Signed Tom Clark Gnome #1013 "Mershank"; Hand-Painted; 7.5"; Cairn Studios

Tom Clark's gnome Meshach, he is standing in the forest among the acorns the chipmunks left for him to find his way out of the forest fire. He's smiling broadly because he is so happy to be alive.

Originally carved of clay, now made of pecan resin, figure is approximately 7.5” tall by 2.5” wide and 2.5” in depth.. He is signed and numbered 44, number 1013 in his series. On the base is also his name, Meshach, and the year 1984. Meshach is in very good condition and would make a GREAT gift or wonderful addition to your Tom Clark collection. No chips, cracks or repairs. Please look the photos over carefully as they are part of the description. Retired collectible figurine.

Tom Clark, lead artist for Cairn Studio, has gained worldwide recognition for his charming clay sculptures. He says “I try and present each statue with a dignity that comes from a life of worth.” He endows his Woodspirits with not only mood, but a whole personal history. Often coins are incorporated into the sculpture as symbols of the character’s ‘heritage’.”

This is Meshach #1013, issue #44 from 1984, one of the group of 3 released by Clark from 1983-1989.
Speaking of the three statues, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Tom Clark says “These little fellows were once known as Tom, Dick, and Harry. One day they were caught in a forest fire and would have perished had not a chipmunk led them to the safety of a cave behind a waterfall. After this they changed their names to correspond with the men in the biblical book of Daniel who also endured a fiery furnace. Shadrach and Abednego have transportation tokens to use on the trip back home. Meshach was so anxious to tell about his experience that he chose a telephone token (Israeli) so that he could call home.”

Stands around 7.5" tall.

Excellent pre-owned condition. No chips, cracks or repairs detected. Please see photos of the actual Gnome listed.

No original box.

I have around 60 Tom Clark gnomes for sale as well. I will combine shipping for combined purchases. Message me to see photos of gnomes not yet listed or to arrange to see them in SW Portland/Lake Oswego off of Boone's Ferry by the Mountain Park New Seasons.

Cash payment for in person purchases.

I do combine purchases to save on shipping costs.   I will only combine shipping on items that are on the same invoice or order.  I reserve the right to determine the number of items that will be combined in one package.  This will be determined by the size and weight of the items.  The safety of your purchase is and always will be the #1 priority.


Please ask ANY questions you might have and see pictures for condition of item.  

I use recycled shipping materials WHENEVER possible!  

Description & Condition Terms: I have done My Best to Accurately Describe this Item(s) and its Condition. The Condition of the above mentioned Item(s) is in my Opinion only.  To Avoid a Difference of Opinion it is the Bidders/Buyers Responsibility to make the Final Decision on its Condition, Age, Authenticity or any other Determining Factors by using the Photos as the Actual Description and Condition.  On Used Items Normal Shelf wear is to be expected.  Be aware that most Photographed Items will look different in a New Environment and with different Lighting Conditions.

Shipping Note:  On items that were damaged during shipping it will be the Buyers Responsibility to seek Restitution from the appropriate Shipping Company.  

TOM CLARK was born October 19, 1928 in the small town of Elizabethtown, North Carolina. He received a B.A. from Davidson College, a B.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and his Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. In 1989 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Davidson College (an honor bestowed on his father 40 years earlier!). Dr. Clark was an Associate Professor of Religion at Davidson College for over 25 years, teaching courses in theology and religious art.

In 1978 Dr. Clark sculpted a small gnome for his own amusement, inspired by the cover art on the popular book "Gnomes, illustrated by the late Rien Poortvliet. Using his keen imagination, he began sculpting other small forest-dwellers, and celebrated their life of harmony with the natural world by naming them "Woodspirits".


Dr. Thomas F. Clark is the lead artist for Cairn Studio, LTD. Dr. Clark, the most well-known sculptor in America today, is the most prolific and talented sculptor in the figurine industry, with collectors in every county of every state, plus Europe, Asia (especially Japan!) and Canada. Dr. Clark will soon be featured along with Elizabeth Dole, the Reverend Billy Graham, Andy Griffith and others in a very special book saluting the 50 most influential North Carolinians.