I grew up in this lovely, gothic church, right in the middle of the old part of Memphis. It is imposing in its own right, but it is also hung inside with exquisite, lovely, beautifully-executed watercolors done by a former minister with a strong artistic streak running in his family. So I've been a little intimidated thinking about also trying to capture the church in watercolor, but it's such a part of my life that it has to be a part of this series about my personal landscape.

Even though my pen and ink style is quite different from Paul Tudor Jones' delicate watercolors, I also deliberately chose a non-traditional view, from way across the parking lot and the alleyway behind adjoining businesses. I plan to do some close-ups of the church as well (probably interiors or bits of the garth), but the urban setting of this view appealed to me. As a church, Idlewild has made a commitment to staying in and being involved with its urban neighborhood instead of fleeing to the suburbs. I'm grateful for such a community-oriented church, and I'm grateful that I can walk there every Sunday from my home.