Talking with friends about icons, I get often similar questions that I wish to answer. Sure knowledge is not complete, but I will try to reply in detail to them.
- Why do we say that the icons you 're writing?
It's a very difficult question. Icon is not an artistic experience, is an expression of the color, shapes, gestures Image of God. Some argue that this "language tracing".
- When the icon is a true icon?
A true icon must show figures of saints (see the halos), which we know from the Bible. Icon is always signed. It should be blessed by clergymen (priest, bishop), during a special dpossible
- What techniques you use?
This technique is called "tempera". As the base (medium), I use the yolk of clove oil and mineral water. Everything in the appropriate proportions. This database is used for distribution of the pigments.
- Is the icon expensive?
The icon should be a gift from the church. However, materials are very expensive, so icons (those handmade, not sticked :) ) are expensive.
- Is it only a religious person can write icon?
Icon as a signpost spiritual life and prayer of a Christian for a long time been associated primarily with monasticism. Monk is an example of a person of pure, recessed in prayer and asceticism.
Icon is the way to know the God. It may therefore not include private emotion.
Currently, and clergy and laity write icons, also met atheists. But for them it was a way of searching for God.
- Can you create alone an icon?
No. It is not possible
- What is important in the icon?
VII Ecumenical Council in 787 declared:
"From the artist depends solely on the technical aspect of the work, but the whole plan, disposition and concept very clearly depend on the holy Fathers" (Nice II, 6a, Mansi,bunk. 252c).
The symbolism of vestments, gestures, colors, material has its biblical significance. You can not change it. Therefore, based on the "canons" of icons, such as the Holy Trinity of Rublev was recommended by the Council of the Hundred Chapters as a "model of excellence".
Benefited from books which give tips on how to paint and the presentation of the saints. The most famous book is the work of a monk Dionysius of Atosu, drawn from the XVII century at the request of the monks of Mount Athos.
