L'Atelier d'Antan

04/05/2020

More reconstructive work done today. High quality jewel like crystals sewn around a halo are bringing back lost life and light to it.

01/05/2020

Slow but steady progress is occasionally recorded. At this point 2/3 of reconstruction work was completed.

05/04/2020

The middle section with a distinctive cross is finally restored. I had a privilage to choose the embellishments and use some of my own creativity, as none of originally sewn on jewels was left by robbers. No indication of their exact size nor colour was given, so I was allowed to pursuit my imagination. Thankfully, I was able to research local market and collect suitable seed- beeds, crystals and long strings of Czech glass used for making necklaces.

05/04/2020

In the midst of coronovirus pandemic meticulous sewing of tiny beeds is like a prayer, calming and healing activity.
Progression is slow but visible with every new compleated task.
It must be done methodically to avoid destruction of original parts of textile that have a tendency to fall apart while touched incorrectly. The whole of the robe was doubled with new piece of linnen to reinforce original canvas.

24/02/2020

There is this moment when all three layers of this unique icon must be separated before each can be treated accordingly.

24/02/2020

After close examination of the back side of my icon, I detected two large and deep nail marks, what makes me think that the image of Our Lady must have been nailed to a larger painting resembling the icon from private collection in US.

20/02/2020

Here we have these two very similar icons, one of them in Australia, the other one in private collection in USA.

20/02/2020

This morning, network research brought me one more example of icon similar to one currently deposited on my work table.
Interesting website run by Russian Orthodox Church in Australia offers an interpretation of iconography with various examples of art. Amongst them, the "Dormition of the Mother of God" with partially beaded riza of Russian or Ukrainian provenience is presented. Little Parish of the Holy Martyrs of Vilnius in Yarraville near Melbourne will hear from me, and maybe, just maybe, the story of their icon can be shared.

18/02/2020

This beautiful and unique antique 19th century Russian Orthodox icon was brought to my atelier and in the coming weeks it will go through the process of careful restoration. Various stages of conservation will be recorded and shared with wider public, starting with the followers of this page.
I am excited about this new project taking off right now, after a few year break.

06/01/2016

HAPPY EPIPHANY and MERRY CHRISTMAS to my Orthodox friends and followers subscribed to this page .It's been idle for two years now but with some care and extra spare time we hope to be able to update it on regular basis.

30/03/2013