The hardest part of the work is acquiring the vision of the icon after that – all problems are technical. I am so glad that when I decided to become an iconographer I could not see the struggles that were ahead of me. The longer you have worked, and the more skillful you become, the technical part of the work goes quicker. M.Cz.: The time it takes to write an icon depends on your experience and the complexity of the composition. L.G.:How long does it take to write an icon and what is the most difficult part of the process? You can’t use iconography for what you want iconography will use you for what God needs. Sometimes this is a spiritual challenge, sometimes there is some obstacle in your personality or character that needs to be transformed, sometimes the challenge is the physical clumsiness of your body or eyes. You have to be prepared to change yourself to do the work, for everyone it’s different. Marek Czarnecki: As an iconographer, I wear a lot of hats. I need to be an artist, a careful craftsperson, a theologian, a chemist, a carpenter, a gilder. I must be observant and grounded in my Christian faith. The way I integrate the discipline of iconography into my life is more important than taking formal vows.īut like a monk, iconography is a vocation, not just an occupation. It takes a lot of time, it is very isolating, it’s a struggle, practice and discipline, it’s not something one does for the rewards of money or ambition or recognition, but out of our piety and ideals. I tell my students that this kind of work is good for people who are in prison, with a lot of time, in a spirit of repentance, and without worrying about clothes or food or money. Lidia Gruse: What is an iconographer? Is that person an artist, a craftsman, a monk or someone else? An interview with American iconographer Marek Czarnecki Marek Czarnecki during work in his studio Seraphic Restoration in Meriden, CT.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |