Iconography is a fundamental liturgical art originating in the earliest days of the Christian Church. Developed, practiced and preserved primarily by the Eastern Rite, iconography provides authentic, meaningful and dignified images which exemplify the larger consciousness of the Christian Church. Icons carry a patrimony of both theology and art, conveying essential dogmatic and biographical information, embodying the presence of the holy ones depicted.
Iconography continues to present traditional prototypes whose profundity has never been surpassed. As a living, ecumenical art it also provides an idealized language of forms and symbols which can be used to illustrate recently recognized saints as well as those in the Latin Rite for whom there is no iconographic precedent.
All icons are custom made to order. Special deliberation must be made by the client in selecting an appropriate image. The iconographer collaborates with the client to consider the careful integration of each icon into the specific architecture or ethnic tradition of the site where it will be placed.
The icons of this studio are made with natural materials; the foundation
is linen glued to a wood panel, primed with a marble-based gesso. Painted with egg tempera mixed with natural earth and mineral pigments, the halos and backgrounds are gilded with 22 kt. gold. The icon is then varnished with copal resin.
Every effort is made to follow the canon of rubrics governing icon-writing:
- Proper compositional structure
- Proper development of a “schema” or design illustrating the historical likeness of the person depicted as well as expressing the truths realized by his or her life in symbols, without altering the integrity of the Canon.
- Proper development of the “schema” using traditionally prescribed colors.
- Use of natural and durable materials
- Development of harmonious, artistic immediacy and beauty without compromising symbolic depth.