Drawing Closer to Christ
A Self-Guided Icon Retreat
by Joseph Malham
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Pub Date Dec 15 2017 | Archive Date Jan 10 2018
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Description
Follow along step-by-step with internationally acclaimed iconographer Joseph Malham as he takes you through an eight-day, self-guided contemplative retreat to create your own icon of the Christ Pantocrator (All-Powerful, the Teacher). In Drawing Closer to Christ, Malham relies on his twenty years of teaching experience to walk you through the materials and techniques needed to create your own sacred image.
For fifteen hundred years, icons have helped Christians meditate and pray. Used in homes and public worship, these symbolic images represent the presence of Christ and the saints. Malham has been practicing and teaching iconography for twenty years, encouraging ordinary people to create their own icons and be transformed by the spiritual practice. In Drawing Closer to Christ, he invites people of all levels of artistic talent to the contemplative experience of creating a sacred image.
Using the ancient icon Christ Pantocrator as your pattern, you will learn how to enter into the process of tracing the icon into the wood, applying gold leafing to the halo around Christ's head, and blending the paint to create beautiful colors that radiate holiness. Malham provides a list of supplies needed for each stage and step-by-step directions with detailed photographs.
The first seven days of the retreat follow the rhythm of the Genesis account of creation. On the eight day, you'll learn that while the finished icon represents the personality of the artist, it is still Christ. You will be transformed by your sacred image.
A Note From the Publisher
Malham attended St. Meinrad Seminary and Loyola University Chicago. He has contributed to Liguorian, Faith & Form: An Interfaith Journal on Art & Architecture, and the Chicago Tribune.
Advance Praise
“For years, Joseph Malham has labored as an iconographer, living simply while unobtrusively embedded in St. Gregory the Great parish in Chicago as an artist in residence. His work manifests his prayer, and his icons—while written in the midst of a contemporary, urban setting bustling with modern secularity—are ageless in their expressiveness, revealing the stunning paradox of the Lord himself who is ancient and yet forever new. Drawing Closer to Christ is not simply a “how to” manual but an introduction to a way of life.”
From the foreword by Most Rev. Robert Barron
Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles
“Drawing Closer to Christ is a thing of beauty; an invitation into the heart of the holy through art. Joseph Malham takes the reader gently by the hand and guides them through the stages of writing an icon, making such prayerful creating accessible to everyone.”
Christine Valters Paintner
Author of The Artist’s Rule
“As a Catholic, I have always been drawn to icons without knowing much about them. Joseph Malham’s beautiful new book not only taught me about the spiritual logic of iconography, it also led me to believe that even I would be able to create a gold leaf halo and paint the face of Christ.”
Paula Huston
Author of One Ordinary Sunday
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781594717574 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 160 |
Featured Reviews
Michelle K, Reviewer
Drawing Closer to Christ
A Self-Guided Icon Retreat
by Joseph Malham
Ave Maria Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 20 Oct 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Drawing Closer to Christ through Ave Maria Press and Netgalley:
In this book the author tells us icons are not only beautiful works of art, but they are also sacred windows into an unseen world. In this book it also includes lessons for paintings. The book is broken into days.
The author goes on to point out that while God in his essence can never be managed in shape or form. The author points out too that for over 1500 years Christians have used icons to help them Meditate and pray.
I give Drawing Closer to Christ four out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
Janet P, Reviewer
This excellent book is a different kind of retreat. instead of just being theological orBiblical reflections, it brings you into contemplation of God through the actual creation of an icon. Written by a professional writer of icons who also does these retreats in person, the detailed instructions will have the retreatant creating a traditional icon of Christ.
The short reflections that begin each chapter are relevant and very meaningful But the real glory of the book are the incredibly detailed and well-phhotographed instructions on writing the icon. The reader will not only learn the many techniques that go into an icon, but also the reasons behind them.
It's a wonderful book!.
Elizabeth E, Reviewer
I just finished this book and absolutely loved it. I cannot recommend this book enough.
In recent years, there has seemed to be a resurgence in popularity of Eastern icons within the Christian church. This books provides a much needed English-language resource for those looking for a solid introduction to both the theology and the self-production of icons in the Eastern style.
By providing theological reflections for each stage of the icon's production, the author assures that the reader will benefit from the self-guided retreat, even if the art they produce is not at the level they wish it would be. Each step of the process is written as a meditative theological exercise which draws the participant closer to Christ. In this way, even simply reading through it without creating the icon is a fruitful and spiritually enriching process. I read it in its entirety without creating the icon, but now that I've read it through once, I can't wait to have a second go at it, brush in hand.
This book deserves to be read by anyone with a wish to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of iconography. Although written from a Catholic perspective, I believe anyone looking for a basic introduction to the theology and execution of icons will be edified by reading.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sr. Brittany H, Educator
As an iconographer myself, I found the concept of a book based upon an icon writing retreat to be a curious concept. The process of writing an icon involves much prayer, fasting, and silence - all aspects of a good retreat. The author draws upon those, as well as wisdom from the history and methodology of iconography, to craft a text best used on a personal retreat or for the more art-inclined among us.
Librarian 26370
I discovered this book shortly before I went on a icon painting retreat. Christ the Pantocrater is the icon we painted. this book helped me have some pre knowledge before I went. This is well written and very informative.
R B, Librarian
Fascinating and exciting way to take time to sit quietly and explore your beliefs, focus your heart and respond with love.
Jennifer O, Reviewer
This is a lovely book that provides a detailed tutorial in creating one's own Christian icon. The writing is instructional while also being spiritual, and the project is quite a meditative process. Don't rush through this process, as it is a true lesson in using art as worship. I deliberately took my time, and am so glad I did. Such a unique book, and one that i highly recommend. Beautifully done.
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