IT’S A WHIMSICAL WORLD

Joyce Terry, Plank Road #236

Tom F. Clark, considered the most well-known sculptor in America today, was born October 19, 1928 in Elizabethtown, N.C. His extensive education consist of several degrees; a BA from Davidson College, N.C., a BD from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. and a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In his “off time” he attended art schools around the globe in Boston, London, Scotland and Mexico. As an assistant professor he taught Theology and Religious Art at Davidson College for 25 years.

In the 1970’s Tom and a friend bought several buildings on the Main Street in Davidson and developed an art business called “The Carin Studio, LTD.” with Tom as the lead artist.

In 1978 Dr. Clark sculpted a small gnome for his own amusement patterned after illustrator Rein Poortvliet’s book titled “Gnomes”. This led him to sculpt other small forest dwellers naming them “woodsprites”.

Although best known for these whimsical creatures, he has become equally known for his impressive scaled miniatures of historical people including Thomas Jefferson and Davey Crockett. He also has over 100 bronze busts including King David, Lincoln in Thought, Beethoven and Bill Russell. He has collectors in every county of every state in the U.S. as well as Europe, Japan and Canada. Among his collectors are Billy Graham, Elizabeth Dole and Andy Griffith.

Dr. Clark comments “the Universe is basically a friendly place” and about his gnomes and woodsprites, “they show a dignity that comes from a life of worth. They are successful if they make you smile”.

References upon request.