The Materials 

  All materials used for icon making are the finest quality. Wood, mineral pigments and oils are all carefully chosen for Icon making which guarantees traditional style. 

  
   Wood for Icons are handmade, each board cut for chosen design. Wood is then lined with linen, gesso is applied in layers, and each step is carefully and skillfully prepared  by hand in order to enhance the character being portrayed. The wood used can be poplar, cherry, or maple. The boards vary in size, shape, thickness, and weight. Icon boards can be made with a “kov cheg” recessed area. The boards are made with or without oak struts.

Pigments

  

   In ancient times earthen mineral pigments were used for paint making, decoration and design. Iconographers picked mineral pigments to be used in Icon painting because it sparkled. Minerals are formed in the Earth. All mineral pigments come from Earths natural resources. They are found in mines all around the world. The minerals that are taken from Earth in mines are ground into a powder. The powder is called pigment. The powered pigment is then made into paint. There are different types of pigments such as earthen pigments, ochre’s and mineral pigments. Earthen natural pigments can be found in the mud. Ochre’s are usually located in basins and the floor of cave openings. Minerals are found in locations around the world specific to the region often deep inside Earth surface and are difficult to obtain, therefore are rare.

Oils

All oils used in the process of sealing an Icon are recipes that are handed down from master teacher to student. The techniques applied are close to the original application used by early Iconographers. Oils are usually organic and do a beautiful job of sealing an Icon adequately. The oils are durable, effective and finish the Icon.

  I am dedicated to teaching Iconography. I have developed a program where I have expanded the church and the school’s curriculum into a hands-on learning experience. Painting your own Icon, children and adults learn why and how Iconographers work. I take students through the process of Icon writing so they immerse themselves into a factual experience that helps deepen their understanding of Icons.
I lecture for the community locally and traveled to different places in the USA. I have presented in Earth Science, Art History classes, and other venues. My discussions include the origins of minerals in paint making, the minerals themselves, and history of paint. My lectures are captivating, exciting, and are for all to enjoy. People are encouraged to participate in the hands-on teaching sessions that render an interesting, fact filled and engaging learning experience.

   Iconography enriches the lives of everyone. While working students make a connection spiritually to the character being depicted. The understanding of effort and discipline in the work is clear in the outcome of each Icon painting. While the student makes a personal connection to faith, devotion, and dedication to the work the experience of Icon writing can help the learner to become more aware of these principles. They may apply these principles to their daily life, therefore living fuller and experiencing a deepening of spiritual life.

 Copyright Athella Iconography