Artist statement
My work is mostly inspired by Sacred Art, as seen in the traditional Orthodox icons and the work of the great classics of Medieval and Renaissance art. This particular icon is recreated in tempera and pure gold leaf, in the same techniques used by 15th century Siena-school artists. The gold border is richly decorated and highlighted with cold enamel paints.
Extended Bio
Icons -Sacred Art in general- have always fascinated me, but it wasn't until 2005 that I had the oportunity to learn to paint, or write, the icon. My first tutor was a Bulgarian Orthodox master (3rd generation iconographer), in The Hague (The Netherlands), and I followed up with several Icon painting courses in the highlands of Scotland, where I also learned some beautiful (and challenging!) gilding techniques.
I use exclusively egg-tempera in my work. I love the fact that it is a traditional and ancient medium, and also that it allows the colour to keep its softness or vibrancy, with a gem-like quality, for centuries, if done and kept properly.
I also love the slow pace of the tempera painting process, and the delicate and minute detail it allows - as well as the mother-of-pearl effect the many translucent layers of colour can produce.
My first exhibition was at the Aberdeen Art Center, in 2011. Subsequently I had two more exhibitions at The Blairs Museum, also in Aberdeen.
A lot of my work is done on commission, mostly private. Some of it has also gone to churches, for example the Black Madonna, at St. Margaret's R M Church in Lerwick, Shetland, and the four Angel Icons at Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin.
It is for me a privilege and a delight, to be able to bring back something of the spirit of Medieval and Renaissance art, and also to keep alive some of the ancient pictorial traditions.
