October 2024

Newsletter October 2024: THE UPDATED METHOD

Topics:
1. The Updated Method
2. The Svaneti Film News
3. Options for Learning Iconography
4. Personal News
5. New Icons

1. THE UPDATED METHOD

Dear Friend,
As you probably saw in our earlier newsletters, the last 2.5 years after moving to Georgia and after teaching of two great artists who live here in Tbilisi, (David Sulakauri and Alexander Kornoukhov) I was constantly researching to find the most adequate encaustic method and technique. It became clear that I needed to change my approach, but I was unsure in which direction to go. Now, I feel I have a clearer vision and would like to share my insights.

It appears that the method I learned, (like many other iconographers), aligns more closely with egg tempera. In this technique, when your drawing becomes dark enough and almost linear, you can start applying local colors, highlights, and shadows. I was so used to it, that my hands were not willing to alter the process, unless I could propose an equally clear and reliable alternative, which I lacked until now.

Iconography sketches performed to find a method which would correspond a system of criteria. I believe I have finally understood what was amiss and how I can adapt my approach. To summarize, if you want your image to convey as much expression as possible, consider it not as a trip but rather as a contemplative sightseeing journey. First, study the drawing that will serve as your scenario, ensuring you understand the construction and placement of all details. Once that foundation is set, it’s time to play with colors and tonal values to create a primary color/tonal sketch—something we've been teaching for years, and then….

Then, as you touch the board with your brush, focus fully on the current step. Don’t think about what comes next or worry about the future; be present in the moment and observe how the image reveals itself to you, - you may be surprised to see things which open up in the process, - make sure you are open to accept them if they work well.

I now realize that my primary mistake over the years was rushing to the final stages, where the work seemed most interesting. I undervalued the earlier stages, considering them merely preparatory and less worthy of my attention, believing they would ultimately be hidden beneath subsequent layers, - why taking them seriously then?

Under the guidance of the artists I mentioned, I've learned that every stage—literally every step—requires care and delicacy as if it were the final touch. As if you were already giving your image the final touches, - focus on making every effort to find the most expressive way performing this particular step.. And then the next one… And then the next one.. Live every step as if it was your final touch and you can leave your image after finishing it… I now recognize this as an artistic approach, whereas my previous mindset was more aligned with craftsmanship.

Thank you for reading this. I hope you find this helpful, and I look forward to applying this principle in my work moving forward. Please feel free to share your own discoveries—I’d love to hear about your journeys.

2. SVANETI FILM NEWS

First, THANK YOU SO MUCH! We are almost at our fundraising goal for our trip to film the Svaneti churches and their keepers!

We’ll be leaving early on October 19, hoping to reach Mestia (the capital of Svaneti) by evening. The distance is about 300 miles, but a significant portion of our journey will be through the mountains, which will slow our average speed.

While life has introduced some changes to our plans, it seems to be for the best. The cameraman we initially counted on could not join us, but we found another one. Valery Kim. Here’s a link to his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@valeryklim where you can see some of his work. We’re excited seeing the beauty and enchantment he brings to his filming.

Our financial plan has also changed since Valery has most of the necessary gear, so we won’t need to rent expensive equipment. However, we do need to purchase a plane ticket for him. After some discussion, we decided to hire a local driver with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, as our own Volkswagen Caddy may not reach some of the mountain churches we plan to film.

And some more good news:

One: Recently our film director Alla Savina suggested asking Mestia museum if they would like us to film any church or person in particular, so that they could use our footage for their purposes. A couple of days ago I communicated this idea to a Mestia Museum representative - Rusiko Japaridze, and she said that it was a great proposal and gave me a list of people and locations they would like us to film.

Two: About three weeks ago, right in the middle of our fundraising campaign I received two proposals for collaboration with the Mestia Museum. One of our subscribers offered practical assistance to help the museum apply for grants related to climate research that could aid in restoration and conservation. Additionally, a family couple made a generous donation for our film production and identified themselves as representatives of a fund dedicated to restoring cultural heritage. They encouraged the museum or another official Svaneti institution to reach out to them for funding. I’ve shared all these contacts with Rusiko, and I hope both proposals will bear fruit. I’ll keep you updated on any developments.

It’s inspiring to see that our efforts have already yielded positive results even before we begin filming. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that, with your support, we’re about to make a contribution to the preservation and restoration of Svaneti’s treasures.

We are immensely grateful for the funds you’ve helped us raise! During our trip, we will strive to be as economical as possible, and I will provide a responsible account of all our expenses. We’ll maintain this page to keep everyone informed about our updates and to gather additional funds for post-production expenses. After our return, we have two parallel plans for the footage we produce:

1. We will actively seek grants to cover video editing, sound design, color correction, translation, and/or voice dubbing. Post-production costs often match production expenses, so we’re inspired to make this happen.

2. After editing our first documentary, Alla plans to apply for a grant that would allow her to return to Svaneti in the spring to film additional churches and individuals, transforming it into a longer and more creative project.

If you have an extra dollar or euro, please consider investing it in our Film about Svaneti. We’ll keep you posted on all our news!

3. OPTIONS FOR LEARNING ICONOGRAPHY

If you're interested in studying iconography with us in the nearest future, we have several upcoming options—both practical and theoretical.

On October 5, I will begin teaching a course on the "Theology of the Icon". I offered this course last year, but I have since made significant edits. I’ve revised the first five lectures and am currently finalizing the last one. This course focuses on the history and theory of iconography, specifically designed for practicing iconographers. It emphasizes the practical aspects of early Christian art and architecture. I wish I had access to a course like this years ago, so I created one. Take a look if you’re interested.

If you plan to join one of our in-person iconography workshops in Melbourne, Australia, it's time to make a decision, - please take a moment to register or email us. In January 2025, we will lead two workshops, - one Basic and one Advanced. The Basic Program introduces students to freehand drawing and provides fundamental knowledge about the process of painting an icon.

We will spend 2.5 days training essential skills, followed by 2.5 days where students will apply these skills to paint an icon of Christ. By the way, the model was taken from one of the Svaneti icons.

At the Advanced course we will draw several images of Christ from two medieval models presented below as well as from other ones. The aim will be to learn how to bring to evidence individual charachteristics of these faces. We will also work on composition and get a taste of different color schemes, trying the three main methods of face-painting.

The last two days of the workshop will be dedicated to process of painting the chosen icon of Christ with egg tempera on paper or board.

We are also excited to announce the launch of our special online program, named "Study Group". This series of assignments and practical exercises guides participants in researching, planning, and painting an icon of Christ. We are thrilled with the results achieved by our students from last year, and we invite everyone to check out this option:

This program breaks a 6.5-month period into manageable weekly tasks, making it accessible and doable. If you have taken our “Frontal Faces” and “Egg Tempera: Faces” courses, you are welcome to join! It promises to be an enriching journey through essential knowledge and nuances often overlooked in shorter courses. We are happy to individually share a link if you like seeing photographs of last year’s students’ working processes in a dedicated Classroom. It shows very clearly their progress and individual results. Please let us know if you're interested!

4. PERSONAL NEWS

This September has brought two pieces of positive personal news!

First, our son Lev, who spent last year studying at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, has decided to stop his studies there for various reasons. Since May, we had hoped he could easily transition to the Academy of Arts in Yerevan (Armenia), - just 130 miles from us, but we recently learned that this was not possible. Feeling discouraged, Lev inquired with his alma mater about resuming his studies online.

And glory to God, they agreed!

Now he will continue staying with us in Tbilisi and painting, painting, painting, drawing, drawing and drawing to complete his bachelor’s diploma by June. This truly feels like the best personal news we’ve received in the last three years!

In addition, we just received confirmation that the State of Georgia has granted Olga a one-year residence permit. This means we can apply for any necessary visas right here in Tbilisi, making our travels much easier. Thank you for your prayers and support—both spiritual and financial. We are deeply grateful to you all!

and GLORY AND GRATITUDE BE TO GOD!!!!!!!

5. NEW ICONS

These past 2.5 years in Tbilisi have taught us that to thrive both mentally and creatively, we need to dedicate at least an hour—or even just a few minutes—each day to drawing or painting. Here are our latest icons; maybe you will find the one that resonates with you:

Thank you for your invaluable support of all kinds!

With warmest wishes and gratitude,
Philip and Olga

P.S. If you missed our September Newsletter, here it is: Film About Svaneti

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