It started last year. An orthodox Greek convent contacted me about renting my Pro Panels for an event where they were auctioning religious icons that they paint. The event was to be held on a Sunday evening at an orthodox Greek Church in Pittsburgh. We made arrangements and I delivered and set up the panels a few days before the event. Then on Sunday morning I met the sisters and hung all the artwork for them. The artwork was very delicate. Hand painted icons using real gold.
At the end of the event, I arrived early and helped pack up the icons for the winners of the auction. I've always loved the physical aspect of doing art shows and this was no different, except the pressure to sell wasn't there because it wasn't my art. I actually found it to be fun.
Here's a picture of the display from last years event.
This year they contacted me for my display again. In addition, they had me photograph the icons because the photographer who had done the photography in the past was having problems with hot spots in the gold.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Comments
I love making tondo frames on my lathe, and I see there are a number of tondos represented here. I can't get my wife to do round paintings! Wish I could be involved with more things like this group, Larry. Really a cool deal.
They are painted by the sisters at the convent.
Larry Berman
I meant was this new work being created by living artists? or were these "collectible" or antique icons?
How do you define contemporary work. I'm sure that they are renditions inspired from original paintings seen in books. Both last year and this year, they sold every icon they painted.
Larry Berman
Those are very large icons -- are they contemporary work?
What beat last year was this years event. Here's a picture from this year.
Larry Berman
Although I'm not particularly religious myself, I've always been attracted to icons and triptychs of this kind...so beautiful! What a wonderful experience for you...thanks for sharing it with us.
Very cool, Larry. Our various expertise gives us wonderful opportunities to help others and expand our own awareness. I have a friend who has trained to paint icons and have seen her work many times. This is beautiful traditional work. Then again I was lucky and was in Russia a few years ago and saw many of the ancient icons.
It is a pleasure after all the years in the art fair booth hoping and working to make that sale to be at a show where you don't have that pressure, one of the things I liked about running art fairs.
Have you set up these panels in any other interesting places?
Very exciting, indeed. I am a gilder, Larry. I use real gold on my frames all the time. I love icons, too. What a great experience you've had here. WOOHOO!