Here is my interpretation of a classic icon subject, St. George and the Dragon. I've been intrigued by this story all my life. I understood the story first as a thrilling fairy tale, then as a metaphor for conquering personal fears. Lately though, I've been thinking about the dragon as representing what Jung called "The Shadow"-- that part of our personal psyche that we disown, the dark side of the personality which is not available to our consciousness. Jung said that when the Shadow becomes available to us, we begin the process of individuation-- of becoming a wholly integrated personality. The confrontation of our own darkness is frightening, humbling and ultimately cathartic.
I visited Kiev last year and was dazzled by the glory of the cathedrals of the Eastern Orthodoxy. In each sanctuary there is a wall-- an Iconostasis-- covered with incredibly beautiful icons. These are painted with regard to their purpose as devotional objects in a strictly symbolic manner. Every aspect of the compositon-- color, facial expression, subject-- is regulated by tradition. The artist takes no license in asserting his own style to the work and in doing so becomes one with his God. Art becomes a form of meditation, devotion and praise which is shared by the observer of the piece.
I approach the making of this piece with trepidation. Not being an iconographer, not belonging to the Eastern rite, I feel humble in my attempt to share this experience. I can only offer my respect and wonder for these beautiful traditions.
