Public Invited to Hear Romanian Nun Discuss Religious Icons

August 26, 2009 / Sarasota – A well-renowned iconographer and Romanian Orthodox nun, Sister Eliseea Papaciòc, will be at the Church of the Redeemer on Sunday, September 27, 2009, to share and discuss the work of her lifetime: religious icons.

Papaciòc will discuss and exhibit her work at 3:00 p.m., and the public is warmly invited to the event which should last about an hour and offer an opportunity for questions and answers with the artist.

An abbreviated presentation will take place the same day during Redeemer’s morning Adult Forum, which starts at approximately 10:15 a.m. Both presentations will offer light refreshments and will be held in Redeemer’s Gillespie Hall located at 222 South Palm Avenue, in downtown Sarasota (at the corner of Ringling and Palm).

Some of Papaciòc’s icons will available for purchase before and after both presentations.

Papaciòc’s iconic works are deeply founded in the tradition of ancient icon painting, but made contemporary through modern techniques. She is well-known for her intricate brushstrokes; brushstrokes which she says represent the prayer and meditation that goes hand in hand with creating each icon. Christian icons are typically created by tracing a religious scene or image onto wood, and Papaciòc is known to age her wood for up to ten years before beginning work on an icon.

Viewers of Papaciòc’s icons — especially collectors — are often amazed by the richness and depth of color she achieves, as well as by the tiny symbols and words she often imparts to icons. Many people who have an opportunity to experience Papaciòc’s work and individual icons find them inspiring and moving.