The Art of the Byzantine Icon

These images are faithful reproductions of icons that have been painted in the ancient 15th century Byzantine tradition. It is a tradition that has been guarded and handed down from master to student for centuries. Traditionally, the painting process is considered to be a spiritual exercise and the images are believed to be windows to the divine beings they represent. While painting, the icon writer uses chant, incense and prayer to sanctify the undertaking and to infuse the image with a sacramental tincture. The icons are painted on specially prepared poplar boards. Egg tempera pigments are created from semi-precious stones and minerals that have been crushed to a fine powder. the image is created with successive layers of paint; with each new layer there is an ever-increasing integration of the colors and a deepening of the spiritual presence. Once complete, the image is chrismated with warm linseed oil and then blessed into service. The writing of these icons has truly been a labor of love and is the expression of a spiritual vocation. It is my hope that these sacred images will awaken the viewer to Divine Presence and bring archetypal energy and healing into the lives of those who embrace them.