Religious Icons with a Modern Point of View

Artist and iconographer Tracy Councill had a lifelong fascination with religious icons. After studying with iconographer Suzanne Schleck, she began painting icons of her own design.

When beginning an icon, she researched the scripture and tradition surrounding the subject. The final icon design used symbols associated with the saint, gesture and facial expression to convey the meaning of the story. Her icons were made with traditional egg tempera and gold leaf on prepared boards.

She often worked with individuals who wished to commission icons that had a special meaning for them.

Some of her lesser-known subjects and original designs have included Absalom Jones, Pauli Murray, and Mary, Mother of Jesus in Old Age.