How do artists create Iconography?
Catholic artists are inspired to create art I the name of God to help contribute to God's bigger picture. Usually, a devout Catholic with some kind of artistic ability will feel moved to make art that represents something--whether its a message from the bible, a key concept to our faith, or even a virtue that we should practice--and then allow themselves to be guided by God and the Holy Spirit.
It is much like how the Holy Spirit came and inspired certain individuals to write the bible, but still differs from it. In this particular process of creating art and iconography, the artist is simply moved by God to create beautiful pieces of art to express a message or teaching of God, or to explain a saint's life. While creating the iconic art, the artist spends much time contemplating and resting in the silence of God's love and peace. Through this silence, the artist is able to be guided but God to depict a message on something as simple as a canvas or piece of paper in the form of art.
Also, the artist spends much time in prayer. Prayer is a way for us to talk to God; a way for him to hear our wants, desires, needs, and also a way for us to listen to God's wants.
In the process of making religious artwork, the artist is to refrain from food as well as sound and distractions. While creating this kind of art, it is important for the artist to remain fully focused on the task at hand and listen closely and carefully to God's words. The absence of speech creates an atmosphere of silence as well. This is a positive thing--it encourages attentive listening to the voice of prayer in our hearts. It takes a great deal of time to achieve this sometimes, as it takes time change our natural impatience to see the finished product. The artist is to work peacefully and patiently, knowing that the process shouldn't be rushed and that God will take care of everything.
When the art is completed, the icon is given a consecration and anointed with sacred oils used in the dedication of a church and sacred vessels.
It is much like how the Holy Spirit came and inspired certain individuals to write the bible, but still differs from it. In this particular process of creating art and iconography, the artist is simply moved by God to create beautiful pieces of art to express a message or teaching of God, or to explain a saint's life. While creating the iconic art, the artist spends much time contemplating and resting in the silence of God's love and peace. Through this silence, the artist is able to be guided but God to depict a message on something as simple as a canvas or piece of paper in the form of art.
Also, the artist spends much time in prayer. Prayer is a way for us to talk to God; a way for him to hear our wants, desires, needs, and also a way for us to listen to God's wants.
In the process of making religious artwork, the artist is to refrain from food as well as sound and distractions. While creating this kind of art, it is important for the artist to remain fully focused on the task at hand and listen closely and carefully to God's words. The absence of speech creates an atmosphere of silence as well. This is a positive thing--it encourages attentive listening to the voice of prayer in our hearts. It takes a great deal of time to achieve this sometimes, as it takes time change our natural impatience to see the finished product. The artist is to work peacefully and patiently, knowing that the process shouldn't be rushed and that God will take care of everything.
When the art is completed, the icon is given a consecration and anointed with sacred oils used in the dedication of a church and sacred vessels.