An icon (from Greek eikðn "image")
is a religious work of art, most commonly found in Eastern Orthodox
churches, and some Eastern Catholic churches. Icon images, portraits,
and scenes are painted, or written, from historical templates
some of which date back to the 5th century. Icons of the Theotokos
(Virgin Mother and Child), Christ's Crucifixion, Saints, and
angels are rendered in a way to encourage contemplation, and
the poses and gazes are intentionally other-worldly to show their
link to the divine.
Beth studied egg tempera painting during
her university days, and iconography with traditional iconographers
from Belarus, Minsk. She incorporates several modern techniques
as well as the historical paint preparation, application of gold,
and layers and layers of egg tempera made with pigments from
Italy and egg yolks from her own chickens.
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