My name is Alexandra. I am a retired social worker, painter and this year published author in my eighties. When I retired, I trained in hagiography in the technique of the Mount Athos Pachomius monks. They integrate the Greek schools developed during the Byzantine era. Painting is a deeply spiritual, euphoric experience for me, a way to merge with the divine, to experience grace. The iconographer copies the original in their unique style and approach.

I love experimenting with colour, sometimes contrary to tradition. I love sourcing reclaimed wood for my work. Original icons were ‘written’ in egg tempera on wood, mosaic, fresco, tapestry. They depict Jesus, Mary holding Jesus, angels, saints, apostles, prophets. They are highly symbolic, e.g in their use of colour.

They are images of faces, full-length figures, scenes representing days in the church calendar, Bible narrative scenes. Figures are elongated, eyes are shadowed, eyebrows arched, noses long, mouths closed, hands stylised; perspective is flattened.

Instagram:
@alexandrasicons


You can catch Alexandra's Icons at the Catford Arts Trail 2024 - venue no. 13 - 50 Glenfarg Road - SE6 1XH