metroair photo
rob's bday logo
foundation of france
purpose & progress
retro design
surprise
seven for stephen
frederica's alphabet
alien capsule
nativity card
death and taxes CD
gowns by g business card
minnemingo review
father factor
memorial card
buttons
about the women with icons project
DESCRIPTION
An ongoing documentary photography series of Eastern Orthodox women with the icon of their patron saint.
INCEPTION
This project began in May 2004, when I first photographed my mother-in-law Frederica Mathewes-Green holding the icon of her patron saint for a book she had just completed on icons. The thought occurred to me that my sister-in-law might like a photo of herself with her patron saint, so I photographed her as well. Soon, I ended up asking members of my parish, as well as complete strangers, to pose for me, and the project has blossomed from there.
Women With Icons has since been exhibited in a number of public spaces in the greater Baltimore area, and published in The Handmaiden, CityPaper, and more.
PARTICIPATION
Women With Icons is an ongoing, global project, meaning that any Orthodox woman can participate at any time.
My long-term goal with this project is to photograph as many women and their icons as is possible in my lifetime. My short-term goal is to photograph 50 women and record their stories, so as to submit book proposals to various publishers.
If you, your parish, or someone you know would like to participate, do not hesistate to contact me at jmathewes [at] gmail [dot] com. I am willing and able to travel.
My overall aim with this project is to spread the word about the beauty of this religious faith, its art, and the rich history of the women who participate in it, past and present.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Though the Eastern Orthodox church is very traditional in its beliefs, it has a long history of recognizing the contributions that women make to society and to their faith. Through the recorded lives of the saints, individual believers can learn about the plethora of female saints commemorated in Orthodoxy, many of whom are depicted in icons--paintings--that line the walls of Orthodox churches.
Upon joining the Orthodox church, individual believers make a connection with the saints by taking on a saint’s name. This saint becomes their patron saint, protecting them and interceding for them before the throne of God.
Modern Orthodox women, therefore, have an automatic and deep connection to the women of the past. Women With Icons investigates this shared heritage and history. My goal with this project is quite simple: to photograph Orthodox women of all ages and backgrounds with an icon of their patron saint. I hope to do so in a compelling way, bringing insight into their personalities and revealing the impact that Orthodoxy has on their lives.
Capturing the essence of a person in a single image is a difficult task, and one that takes considerable time and effort. I have yet to master it.
