Hello Fellow Iconographers:
This month I would like to give you some of my resources and links that have a lot of varied information about Icons and creating Icons. Some of these are repeats from last year, but thought you all might like to see them here in one place:
Materials/Pigments
Natural Pigments, Kremer Pigments, Daniel Smith, Guerra Paint and Pigment
These are some of my favorites, and if you’d like to leave a link in the comment section, I’m happy to add any others.
Icon Boards
Pandora, St. John’s Workshop, True Gesso Icon Panels
Icon Websites with Resources :
Versta-K Russia: Russian Modern Orthodox Icon Site: Lots of links and Russian Icon books for purchase
British Association of Iconographers
Icon Classes
Icon Master Class at Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY, March 21-24, 2017 FB event
Introduction to Icon Writing Classes: St. James Episcopal Church, Madison Ave, New York, NY June 9-11
Article About Iconography
Also want to mention the article that came out in the National Catholic Reporter, Dec. 2016: “Iconography Classes Draw non Orthodox in Search of Spiritual Images”. It is important because it draws attention to the current revival in Icon Writing classes as well as making the point that sacred images are of increasing importance to all denominations of Christianity.
“Experts say the growth in interest — and diversity of religions involved — has been building over the last couple of decades.”
“David Morgan, a religion scholar and art historian at Duke University, said the iconography tradition, which dates to the early centuries of Christianity, is designed to be distinct from more naturalistic art, which became more common in the Renaissance period.
The flatness of the image, its stillness, the large eyes of its figures and the often symmetrical style are all intentional ways of distinguishing between the ordinary world and a heavenly realm.
The two-dimensional image denies three-dimensional presence,” he said. “It says the spirit is not about three dimensions. It’s about a reality that is revealed in the image, revealed in the holy Scriptures, revealed in the sacrament, and it’s something that one needs to recognize as very special.” There is more in the article and I have included the link above.
It is hopeful and encouraging that many more people are experiencing the spiritual joys of Iconography.
I gave a talk this month at Church of the Redeemer, a beautiful Episcopal Church in Sarasota, Florida, that was well attended and the questions afterwards showed a lively interest and an awareness that Icons have the effect of strengthening our faith in many different ways.
I think that understanding our differences as Iconographers and agreeing on the important elements of Icon writing that we share are key to being part of a vibrant community. Perhaps we can all include the community of Iconographers in our prayers as we move forward in Faith as servants of God and His Church.
May God bless you all,
Christine
Blessings! I am writing on behalf of a dear friend of mine, who is an iconographer in Argentina. It is very difficult for iconographers there to buy natural pigments, due to customs problems and packages “getting lost” on the way. One of her students is traveling to NYC and they wanted to use that opportunity to buy the pigments there. Can anyone direct me to a brick and mortar store that carries natural pigments in powder form in New York city? Since they are just staying there for a couple of days in a hotel, I’m not sure they can buy on line.
Thanks a lot!!