I’ve signed up to an introduction to ikonography and ikon writing course next week. It takes place in a secular art college, so I guess the focus will be largely on the historical and technical aspects of creating an ikon. We do get to try writing one ourselves though, so I was wondering, are there any prayers, traditions or preparations that usually go with the practice of ikon writing?
Many thanks in advance for your help.
To start with, I’d forget the “writing” an ikon thing. Most of the ikonographers I know, including a couple Master ikonographers that I’ve studied with, refer to themselves as painting an ikon.
This “writing” seems to be a thing developed by non-Eastern Christians think it’s “kewl”.
I’d also suggest forgetting any formal art training you’ve already had. This is going to be different than anything you may have studied before.
I like to paint special intention into my ikons; remembering people who may be in need of prayer or people who are close to you.
If you’re going to a secular college, you probably won’t be doing much prayer. I like to use the Jesus prayer when I paint, it works very well with brush strokes and breathing and things like that.
Each ikonographer teaches in his/her own style. Some are very prayer oriented, some are not in the same manner that some ikonographers are very good teachers and some are very poor teachers.
Do you know what medium you’ll be using?
I can give you a few websites to look at various styles of ikons included a couple of the ikonographers that I’ve studied with.
I’d also recommend following what the instructor has to say and doing what he/she says even if it doesn’t sound right to you.
But above all, let go and let God paint your ikon…
hope this helps…
I’d encourage you to watch these presentations before you take the art class at the secular college.