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Talks and Podcasts
In Conversation
SERIES ONE
Three conversations between four contemporary iconographers of note hosted by the Bethlehem Icon School. Presenter Ian Knowles, with Aidan Hart - Greek Orthodox, Peter Murphy - Roman Catholic, Ivan Polverari - Roman Catholic, and Stephane Rene - Copt.
In these three wide ranging conversations they explore some of the challenges facing iconographers today, give insights about what lies behind some of the best icons made today, and glimpse to the way faith permeates everything they do.
SERIES TWO
Series two began on Weds 8th September, feast of Our Lady's birthday - with a conversation between Giorgos Kordis and Ivan Polverari on do you say 'write' or 'paint' an icon?
The second episode is a bit different, two Anglican women, both icon students, one a priest and the other consecrated hermit. What do these non-orthodox make of the idea of the Tradition in iconography?
At work!
From time to time Ian makes live broadcasts of his iconographic work which are posted on Facebook and on Youtube. Do subscribe to our channel! You can also find a range of talks and discussions here on this website.
He draws on many years of study, reflection and experience to share insights in an accessible way.
AN INVITATION TO SPEND A DAY OBSERVING IAN AT WORK IN HIS STUDIO...
Practical Iconography
Making Paint
Ian is taken out into the Judean desert
to find rocks and to make pigments!
Ian often uses Affinity Designer to help understand the geometric foundations of icon design. Here he demonstrates the value of the Seed of Life.
Icons and Society
Icons exist not just in churches, but as part of our complex modern world.
The Icon makes a fascinating place of meeting between eternal values and secular realities.
In the two videos below Ian explores the implications first as to whether Jesus can be shown as a black person in an icon, and secondly how much you should charge for an icon you paint.
In the next three videos he talks about his icon of Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls on the separation wall between Israeli Jerusalem and Palestinian Bethlehem. This icon has been literally reproduced millions of times and has become a place of pilgrimage for those praying for peace in the Holy Land.
Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls
Ian's painting of Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls features in this BBC documentary about art in the Holy Land. His icon features at 24:42.
Media Reports
