Julie Christian Bender - Vespers Ruth Tietjen Councell - Create

~ CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS ~

Mel Ahlborn 1 · Julie Christian Bender 1 2 3 · Barbara D. Bennett 1 2 · Sally Brower 1 2 3 · Alisa E. Clark 1 2 3 · Ruth Tietjen Councell 1 2 3 · Anne Cameron Cutri 1 2 3 · Elizabeth de Sherbinin 1 · Ann James Massey 1 · Joy Jennings 1 2 3 · Chris Odom 1 2 3 · Margaret Adams Parker 1 2 3 · Heather Sisk 1 · Claudia Smith 1 · Jeanne H. Weaver 1 · Marion Williams 1

Chris Odom

Breathe/Summer Solace

Photograph

Artist Statement: Episcopalians throughout Arkansas share a belief that the chapel at Camp Mitchell atop Petit Jean Mountain is a thin space: a place where God appears to only be a breath away. During a summer evening I ventured up the mountain and had this thin space to myself as the sun was lowering in the west, spreading its golden light across the chancel. In that moment, a sense of peace was tangible and God’s presence was palpable.

“And he was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’” – Genesis 28:17

Bio: A true Okie from Muskogee, Chris moved from Oklahoma to Conway, Arkansas to attend Hendrix College, graduating with a BA in history. He has worked at Conway Corporation since 2002 and currently serves as the Manager of Voice Services and is a member of the Executive Staff.

Chris is a lifelong Episcopalian and came to Saint Peter’s Episcopal in 2006 where he has served on the Vestry three times, is a current member of the Choir and Handbell Choir, works on the church’s archives, and helps with the church’s art ministry, SPARC.

Chris’ interest in photography was spurred by his paternal grandfather who had a passion for photography and loved to share his slides with anyone who would sit and watch his images unfold on a projection screen. Chris’ first foray into this field was with a Polaroid camera in the 1980s when he captured shots of the world from a child’s point of view. He now takes his digital camera and iPhone with him everywhere. Previously focusing mainly on landscape and travel shots, he is beginning a journey into contemplative photography.

 

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