Russian icon depicting Saint John the Baptist, from a Deësis cycle.

“The Deësis is a traditional iconic representation of Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantocrator enthroned, carrying a book, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist, and sometimes other saints and angels. Mary and John, and any other figures, are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication on behalf of humanity.” (Source: Wikipedia)

It was a difficult day yesterday.  I’m not here to write about the difficulties, just to say that it was a difficult day.  I was very late getting over to the church to paint and was a wee bit frazzled about pretty much everything; and then I was blessed with a parking-lot conversation with my priest, Father Kevin Tumback.  I then had opportunity to see three icons that were brought back from Bethlehem by parishoners who recently enjoyed a pilgrimage to the holy land.  I was overcome by the luminosity of the three pieces instantaneously.  While people were speaking nearby, I had already entered into the images and was only aware of their voices as background, but not really aware of what they were saying.  I had already entered into the icons and for me, the art spoke and my many concerns drifted away and were silenced.  Art, particularly liturgical art these days, is an entry point to all that is spirit within me.  As much as making art, I am enjoying the meditation that is provided while looking at art.  It is such an engaging experience.

There is a long history about icon writing and I won’t begin to write about that here today, but I will, as soon as possible, take a photograph of the icons that will be installed in our church, St. Albert the Great Parish.  I am excited to learn as much as I can about the various styles of icon writing and what they tell of our church and its people. 

Mary