A religious icon is a window. It is always that way, from the first moment a brush full of paint is laid to wood. The icon is a vessel. So is the artist. The image is written in prayer. This means that the artist centers herself and empties herself and then prays a simple mantra-like yearning the whole time she is working. It’s a variation of the Jesus prayer, and it goes like this, “Beloved Jesus, Master, have mercy on me and guide me.”
Here’s one of the icons that Laurie has written.
Julian of Norwich
This icon is of Julian of Norwich. At the window of her anchorage, Julian would offer spiritual direction to all who came to her. From a life steeped in conversation with Christ, she had a great deal of wisdom to share. Here is a window through which your soul can apprehend her teachings.
detail of this icon:
Laurie’s prayer while she writes her exquisite icons helps her to rest in God. This transports her images, making them windows to the realm of heaven. Windows do not profess to be perfect, being made of wood and paint, and neither are icons. But they invite you into a relationship with something that your own heart will recognize, because that is where God can be found: in your heart.
This icon is for sale. There is also a small print of it available. Follow the link below to see all Laurie’s icons and prints.