Tracy Councill, a painter, printmaker and art therapist, has always been fascinated by traditional icons.

After studying with iconographer Suzanne Schleck, she began painting icons of her own design. Her icons are painted in the traditional way, using gold leaf and egg tempera on prepared linden boards. Rather than copy existing icons, Councill explores the scripture and traditions surrounding a subject and designs her own icon to reflect her interpretation of the story—hence, the term “modern icons.”

Her past designs include lesser-known saints such as Absalom Jones and Pauli Murray, and a diptych of Buddha and Jesus. Commissioned works are welcome—with input from the client becoming part of the creative process. Please reach out if you have an idea for an icon with a special meaning to you.