I have been invited to display five icons at the Ormond Beach Performing Art Center. The theme is "A Gallery of Gratitude". My gratitude comes from my work being guided by God through prayer and study of scriptures. Icons allow me focus on the image that portrays the reason in which it is being written (painted), for you see, each piece is completed with a specific prayer intention that expresses an individual need that relates to the image. As a form of inspiration, the icon is to the eye the same as music is to the ear; as incense is to the smell; as veneration to the touch; and as Holy Communion to the taste. The intent is to charge all our senses and guide us toward a higher and spiritual understanding. That even through my failures or mistakes in the artform, I am ever grateful they are not erased as if forgotten, but layered upon with new life, symbolic to receiving eternal life. The icon allows the view to see their own story, connect with the divine in a way that leads them to their personal spiritual journey in color, symbols, and imagery. I am grateful for the peace icon writing gives me when the biblical figure or set of figures tell a story. Icons are sometimes described as “windows to heaven” that brings your awareness to God’s presence. My hope is to share the spiritual peace and closeness with God. Continue contemplating the icon as you invite God to speak to you. The icons on display will be:
1. Pokrov - Our Lady of Protection, also known as Pokrovitelnitsa, The Protectress
· 10 x 12 inch wood flat panel board
· Egg tempra medium and 24kt gold leaf background
· Commission Price $1500
2. Holy Family
· 11 x 14 inch poplar wood with indented frame
· Egg tempra medium
· Commission price $1500
3. Holy Trinity
· 13 x 17 inch poplar wood with indented frame
· Egg Tempra medium with 24kt gold leaf frame, halos, and enlighteners
· Commission price $2100
4. Archangel Michael
· 10 x 12 inch flat panel wood board
· Egg Tempra medium with 24kt gold leaf halo
· Commission price $1100 single or $1900 if sold as set with Gabriel
5. Archangel Gabriel
· 10 x 12 inch flat panel wood board
· Egg Tempra medium with 24kt gold leaf halo
· Commission price $1100 single or $1900 if sold as set with Michael