Iconography:
Language of the Divine

By Linda Schoenborn

“The icon symbolizes the type of prayer that neither the mind nor the heart can speak.” These are the words that Vladislav Andrejev, Russian master iconograher, uses to sum up the technique of “writing” an icon and the spiritual journey to which it leads.

Through a process of several steps one is able to create an icon with egg tempera floated onto a gessoed board and highlighted in layers of floated tempera to the final “anointing” or oiling of the board. Obedience to the process is key in writing an icon. No special artistic talent is required to master the process, only prayerful attention to each step, which with much practice will lead to contemplation. Prayer, fasting and study of Scripture are basic to the creation of an icon. Every color, image and symbol represents doctrine and tradition of the Eastern Orthodox faith.

The “written” icon becomes a symbolic language in its color, geometric symmetry, tilt of the head, position of the fingers, and direction of the gaze. The process is approached with reverence and respect as you gaze upon the icon and it gazes back at you. You enter into the stillness of your heart and encounter God.

Through iconography your own personal spiritual progress may be measured and shared with others. They may intuit where you are in the spiritual journey making you vulnerable and yet, richer in the sharing.

Beginning with a traditional sketch of an Eastern icon the lines are transferred to the gessoed board. These lines represent God’s idea and not our own. Then we join in the creation story as we apply earthy red clay to the board representing man. Then just as God breathed over the waters giving them life, we breathe over the clay allowing gold leaf to adhere. The divine joins the human.

As you continue to float colors onto the board, you need to open yourself to be only an instrument of God’s creative work. There is no room for self. Flaws will happen because we are not flawless. However, relax, center yourself and be present enjoying what God is doing through you. Accept mistakes and do not make excuses. The self must learn to be silent. Eventually the mistakes will be transfigured and fade to the background. As in life, mistakes come when we are not focused and centered. So, too, in the icon but forgiveness comes as the work continues.

Some look at an icon and see only misshapen figures with long thin noses, huge eyes, and misshapen fingers in strange positions. However, to the one who prays with an icon, these unnatural figures express a spiritual state, which is not material but mystical. They express spiritual, not physical beauty. They are the windows through which the divine is glimpsed. As you gaze through that window, you enter the stillness of your own heart and experience the divine.

An opportunity to write an icon is being offered this year in northern Michigan, presented by a teacher from the Prosopon School of Iconography in New York. This institution was founded by Vladislav Andrejev and travels the United States sharing the art of icon writing. For more information on the June iconography retreat contact Sr. Chris Herald, OP. 231-436-5561.

Linda Schoenborn, OP, Grand Rapids Dominican Sister, serving as Pastoral Associate to Sacred Heart Parish in Oscoda, MI, has attended 9 icon workshops. You may contact her about iconography at lindasch@voyager.net.