Commissions
Sacred Icons
The writing of sacred icons requires mastery of the painting technique, and theological knowledge on the mysteries portrayed. Before starting an icon, I search for references to learn how the Tradition has depicted a given saint or event. During the process, I also intentionally pray for the person commissioning the piece and their intentions and to the particular saint I am depicting. This is one of the most important parts of my process when working on a commission.
For my icons, I use egg tempera, the best and most ancient medium for board icon painting. Egg tempera, when cared for properly, can maintain its color properties for centuries. It also allows for very translucent layers of paint, which results in an airy and luminous painting. Egg tempera consists of mineral pigments of various colors, applied to the surface of the board with an egg yoke emulsion (egg yoke and white wine) as the bonding agent. The boards I use are wood panels, which I then cover in rabbit skin glue to fix a linen cloth. I finish the board by applying many layers of gesso (a mix of white chalk and rabbit skin glue) that are sanded down until the surface is marble-smooth. If requested, I apply 24k gold leaf to icons, most particularly to the halos of the saints. After finishing the painting of the icon, I apply a few coats of varnish to protect the icon for personal veneration.
Icons are priced primarily based on size and complexity, measured by the number of figures portrayed. The following prices are base prices. They don’t include gold leaf application, other customization, nor shipping or sales tax.
Base Prices
Size (inches) |
Simple (single figure) |
Complex (2-3 figures) |
Complex (4+ figures) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
6 x 9 |
$350 |
$500 |
NA |
|
9 x 12 |
$500 |
$700 |
$900 |
|
12 x 16 |
$700 |
$900 |
$1100 |
|
16 x 20 |
$900 |
$1100 |
$1300 |
|
18 x 24 |
$1100 |
$1300 |
$1600 |
|
24 x 36 |
$1300 |
$1600 |
$2000 |
Calligraphy
My practice of calligraphy involves primarily Western styles, such as Fraktur (Black-letter) and Uncial. I can also write in calligraphic styles related to the Eastern Greek tradition, similar to the ones used in sacred icons. I use watercolor paper of various sizes which holds the ink well and doesn’t bleed. I apply the ink with pens of various nib sizes and shapes. The most common calligraphy piece is a single color text, of a quote from a saint or a Bible verse.
The following table shows an estimation of cost for a piece based on size and number of words, and don’t include any additional details like illuminations, gold leaf, shipping or sales tax. Additionally, based on the complexity of the composition, I reserve the right to adjust the final price.
Base Prices
Size (inches) |
1-5 words |
6-15 words |
>15 words |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
6 x 9 |
$40 |
$80 |
NA |
|
9 x 12 |
$60 |
$120 |
$180 |
|
12 x 16 |
$80 |
$160 |
$240 |
Terms & Conditions
All deposits are non-refundable. A deposit (or payment in full) is required to begin the commission.
The remainder of payment (balance) is due upon completion of the commission, prior to shipping.
Kai Yep reserves all rights to reproduce and/or reprint original icons. The patron is granted permission to make copies of the piece for personal or devotional use, but not for commercial or promotional use.