The Icon
I found this Icon while searching the internet for information about another Icon. At that moment, the idea that I would definitely paint this Icon of Our Lady came into my mind.
Time passed, the Icon I was working on, was finished. I looked for the Icon of Our Lady and started. The painting went easily, like a smooth conversation. Yes, indeed, it was my conversation with Our Lady, with Christ about what He wants to tell me, what do I need to understand from the events in my life? Events? Yes, different and strange events happen in my life... A step back - I usually only paint Icons for commissions. The others I created in parallel and only those that inspired me a lot. Therefore they are painted for a long time. I think, I painted this Icon of Our Lady more than half a year, with some breaks. There was a time when I put it aside for two months, because I had other works. But maybe, my conversation with Mary and Christ swelled during these two months? I had nothing to say, nothing to ask, I was so angry... It is impossible to paint Icons in anger. It is appears in the eyes of the Icon - anger appears. You can see them, you can see the hate...
When I look at Icons, and I look a lot, I think, with what feelings behind did the artist paint? As in any art, emotions is KEY! What about Icons? The first, only and main task of the Icon is to call to prayer. That is why, it is so difficult, even impossible to paint an Icon in anger. Brushes do not listen to me... So simply. Yes, the Icon can be painted in sadness, even great sadness. Then, the colors flow like music, like poetry. Every sad "note" is painted in every color. While working on this Icon, I experienced that miracle - I started painting in my sadness and when I applied the last stroke, I felt just as much joy. No, it was not a joy - when you completing a job, it was something else. I was the joy of meaningful conversation that let me through the endless jungle of my mind, despair, questions to a beautiful , blooming garden.
So, my never-ending climb up my personal mountain continues...
Painting process: LOOK HERE!
"Rescuer of the Drowning" the Icon of the Mother of God. 28x20,5cm. 2023