Joy Jennings-Rest Joy Jennings-Stillness

~ 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

Spirit/Saintly Smoke

Photograph

Artist Statement: All Saints’ Eve at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas was celebrated with a candlelight vigil on the outdoor labyrinth in 2021. I took several photographs of the event, but as I was leaving the space, I noticed the wisps of smoke rising from a torch and floating to the heavens, with the church’s steeple in the background. Quite symbolic for the meditative and reflective nature of the evening.
“The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God…” – Revelation 8:4

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.

 

About ECVA  

  Contact ECVA