Uniting Church Icon Schools

Icons are sacred images of Christ, and the Saints, as well as depictions of scenes from the Scriptures.

They are usually painted in egg tempera on a timber panel covered with linen and gesso. Icons are honoured in the church as aids to Christian devotion.

The three Uniting Church’s Icon Schools form an ecumenical community of artists, primarily painting (or writing) in the Byzantine style.

Other traditions are explored, such as Ethiopian, Coptic, and Armenian. Some participants venture into original compositions within the discipline of icon writing. Research into the spirituality, theology and history of icons is a feature of the schools.

When and Where

There are three Uniting Church Icon Schools. All take place in the Auburn Uniting Church Hall. One meets on the first Saturday of each month, another on the first Monday of each month and the last one meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

The year is broken into two semesters, with new members joining in February or July. There is a fee to be paid on registration for each semester.

(Fee for 2023 = $190 per semester)

A Day at the School

The monthly class begins at 10.00 am with prayer and the class of up to 15 members begin work on their own icon projects.
New members are given instruction. During the day artists are given individual tuition and advice.
At 11.30 members share insights, information, and experiences. Then there is a group teaching session.
After lunch the school gathers for worship with contemplative prayer on a particular icon. The artists return to their work and the day concludes at around 3.30 pm.

Traditional Materials and Methods

Icons are painted on linen attached to board with rabbit skin glue.
The surface is prepared with gesso made of the glue and whiting – layer upon layer and sanded back to a mirror smooth white surface.
Parts of the icon such as halos are gold leaf. The paint is egg tempera. The artist mixes raw pigment with egg yolk, water and alcohol.
The students in our school experience some of the different techniques handed down from Greek, Russian and Coptic schools of iconography .
There is opportunity to explore other cultural traditions from across the world.

Events and Services

The Schools sponsor exhibitions and other events that promote the craft and spirituality of the icon.
Collections of icons are available for use in worship on loan.
The iconographers in the schools are available for commissions, and some icons are for sale.
Members are frequently invited to speak to outside groups about iconography, display the schools’ work or demonstrate technique.
The School has a lending library of 200 books and DVDs

“I have seen God in human form, and my soul was saved… In former times God, who is without form or body, could never be depicted. But now when God is seen in the flesh conversing with humans, I make an image of the god whom I see. I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take his abode in matter; who worked out my salvation through matter.”

John of Damascus
676-749

Inquiries can be made HERE

Contact

The Uniting Church Icon Schools are coordinated by
Rev Dr Peter Blackwood
0481 325 594
Email: pdblackwood47@gmail.com

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