Writing Icons
Guest Writer Ann Rapp
Iconographer’s Prayer
O DIVINE LORD of all that exists, enlighten and direct my soul, my heart, and my spirit. Guide the hands of your unworthy servant so that I may worthily and lovingly portray this Icon for your glory, the joy of all, and the adornment of your Church. Amen.
Icon writing is a prayerful, meditative, slow, meticulous, and calming occupation. For me, it is like being in a beautiful church service or prayer meeting. Preparing the materials is slow and contemplative: first, we grind a natural earth pigment, such as yellow ochre, until very fine, mix it with egg yolk and vinegar, then water to make a paint. A natural bristle brush is used on a wooden panel, and the icon is painted with many layers of paint, resulting in the luminous quality of some icons. The shadow or dark side is painted first, and lighter layers build up over time to show the shape and the light emerging.
The icon writer prays before picking up the brush to begin, the first and most important rule of iconography. I like to listen to sacred music or chant while I work to help me keep a reverential yet humble attitude.
Ann Rapp