Sunday, October 14, 2007

Interviewing Francis Raffalovich

Had a lovely, hour-long chat with Francis Raffalovich October 13. The S*bucks where we met was unbelievably noisy, so I have my recording transcription work cut out for me.

A couple of reference photos I'll use as a basis for sketching:



Highlights for me?

His story about how he came late to a faith and practice, and kept working as a geophysicist to support his wife and three daughters while attending seminary at night.

His pragmatic, self-deprecating wit.

His gratitude for his fortunate life, and his amazement about the love and acceptance he feels from God.

(Note: When I write about people, I'll use their own terms for the divine or what sparks them. Hence for Francis, the term "God." For others, there may be other terms.)

4 comments:

Ed Maskevich said...

This sounds like an intriguing project. I'll look forward to seeing it. You might also want to look at the monastic tradition of chanting "The Office", at Islamic geometric patterns, and even Zen brush paintings and the koans that go with them. Oh, and let's not forget Tibetan sand paintings and prayer flags.

Dana S. Whitney said...

And I'm wondering about people's "hourly practices" who DON'T profess a belief in G*D. They might need their own book... I'm so distressed by religio-fundamentalist hijacking of EVERYTHING that I've come to think it's all mumbo-jumbo. But I'd love a "Daily Office" for the ritual value. :0)

dinahmow said...

Seems to be progressing smoothly thus far. (I only come to this site once a week due to time constraints.You might say my reading of your updates equates to the conventional Sunday worship of others!)

am said...

Love your photo portraits of Francis. Looking forward to seeing the sketches. This looks good, Lori!