I planned and controlled rather than being lead on. Sometimes it was more a reflection of my spiritual life than being part of it.

"But through the process I did learn more about my faith, particularly along the lines of self doubt ... and about patience.

"All the comments I've heard about Angels have been good, but I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear the absolute truth from people. Some people respond to the religious aspect differently to others; some really like it."

Belinda is not alone when it comes to depicting spiritual characters. For thousands of years, artists have been inspired by spiritual art, with notable examples including The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci and God creates Adam by Michelangelo.

Justice by Belinda McGrath"I think that initially it was a cultural reflection going back to medieval days of illiterate people. Ultimately it's because religion has played a big part in life and is then reflected in art," Belinda explains.

When it comes to putting colour on canvas it is the process that inspires her. "My ideas come from how the ink or paint will be applied." With a love of modern art, Belinda describes her Angels series as having "a dash of pop art and a pinch of expressionism".

"I love art that gets you really involved, like installations. I saw this one by Yayoi Kusama where the whole piece was this room with mirrored walls, floors and ceiling with tiny balls hanging and lit by a back light ... it made you feel like you were literally standing in the middle of space."

Only at the beginning of her career, Belinda already has staged a number of solo exhibitions, taken part in invitational group exhibitions and has collections listed with the National Gallery of Australia, State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Wisdom by Belinda McGrathHer next pilgrimage is to inspire other young artists to achieve. After completing her Learning Management degree she hopes to work in high schools as an art teacher.

Belinda McGrath is a first-year Bachelor of Learning Management student at CQUniversity.