Title: In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons
By: Mary Jane Miller
CBM Christian Book Reviews
10.0 out of 10.0+ stars
In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons by Mary Jane Miller brings the beauty and majesty of Iconography in an uplifting journey of 24 iconic images of women represented in Christianity and the Bible.
Filled with beautiful photography of her original and exquisite iconographic artwork that blends elegant and historical contextual commentary, these divine images inspire, encourage, and capture the feminist voice in Scripture that is sometimes absent in Church history. They bring intimacy with the divine nature of God and reveal the beauty of humankind. Her book unfolds the purpose and unique place that women have held in the Church throughout the ages.
Divided into 3 categories: Mary Icons, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, & Feminine Voice, she brings to life such women represented in Catholic and religious artwork that paints a picture of ancient history across the landscape of time blending traditional of iconography, therefore preserving these gospel truths from these wonderful paintings.
Mary Jane Miller is a professional artist using traditional egg tempera and a master iconographer. Specializing in this genre of ancient iconography, her book is an amazing journey into contemporary iconography. Each photo has a snapshot of historical and contextual writing that brings the stories and icons to life. She states, “…changing the slant and interpretation of Byzantine style iconography does not threaten the history of Christian thought. Gazing at an icon influences a profound effect on humanity. There is potential in a well written byzantine style icon to open our heart and mind. Contemporary Christians are on an endless journey of watching their consciousness unfold in an effort to find the divine.” Mary Jane Miller knows and has experienced that unfolding, as she tries through this ancient technique to preserve a continuous interpretation of who God might be.
This is an absolute beautiful collection of iconography with a contemporary addition, thoughtfully written as to the impact of women in their time.
This book comes highly recommended for those that understand and admire iconic artwork, and for those also that understand the tradition of this iconic religious artwork. This is also a beautiful coffee table book or a gift for someone special.
Mary Jane Miller’s work is unbelievably touching and beautiful. As with iconography, this is the tradition of symbolism that is deeply meditative and has been prevalent in the Russian Orthodox and Catholic religions for centuries. CBM Christian Book Reviews.
You may purchase In Light of Women: One Woman’s Journey with Icons by Mary Jane Miller at Modern Catholic Iconography. You may also purchase Mary Jane Miller's books at LuLu.
