| Today... ...it's all about AnachronsTM The word means "Anachronistic Icon" but there are also elements of old-fashioned holy cards and medieval illuminations. Each original painting incorporates a montage of images gleaned from hundreds of sources, ranging from ancient to contemporary. I then combine an electronic "paintbrush" with both traditional and modern media and methods. As with traditional icons, these paintings are filled with symbolism - some obvious, some subtle. A tree, a face, a flower, a gesture, or situation might evoke a well-known painting. Stark medieval imagery may be combined with Victorian sentimentality. I also try to incorporate salient quotations within the design. I never use haloes and always include animals and flowers and other "earthly" objects because the saints I choose to portray may have had their eyes on heaven, but their hearts went out to all God's creatures, great and small.  The art is then produced in a limited edition as a
wood or ceramic plaque, "spirit stone," jewelry, and other products. No two Anachrons™ are exactly alike,
and no one is "perfect." Even certain aspects of the image might vary - the original is "live art"
which lets me go back to it at any time to make small changes. I also compose a biographical "scroll"
for each one. I hope these pieces are inspiring, whimsical and informative. It's also important that they be individually handcrafted, in my studio, yet affordable for almost anyone who wants to make a spiritual statement. Many are purchased as gifts and it's wonderful when my "patrons" let me know how much their gift was appreciated. I try to create at least four new Anachrons™ each year (I have so many great saints on my to-do list!), but it is a lengthy, painstaking process, including much preliminary research, and I truly have to be "inspired." But once the inspiration comes and the image begins to emerge, it's hard to stop. For an artist, the creative process itself is reward enough; it really doesn't matter if anyone else sees it. However, if others tell you that your work has moved them and that they feel a real connection with you, you feel doubly rewarded. |
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