Blog Archives
santa rosa’s cross
Spanish settlers came to this area in the 1700s, bringing their Catholic faith with them.
These adobe walls are what remains from the Santa Rosa de Lima de Abiquiú church; the sign in front suggests the building dates from 1734. It’s gradually melting away, the way roofless adobe buildings do, which definitely makes it worthy of a photo stop.
As I always do when I am in the presence of ancient adobe, I placed the palms of my hand against the old walls for a moment. I could feel the scratch of straw from the adobe, the warmth radiating back into my hand, and – maybe – some of the spirit of the place.
near Abiquiú, New Mexico
photographed 3.31.2024
morada, easter sunday
Prior to the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 1700s, the indigenous Tewa people had a long-established village in this very location.
This church – the Penitente Morada – dates to around 1730 and remains a sacred site for members of the Penitente Brotherhood, a group of Catholics of Spanish descent who dedicate themselves to memorializing the spirit of the penance and the Passion of Christ.
Abiquiú, New Mexico
photographed 3.31.2024
before you think of leaving
One thing about this place is that it was the first time I’d encountered the names of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Another thing is that, while I am generally deterred by locked front doors on churches, in this case I decided to walk around the building and discovered that the back door was unlocked.
And I am pretty sure you can figure out what I did then.
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
Marak, Texas
photographed 11.25.2017
four crosses
I’ve been busy lately printing images for a show* and haven’t had time to get out and make new images.
So, here’s one from a few years ago, when I took a little weekend roadtrip and found this church.
St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church
Twin Sisters, Texas
photographed 4.18.2021
*My collaborator VC Torneden and I have a show opening next month in Tulsa. Our original concept was 66 images each, but a few things happened along the way to getting it all printed and now it’s up to 111 images each. So, yeah – that’s what I’ve been doing.
pastor’s parking
The pastor over at Evans Chapel gets to park right there in front of the church, which is probably pretty convenient on a busy Sunday.
Morton, Texas
photographed 1.26.2024
One Day | One Image 