Board Icons
Iconography as a living tradition goes beyond copying images of the past. It requires understanding and living within the visual language of the Church. My approach to iconography, therefore, is not focused on copying old icons, but in understanding them and presenting them for the ‘here and now’ of the Church.
Every one of my icons is an original composition, made in a manner that can place them within the continuum of the visual tradition of the Church.
My preferred medium is egg tempera, which is excellent for board icon painting. When cared for properly, egg tempera can maintain its color properties for centuries. It also allows for very translucent layers of paint, which results in airy and luminous forms. 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. Boards are prepared using wood panels, which I then cover in rabbit skin glue to fix a linen cloth or handmade paper. 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.
| Size in inches |
Single figure |
Double figure |
Over 3 figures |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 9 |
$450 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
| 9 x 12 |
$600 |
$800 |
N/A |
|
| 12 x 16 |
$800 |
$1,000 |
$1,300 |
|
| 16 x 20 |
$1,000 |
$1,300 |
$1,600 |
|
| 18 x 24 |
$1,200 |
$1,600 |
$2,000 |
|
| 24 x 36 |
$2,000 |
$2,400 |
$2,800 |
Calligraphy
My practice of calligraphy involves primarily blackletter styles, such as Fraktur and Uncial. 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 pricing of a piece is based on size and number of words, and doesn’t include any additional details like illuminations, gold leaf, shipping or sales tax.
| Size in 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.