THE FRANCISCAN CENTRE FOR CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY
A Centre for Godgiven Peace

Icon writing

with Matthew Bond a programme of four sessions

Saturday 15 and 29 January, 5 and 19 February 2011 1.00pm till 4.00pm 

In Eastern Christian heritage, icons are sacred images of Christ, Mary, and the saints, or of events in salvation history such as the Nativity or the Crucifixion. The very word “icon” comes from the Greek word for “image.” To people unfamiliar with icons, including many Western Christians, icons may initially seem weird, unappealing, or even disturbing. They don’t look quite “right.” Their silence and stillness is demanding, untame, and even terrifying. But with education and experience, people grow to appreciate and love them.

Icons are more than decorative art or educational illustrations. Icons are “theology in colour.” An icon is a place to receive grace through faith, a sacramental: Its purpose is to transport us into a transfigured world, to plant that transfigured world within us, to bring us face-to-face with a living presence and change us (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1667-1679).

Iconography is rooted in the Incarnation. St. Paul wrote that Christ “is the image [literally, icon] of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). “In former times,” wrote St. John of Damascus, “God, who is without form or body, could never be depicted. But now when God is seen in the flesh conversing with men, I make an image of the God whom I see” (cf. Catechism, nos. 1159-1162).

Please note that you will need to bring Gouche or watercolour paints, a small and larger paint brush and a watercolour sketch book.

 cost – £10.00 per session

Tea and coffee would be provided in the Common Room

 Matthew Bond is currently a postulant with the OFM Conventual Franciscans at the Study Centre. He began writing icons in 1985. This experience prompted him to pursue an art course in illustration and design at the Glasgow School of Art.The course included portrait painting, life drawing and school book imagery. After the course Matthew continued to develop his skills, reading and practising and developing his own style in keeping with the traditional methods. He retains his interest in writing icons and receives commissions from time to time.

 To register for the day, please contact Pauline Marks on Tel. 01227 769349 or email:info@franciscanccs.org

Download a poster to print here