Tom Clark Studio

While taking in V. Rev. Dr. John Behr's compelling lecture on "Origen on the Psalms" at the magnificent St. Michael's Abbey, I sketched Dr. Behr and audience members with a mix of ball point pen, charcoal, conte' crayon and pastel. Kudos to Howard and Roberta Ahmanson for their vision and generous spirit and sponsoring of this wonderful Chadwick-Oden Lecture Series. .michaelsabbey

When you spend enough time in the Low Country every moment seems to isolate itself from the next. A simply made shrimp and grits vies for your attention, while a barren, weathered beach asks you to stay a while. There's a trace of patina on everything. The pace of the land and sea seduces the wildlife and residents to slow down a bit and to ease into each moment like a lazy cat on a sun drenched porch. Yet, even in the syrupy pace you are stimulated and understand how a Faulkner or O'Connor could produce such beautiful prose. I know...a bit too syrupy in my case, but I blame the Low Country!