The Process

Each icon is an original work of art, based on the traditional Byzantine methods, and crafted to last for generations. A special gesso made of marble dust and rabbit-skin glue is hand-mixed. The gesso is applied in several layers, with an embedded layer of linen fabric, onto a stabilized and reinforced 3/4" think wood substrate. Traditional egg tempera is hand-mixed using time-honored techniques and ingredients, and only natural pigments. The egg tempera and gold leaf are then painstakingly applied, usually requiring hundreds of hours of effort. Finally, several layers of protective varnish are applied.