Reflections on Essence

In my experience, an icon can be an entrance into the space of creation for one who chooses to attune to it. I find that the Byzantine style of painting itself isn’t particularly one of visual depth but that is the very point. Just as the space of creation doesn’t pull or draw you in, despite being inherent in all things, it is still up to us to be in our awareness of it and choose it. The creation space is there for all who hold an intention to be present to it and its infin

Over the summer I gifted myself a week of time to paint. I have been learning Byzantine iconography and was going to paint my second icon. This artist’s retreat was in Sacramento at a Greek Orthodox church, which was an inspiring atmosphere. I had set the intention to curb the active urge of my mind to appropriate my creativity and to allow the unknown, as much as possible, to yield my creation. This turned out to be a tall intention.

Over the last year or so I have been guided to spend time by the ocean. At first I didn’t understand why, other than it would be relaxing...