Katherine de Shazer will be demonstrating the ancient technique of egg tempera painting as well as water gilding intertwined with iconography. According to Katherine, as you view an icon, an “adjustment of the eye” is necessary in order to understand the iconic style. Stop in and learn about the two tasks that iconic style attempts to convey. You will have the opportunity to hear more about the workshops on iconography that she has presented to churches, art groups, museums, and other organizations. The history of her artwork spans across iconography, stained glass, and mosaics. She has also participated in juried art shows throughout Wisconsin. This ancient art is practiced using the egg tempera on a gesso-coated wooden board. Egg yolk is mixed with vinegar or wine, water, and finely ground earth pigments like ochres and semi precious stones like lapis lazuli and hematite. This mixture is applied using a floating method alternating between translucent and opaque layers. The results give a special luminosity or otherworldly quality that is highly prized in icons.
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Icons—What are they? Why do they look the way they do? In this presentation you will learn what icons are in the world of faith, what their historical significance is past and present, and how they are made. In particular you will learn of the ancient tradition of egg tempera painting which preceded oils, watercolor, and acrylic. All these painting mediums have something in common, the pigments. Pigments found in the earth along with semi precious stones are finely ground to make the colors for painting—how is that done and how are they different? These questions and many more will be answered for all ages.
