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10th Annual Icon Retreat Announced

April 03, 2008

For the tenth consecutive year, an inspiring workshop for would-be icon writers will be held at the Augustine Center in Conway in June. No artistic experience is required of the beginning student; the main goal of study is to cultivate a clearer consciousness of the uncreated Image of God according to which man was created (the Greek word “eikon” means image.

Presented by the Institute for Iconology, the workshop is designed to impart the practice and theory of the ancient Christian art of icon-writing in the Byzantine-Russian tradition. Regardless of artistic level, the focus of the icon-writer is on personal spiritual discipline and growth within the guidelines of Orthodox Church teachings.

Drawing on Scripture, tradition and Patristic thought, the student is encouraged to understand the various “layers” of created life. The iconographic method is characterized by a multi-step process in which the succession of steps is concrete and definite, as it is in the liturgical services of the Church.

Students who attend the workshop will be introduced to iconology, both the practical and the theoretical part of the iconographic tradition. Explanations of iconic symbolism and the theological/philosophical bases of each step of the process are presented parallel to the technical instruction.

The task is accomplished through refinement of artistic nuance and attention to the iconographic canon and principles, rather than simply copying. Only natural materials are used: wood panels gessoed with natural ground (gesso is a plaster of Paris and glue compound), genuine gold leaf applied by the bole method, egg tempera using ground pigments, and linseed oil finish.

Quite literally, the student is introduced to the teaching of the Church through the language of light, color, image and symbol; and moves toward an understanding of that which stands beyond the symbol, gaining a clearer vision of the Divine, of their self, and of the world. By writing an icon according to the divine canons, the student works toward the re-establishment of the original condition of man’s tarnished image in a disciplined way.

This year’s workshop will be led by Tatiana Berestova, from the Prosopon School of Iconography in New York City and will take place June 8-14, 2008 at the Augustine Center in Conway, Michigan. Students do not have to have any artistic inclination, but will have to be willing to obey the process and have the desire to delve more deeply in their spiritual self. Beginning students will create an icon of St. Michael, advanced students will have other images from which to choose.

The cost of $800.00 includes a private room and bath; all meals; instruction and all supplies needed for the creation of their icon. The Augustine Center offers lovely landscaped grounds, a Labyrinth prayer area, quiet areas and a nearby lake. If you would like further information or to register for this event, please contact Sister Chris Herald, OP; PO Box 460, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701 or email: chrisop@sbcglobal.net. Sister Chris’s phone number is 231.436.5561.