To contemporary iconographers Forgive the judgement. …. I have put together several images old and new.one to illustrate why as Contemporary iconographers; We need prayer. Without meditation and reflection we cannot achieve beautiful mystery.
We need ancient tradition and their example, maybe now more than ever. The oldest icon reveal mystery and compositions which provoke the mind and heart. In part the drama is because they were created with an ancient mind, plenty of time and the smoke damaged helps. But I suspect the “natural” references created and documented were still intended to highlight a quality of otherness. Examine these three examples of the Holy Spirit.
The quality I refer to is sustained through prayer otherwise we become just painters or illustrators. Contemporary iconographers need prayer to come up with new concepts and renditions of ancient thought and wisdom. Distortion, complexity, layering, awkwardness are all qualities that accompany an interior life of prayer. We struggle with a concept, roaming around in our heart and mind to find answers to mystery; mysteries that are not meant to be explained or confined. The images below of God in heaven, waves mountains, and stars are flat as with iconic style BUT they looks childish? The colors, shapes and composition look a cartoony, even lifeless. However, I see God has no face! That small detail is surprising, it suggests mystery and wonder, did the artist know and it was intentional. I would say not but I sill love the idea. Seems God developed a face as e was creating creating.. Funny idea!
I think the composition and rendering reflects today accurately. Simplified, fast , like so many folks want to live these days.
EXCELLENCE for contemporary Iconography Painters
Beautiful Icon Hand
Look carefully at this detail image, finger tips! Check out the two small orbs of light, as the fingers extend to touch the air, or some contact with the divine. Beautiful Icon Hand painted with such grace. The light spots are intentional, look what the suggestion of a few strokes of light implies!! Even without the lights the fingers are expressive and intriguing. They cannot help but provoke the mystery and grace that the early work offers us.
Is anyone interested??
I would love to start a discussion group for contemporary iconographers, those who seek to explore what are the subtle differences between the minds of the early iconographers from 1,200 compared today. We are Contemporary iconographers; who need prayer to refine our ways of seeing the divine and recording what we perceive using the eyes of iconographers, ours and our ancestors.
peaceful painting, Mary Jane Miller BOOKS on Iconography
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