Do-it-yourself icons: how to make them from photographs and what to consider when creating icons (85 photos). Wood carved icons

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Icons are images of saints and apostles. Since ancient times, they were written by specially trained people who could strictly follow canonical instructions. Therefore, ancient icons are similar to each other in image.

But at the same time, the icon painter could still contribute to general image. To do this, he tried to recreate the image using different techniques. Done old icons on wood. The material was taken that was common in the region where the icon was painted. Usually it was linden, but pine or spruce could be used. Icon painters themselves rarely made boards for icons. They entrusted this matter to woodworkers who could choose the strongest layer of wood and correctly connect the boards for a large icon. Subsequently, it is by the places of fastening that today it is possible to determine from which region this or that icon came. Wooden icons covered with primer, then smeared with hot glue several times. Over the centuries, the technology for producing boards improved - they embossed coats of arms to make the image more prominent, and gilded the images. But the most important thing was still the work of the icon painter. The drawing on the icon was done several times, using different materials.

At first they drew general view icons, and then all the details were drawn in more detail. After that they gilded necessary elements– these could be fields, light, folds of clothing. Then clothes, landscapes, and buildings were painted. And only at the end they painted the face of the saint. Such painstaking work to create icons required high-quality materials. But even the most natural materials tend to lose their original appearance over time. In order to update the icon, new painting was applied, and sometimes the icon was completely rewritten. Today in such painstaking work there is no need - modern materials make it possible to create equally high-quality versions of icons, and some of them can even be made “antique”. Such icons look beautiful and high quality.

To create an icon today, you no longer need to spend a long time choosing the type of wood, sanding the boards and looking for a professional artist to paint icons. They can be made to order much faster if the buyer is satisfied. Antiques enjoy in great demand from art connoisseurs, but not everyone can afford to buy a real relic. Then workshops come to the rescue, where you can order any icon that will be stylized as antique. To produce such icons, you still need wood - for example, linden. Although you can choose other options that will be offered in the workshops. The overall appearance of the icon and how long it will be stored will depend on the quality of the wood. Icons can be decorated additional elements- For example, precious stones, carving. It is also possible for the saint’s faces and clothes to be hand-painted - this will give the icon a more ancient look.

How are ancient icons made on wood?

Despite the fact that today the technologies for creating icons have become simpler, the time required to prepare images is quite long. But the buyer does not notice this. To begin with, the board on which the icon will be is prepared by hand and aged for four years. The masters who paint the icon work using the author's technology. This allows you to get a more detailed drawing of the image. Oil paints are used for painting, as in ancient times. To ensure that the work repels moisture, base layers of paint are applied to the icon using technology. Great value depends on the conditions in which the icon will be stored in the future. To prevent the design from fading, special technologies are also used.

What are wooden icons for?

Wooden icons modern production- This good gift for those who profess Christianity. There are many types of icons, and for each person you can choose exactly the one that suits him and will help him in difficult life situations. Old wooden icons are an item that will not leave anyone indifferent. Old things are attractive, they have their own special charm, and besides, such icons look expensive and beautiful. Today it is not a problem to make an icon with any image, so you can give a person a unique item that no one else will have. Icons created today are in no way inferior in quality to ancient paintings and will last a long time.

A carved icon is a somewhat more complex product than, for example, a carved flower panel. And sometimes it is difficult not so much technically as morally, so to speak. Even if you work quickly and efficiently, trying to meet the deadline, do not forget to put your heart into it, or at least try.

I have met some truly frantic icon carvers who, shutting themselves out from the whole world, worked with a torch and a blessed prayer on their lips. I don’t know whether this is good, but it is quite possible that this is the only way to work. But we will still try differently.

Preliminary work

A carved icon is almost always an analogue of a painted icon. Iconography and a sense of reverse perspective, reinterpreted and embodied in the volume of the tree. Simply put, we take a written icon and transfer its outline (outline) to the board, and then cut it out as best we can. But before you start, I recommend doing a little research work: who is depicted, who it is, what variants of icons there are. With the current mass of the Internet, it’s a matter of time.

For example, John Olenevsky is a revered saint (a saint more revered in some certain area). Highly revered in the middle Volga (1854-1951). New Martyr. For his righteous life he was endowed with the gift of healing and insight.



As you can see, the similarity between the icon and the portrait is not at all obvious. Also, the icons themselves differ significantly from each other. So your carving work may differ slightly. That's not the point. However this analysis will definitely help you.

The process of making a carved icon

Linden. 230 X 310mm, thickness 25mm. For primary processing, i.e. for lowering depth (10mm), in in this case a hand router is used.

Then the product is processed (cleaned) along the contours, the background is selected and the total mass (cut) is collected. We don't touch the face yet.

Now we cut out the clothes completely and cleanly, and move on to the face. We gain the total mass.

Carved icons, panels. Markov Alexander

Markov Alexander (Sayansk). Alexander Markov began woodcarving back in 1985, working as a designer in the Sayan art workshop when decorating kindergartens and other objects. In the 90s, Father Alexy asked to carve a cross for the lectern and a calvary. He liked it, and in 1995 he invited Alexander Vladimirovich to take part in the design of the Temple under construction. Since then, Alexander has been working in the church.

According to the clergy, carved icons (the craftsman uses hardwoods such as aspen and cedar to make them) carry the deepest spiritual meaning. Since ancient times, wood has been considered a living material, and a consecrated icon generally works miracles. Therefore, it became a tradition for the Sayan people to present icons - Markov’s creations - to honored guests.

Markov Alexander Vladimirovich was born in 1958 in Irkutsk region village of Berezovka, Kuytunsky district. In 1980 he graduated from the Tulun Pedagogical School, art and graphic department. He worked as a graphic designer in the Tulun art workshop. In 1985, in connection with his move to the city of Sayansk, he worked as a graphic designer in an art workshop. In the 90s he took part in the design of the Annunciation Church under construction. He was mainly engaged in wood carving. Two carved wooden iconostases, two altars, icon cases, shrouds, icons and other carved church objects were made.

Participation in exhibitions:

Regional exhibition dedicated to the 2nd All-Union Festival artistic creativity. 1980 Irkutsk.
In 2003, for the design of the Annunciation Church, a patriarchal certificate was awarded from the Archbishop of Irkutsk and Angarsk Vadim.
Regional exhibition folk art 2004 Irkutsk
Russian Order awarded Orthodox Church St. Sergius Radonezhsky 3rd degree 2006 Moscow
Regional exhibition “Sayan Mosaic” 2007 Irkutsk
Diploma winner of the interregional competition “Artisanal Rus'” 2008, Irkutsk
City exhibition of applied art 2008 Sayansk
City exhibition “Courage glorified by beauty” 2009 Sayansk

Many of us believe in God to one degree or another, and how it turned out in Orthodox tradition We have various icons in our homes. As they say, “For every need.” For some, they are an abstract symbol of belonging to a particular religion, but for others they play a specific function - they serve as a guide to the divine world and allow them to better convey prayers to the Lord. My parents always had icons, but there were few of them and little attention was paid to them. Their presence in the house was more a tribute to tradition than a need for believers. As time went on, having matured a little, I began to become interested in religion and now I simply cannot imagine my life without daily prayer requests.

Having created a family and arranged my life, I wanted to purchase a beautiful icon that would serve me all my life and pass into the possession of my children. At the same time, the icon is considered as a kind of decorative element in the design of my home. The iconography didn’t really appeal to me and I turned my attention to the carved icons.

Carved icons are made by carving wood. A carver is the same artist who performs work using more complex techniques and other tools. Carving is an ancient, original technique, a type of decorative and applied art that actively developed in Rus' and still lives. For me, in carved paintings and icons I see my roots, the origins of my people, my native warmth.

The tree itself carries powerful energy; the main thing is to choose the right type. The face of a saint, the Holy Trinity, painted on a tree, Mother of God or Archangels repeatedly enhances the energy of the tree, turning the icon into the strongest family amulet. Turning to God through concentration with the help of a beloved, energetically close icon is always stronger.

Buying a carved icon is not a problem these days. Churches have online stores where they have ready-made works. There are many such icons in church shops, as well as in souvenir shops. I think the best solution production of carved icons to order. Firstly, it allows you to determine the size of future work. Secondly, you will clearly know what the icon will look like and it will fit perfectly into the interior. Thirdly, you will be able to choose any image to which you are accustomed to turn in your prayers. Be it Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Holy Mother of God, the master will do whatever you want.

After talking with the carver, you can choose the type of wood in advance and decide whether to give it color or gloss using stain and varnish. These smallest moments are actually very important, especially if the goal is to create a work of art that for many years will protect and decorate your home.

Finding a good woodcarver is easy, but when making icons, it is important that this person has knowledge in the field of icon painting, knows the traditions and canons of creation Orthodox icons. Still, icons are not just a picture, but an object with some sacred meaning.

My icon turned out just great! I enjoy admiring her every day. She serves in a great way to concentrate on prayer requests and petitions to God. With her help I teach my child to pray. I know that with the help of my carved icon I manage to enter deeper into a state of prayer and receive some kind of energy boost and even an answer from the “other side.” I'm very pleased that I didn't skimp on a worthy icon. It interests all my guests and creates a feeling of security for the home and my family. I am very glad that the tradition of keeping icons in our homes is being revived and the level of our religiosity is acquiring new strength and quality.

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