How it all started

It all started in january 2002 from one simple telephone call. It was a token given to me by a mother and friend Gerda Boekhold ( Midwolde - The Nederland ). Through her i could attend courses in Groningen. Thus, then was another mother in my life ( Elizabeth Tangel- my teacher).

From Elizabeth Tangel i could learn the Russian Orthodox technique. Every paint layer is transparent to the previous layer.

Then as a refugee in a refugee camp, it was one of the ways i could sort peace within myself. Since then my heart has totally been stolen by the making of icons.

Knowing that it was difficult to sleep at night, painting was done late at night. Then it was good and i made it my way. Today as a "free man", it is difficult to turn-around and live a normal life's rythm. I still paint late at night. 24 hours seems too short for a day.

Why icons?

Through icons i can find peace and tranquility within myself.

It's a way of reflecting my spiritual commitment to God.

Icons to me are a pictorial representation of the Bible.

Since 2002, the making of icons has been a therapy for me. Given the difficult situation i lived in i could find harmony with myself.

Icons making is a school of learning how to be patient. Given the amount of precission and the fact that after every paint layer one has to wait for the icon to get dry before proceeding to the next..

Icons mean freedom to me. At a time when i didn't know what freedom means i was totally free in painting icons. Then i was my master.

Icon making is a process of personal reflection. It's a process where in i find myself conversing with myself.

I recognize the fact that in-as-much as we seek for internal peace, there is no need looking for it outside. We can always find it withing ouselves.

"Seek no peace from others first but from yourself". ( Ako Cyril ).