T H E    H O L Y    I C O N O G R A P H Y    A P P R E N T I C E    P R O G R A M

 

TECHNIQUE AND METHOD IN THE GREEK TRADITION

 

The origin of Byzantine Iconography is Greek by heritage and dates back to the 3rd century and earlier. Though iconography has grown to include many  cultural forms (such as Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Armenian, etc.), the Hagia Theodora School teaches the ancient and  most original Byzantine Iconography techniques of the Cretan, Macedonian, Constantinopolitan and Cypriot historical regions of Greece.

 

 These styles of Iconography are virtuosic in paint formulation and application, often featuring 100 or more fine layers of pain-staking applied, hand-ground egg tempera paint on the skin tones of its subjects. This "modeling" of paint layers causes the subjects to "glow" as refracted light travels through the many layers. The vestments and landscapes of these icons can also feature 50 layers or more of paint. Together with a unique, slow process of 24KT gold and varnish application, these icons are not only truly illuminated but prove to last the tests of time... hundreds, and even thousands of years!

 

Class always starts with  prayer...

Students draw and trace canonical prototypes from ancient iconography.

Father Anthony Savas Blessing the Icons. In 2015 the School  became officially endorsed my His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Father Michael State leading a theological lecture.

 

Students are taught to write Holy Icons sitting or standing using a mahl stick 

Students create an anthivolon - a shaded sketch that will be used for transferring the Icon prototype.

Students learn to scribe in ancient Greek using a paint brush.

Seminarians, clergy and laity with-a-calling learn the canon of Iconography.

Good posture is encouraged to increase artists' stamina.

 

Students often repeat their work several times to perfect their brush control. 

 

Practice makes perfect!

The School exhibits the students' newly completed Holy Icons at galleries and other events. This is a special Holy Iconography exhibit and performance collaboration with acclaimed Liturgical Chant Ensemble, Capella Romana

 

The Apprentice Program is a 4-year Master Study program open to Clergy, Seminarians, Monastics and other devout laity.

Students advance from working flat on a tabletop to upright at an easel.

Fasting is encouraged during class and whenever the iconography student practices. Rather than going without foods, fasting is generally defined as eating fresh fruits/vegetables and drinking only water or tea. Students are also encouraged to fast from media devices and other distractions.

 

 

 

ICONOGRAPHY IS MORE THAN AN ART, IT IS CONSIDERED A LIFESTYLE

The writing of icons encompasses more than the ability to paint. We use the descriptor "writing" as it most closely illustrates the iconographer's task as being the "scribe" (in image form) of the canons and traditions of the Orthodox Church. To carry out this reverent and honorable task, an iconographer must conduct his or her lifestyle in a pious manner incorporating prayer and fasting.

 

 

The Hagia Theodora School not only incorporates teachings on the theology and symbolism of Byzantine Iconography but also spiritual askesis (noetic exercise and discipline) to fortify a prayerful and attentive life. Lectures are delivered by our instructor and frequent guest speakers.

 

 

A new prototype designed by the School for the new St. Anne Melkite Cathedral which

was presented to His Eminence, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri,

Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and Grand Chancellor

of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome (at the gates of Vatican City).