Commissioning an Icon
 ust as an icon is a prayer, each step of the creation of an icon can be a prayer–not only the painting process, but the commissioning process as well. In prayer, an individual or community is drawn to the mystery of "presence" in an icon. They then approach me to continue the process of bringing the image to life. I request any specific information regarding size, time frame, or other requirements. I pray and reflect upon the image, and upon the financial support that I would need to live while undertaking the commission. Then I present a proposal which would include technical considerations, size suggestions (based upon location intended and sacred geometry), simple sketches, ancient prototypes (if I think they would be helpful), time requirements, and financial requirements. I also include a simple contract. Whenever possible I like to visit the intended location for a larger icon. Because iconography is a prayer and the life of prayer can be arduous, I ask for a prayer commitment from those commissioning the work. As I am working and painting, I will likewise be praying for those who have commissioned the icon. While the work is in progress, I provide verbal and visual updates on the progress of the work. When a commission is completed, I make blessings available (if needed), and I also encourage a celebration.
The process of commissioning an icon can take from several months to up to years or more, depending on the number of commissions that I have underway, and upon the complexity of the subjects. The cost range for my financial support thus also varies with the time and the complexity. I would be happy to correspond with you should you be interested in commissioning and icon.
Your financial assistance enables me as an iconographer to continue the form of prayer and work which I have been called and privileged to do. The icon is a prayer, not a commodity that is bought and sold. Thus an icon, as prayer, will always remain free.
Icons are not an art form alone. They are not a decoration for your wall, but are intended to draw one into God's presence. Icons are never signed in the usual manner of an art work. Instead, the iconographer is called to be transparent, to be an instrument of the process of bringing prayer to life in an icon. At most, a prayer will be written on the back, which may or may not include, "written through the hand of...". |
