We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Jane Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mary Jane, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
That traditional sacred art is changing, and I never set out to be a catalyst for change in this field. The bible can be thought of as hugely misogynistic. Female saints have not been included. The contemporary commentary going on about christian traditions and women is changing the landscape of religion and spirituality. Contemporary women have been waiting for over 2,000 years to be given an equal but different place in the kingdom. ‘Men of God ‘ through art we can teach and give guidance to bring Christs’ directives of love and equality into fruition. Art is a great format for change. Looking and seeing is personal as well as non- combative. I have added women to my icons were they have been absent in the past.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Egg Tempera Painting uses fine ground Earth Pigments.
The color in Byzantine iconography feels ancient when you look at it because it is! Mother Earth has provided magnificent colors that are lustrous, granular, sandy, or soft ochers they are radiantly bright and precious. The sheen from the egg yolk can turn the surface glossy and look as if it is saturated with life.
The depth of the color in this technique is created as a result of many thin layers, each with distinct tone and personality. When one pigment dries and another layer covers it, I grieve. I am forced to conceal the spontaneously beauty revealed by the application of another layer of color. Yet with enough layers, new forms arise, rich, and deep in quality. The layers become transparent after 3 to 6 months, and the under painting is magnificent.
The end product seems is inevitably harmonious just because the pigments themselves were created side by side in time and space, in the same way the planet evolved. Ancient earth history mixed with the human expression for the divine, what a match! The process is a spiritual awakening.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Rebellious behavior, artistic creativity, and the courage to ask the same ancient questions whose answers are changing.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Opening a visual biblical reference book to find how few women have been represented in iconography, they are often un-named with no story or context. I decided then and there to visually explore what icons would look like if they were altered. I have recently dedicated. My work to women and the planet ( for the beauty of the pigments )
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.millericons.com
Image Credits
Mary Jane Miller Photos