An introduction to John Lickwar

Presently, I’m occupied with creating new murals for Christ the Savior Church in Humble, Texas. The approach I’ve taken is a more focused thematic iconographic planning. This particular project began in consultation with Archbishop Nathael, of the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America, who is also an iconographer but not actively painting. We discussed iconographic themes rooted in the naming of the church, Christ the Savior. Next, I was introduced to an Orthodox theologian and art historian, Dionisy Denisov, and the iconographer, Alexey Kozlov, both from the Orthodox Church in Russia. The former worked with me to finalize the theme of Holy Wisdom which I discussed with the Archbishop and received his approval. Next, Dionisy transformed our theme into a comprehensive iconographic plan for the entire church interior, and approached Alexey to sketch out the entire plan. The actually painting in the church continues to proceed by my hands. Especially when painting an entire church, I like bringing together a collaboration of proficient theological and iconographic skills to create the best possible comprehensive iconographic program. Iconography in our time and place should not have to amount to a revival of copying tradition. Nor should it amount to a quality of painting arranged by pricing. Instead, while remaining consistent with its Byzantine roots to create perception through light, iconography and iconographer are mandated by a living tradition to continue being Spirit bearing, and innovative. A popular book entitled The Light of Christ, authored by Archpriest Andrew Tregubov, a well known iconographer, explains the meaning of the living tradition of iconography as ’... the revelation of the living light of Christ, the witness of Salvation, the image of the glorified Church.’ It is only to this higher purpose that iconographic artisans are dedicated in their work, and consecrated, where the Holy Spirit wishes to dwell.