✨Iconography has long included the practice of using gold in the form of sheets of gold leaf, metallic paint, and other similar materials to produce a certain effect. While gold can sometimes be symbolic of heaven (when it is found as a background or a halo) gold lines and details can be found throughout icons in other places, too, to give the piece the ability to “glow” in any lighting. The shimmer allows the piece to move when the viewer moves or the light changes, and has a particularly beautiful aura when placed near candles - which is also a traditional aspect of revering icons. The flickering candlelight, especially in a dark church or shrine, can make the icon truly seem to come alive.
✨Because of the expense of gold material, it is also seen as an offering when used in icons, and represents the metal element. (Wood, egg tempera, water, and color pigments are offerings of plants, animals, and water. The candles and incense are offerings of fire.)
✨ In The Modern Saints project, we will often use sheets of gold leaf for the halos of our Saints to produce this effect. This is applied by setting down a layer of glue on top of the shape of the halo, and pressing the sheet on top it. After letting it dry, a soft, flexible brush is used to carefully swipe away the excess pieces that were not adhered to the icon. Then, if need be, tendrils of hair or small clothing details may need to be painted back in on top of the layer.
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