Please also visit my other website at:
Art For Sale - Saint Michael Miniature Pen and Ink Drawings
including:
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Our Lady of Guadalupe, stippled ink on genuine sheep skin, a (finished) Work In Progress |
As war escalates around the world, please remember each day to pray for Peace.
including:
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Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Inc.
The Society of Tempera Painters
Marians Of The Immaculate Conception
Iconography
The writing of Icons is an ancient religious art, and is also a special aspect of the Orthodox Church. Although members of other religions may also be iconographers, the history of this beautiful spiritual expression is attached most directly to the Orthodox Church. There are specific canons that are followed, and someone learning to be an iconographer can study for years before beginning their first icon when following Orthodox traditions. I am not of the Orthodox Church, but have a great interest in learning about the history and methods of icon writing. In recent years, more and more people from outside the Eastern Orthodox church are returning to iconography and its role in their religious life, which in my opinion, makes it even more vital that the traditional methods and rituals be learned.
At first, when viewing an icon, there is a tendency to view it as only an art form. It is an invocation for prayer, and as I am every day learning more, I recommend you read up on the traditions to more fully understand what an icon is. Again, it can take years to learn the methods of creating a traditional icon, but that does not mean that only those interested in pursuing a vocation as an iconographer are interested in icons. Anyone can be an "iconophile". :)
A website called Iconofile is available for information, traditional materials, tours, workshops, a discussion forum, and much more for learning and discussing the writing of icons. Iconofile is a not-for-profit group, solely interested in promoting information about iconography. I have found it an extremely valuable resource. There is an online membership available, but you can also purchase materials, books, etc, in the store without being a member, and membership is not required to participate in the Forum. Click on the link below to visit.