” IT IS CERTAINLY A CHALLENGING TASK TO TAKE UP THE ICONIC VOCABULARY AND MAKE IT FRESH AND VISUALLY RELEVANT TO OUR TIME. CHRISTINE SIMONEAU HALES HAS SUCCEEDED IN DOING SO, AND DOING SO BRILLIANTLY. I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR A CONTEMPORARY ARTIST TO WORK IN THE WAKE OF THE GREAT BYZANTINE MASTERS. AND YET, SIMONEAU HALES HAS DONE SO NOT ONLY BEAUTIFULLY BUT INDEED SHE HAS DONE SO IN A WAY THAT MAKES HER WORK CONSONANT WITH OUR TIMES. “
ANDRE EMMERICH, PAST PRESIDENT, ART DEALERS OF AMERICA”
Christine is equally well know for Iconographic Work For Churches and Private Collectors.
The Term “Icon writing” is often used as a form of speech intended to signify that these painted images are faithfully transcribed Gospel, in visual form. The theology of the icon is based on the Incarnation as pronounced by the Seventh Nicean Ecumenical Council in 787 AD: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 The spiritual discipline of icon writing involves the slow, patient work of prayer, observation, discipline, and knowledge of the teachings of the church and the lives of the saints.
WE WILL BE USING EGG TEMPERA AND GOLD LEAF GILDING FOR OUR ICON WRITING RETREAT IAPRIL 9-12, 2024. BEGINNERS AND MORE ADVANCED ARE ALL WELCOME.
See icon writing class page for more details. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
What People Are Saying: “Eyes of Fire by Christine Simoneau Hales is a must-read, whether you are an experienced iconographer, a beginning student, or someone who is simply curious about this Christian art form.
At one and the same time, this book is a touchingly personal testimony of the importance of iconography in the life of a talented Christian artist, an art history lesson, and a treatise regarding some of the most important aspects of ‘what makes an icon an icon.’ Mainly, though, it is a thoughtful and loving theological and philosophical reflection on the transformative power of art and beauty in service to the Spirit.
Personally, I was particularly interested in the author’s discussion about the influence of iconography and spirituality on the works of modern artists as diverse as Kadinsky, Klee, Chagall, Matisse and O’Keefe. Added to that, this is a beautifully presented book with gorgeous illustrations, including a number of breathtaking icons ‘written’ by Christine Hales, herself.” Dahlia Herring
BELOW ARE BLOG POSTS FROM MY NEWSLETTERS THAT HAVE HELPUL INFORMATION FOR ICONOGRAPHERS AND EVERYONE WHO JUST LOVES ICONS!