Jacobs Ladder Painting

Maria Pavelko Born in 1984, Mykolaiv. Lives and works in Kyiv, Ukraine. Studied at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. Founder of the Icon Painting Studio "Heaven on Earth" was in 2004 in Mykolaiv city, Ukraine. Since then she has been working with her husband and like-minded friends in the studio. The region lacked religious and iconographic traditions. Thus, the artists had to revive them. They believe the iconography is not just an artistic skill but a spiritual feat. This is the reason why not every artist can become an icon painter. There are currently 4 talented and unique icon painters in the studio: Sergiy Pavelko, Natalia Soboleva, Mariya Pavelko, Kateryna Tsyrulik. In 2017, the Icon Painting Studio "Heaven on Earth" moved to Kyiv. Throughout all years of operating the Studio has gained credibility and respect among believers and art professionals. The head of the sacral art department of the Lviv National Academy of Arts Professor Roman Vasylyk has evaluated the Studio as an oasis of flourishing iconography in Ukraine. The icon painters at the Studio create their masterpieces using ancient iconographers’ techniques. They use only natural materials such as the boards made of linden or alder, special canvas which are glued to the board as a base for painting. In addition, there are typically 4 to 15 layers of gesso coat (chalk and isinglass). It’s an icon grounding which was used in the old iconography. Furthermore, the artists only work with previously handcrafted paints made of natural minerals and egg emulsion. Traditional iconography is a very expensive and intensive process. For example, paints are mostly made of Brazilian rock crystal, African malachite or rare Ukrainian minerals kerchenit and black tourmaline. Most of the icons are covered with high-quality gold or silver layer, which is thinner than a human hair. Even hooks for the icons are made by hand. The cost of such icons is very high. However, contemporary iconography is very popular in Europe and the USA. While Ukrainian collectors still tend to collect antique icons. The masterpieces of Mykolaiv artists are spread up all around the world. Most of the Studio customers are from Russia, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, and even the Emirates. The Studio is an active Ukrainian and international exhibitions participant. Some of them are listed below.