Alive and well in Juneau

B and I left SFO the same day for our separate artistic endeavors. We both said we were going to blog. One of us has been successful. I am finally able to sit down and think about blogging. Physically, I am feeling funky. I have been in Alaska about four times now and each time, I get here so hungry and tired. Anyway, I took my first run of the trip today. I feel a little better, but tomorrow I am getting a massage. I have been increasingly achy and sore each day. My back is killing me from all the sitting and standing I think.

The time has been good so far. C and I are working on an icon of the Holy Family. The Holy Family is a western icon. In other words, a new icon. The Eastern Church which we draw most of our models in iconography does not have an icon of the Holy Family. So, we are a little on our own to work with the theology and Scripture regarding the Holy Family- Jesus, Mary and Joseph, staying true to the traditions of liturgy and iconography. It's a dicey gig. It has been edifying to contemplate the Holy Family. Here is what we came up with. I chose to position Jesus differently than C. We'll see if I end up liking it better.




















My panel is on the left and C's is on the right. We are in the process of painting the lines. Tomorrow we will open up the icon- lay down the initial colors.

It has been fun to connect with C and his family. They are great and very hospitable. Today we went to an ecumenical lunch for local ministers. C gave a presentation on praying with icons which was very good.

Finally, I watched the last six skaters in the women's Olympic figure-skating finals. Awesome. The best finals I have seen ever. Now I am going to bed.