Biography

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, iconographer Irene Pérez has lived in Austin, Texas for four decades. She received a BFA in Studio Art from The University of Texas at Austin in 1989, completed the Antiochian House of Studies St. Stephen's Certificate Program in 2014 and received an MA in Applied Orthodox Theology with a specialisation in Iconology from Balamand University in 2016. Most recently she received an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Spiritual Integration in 2021 from the Seminary of the Southwest.

Prior to her work in iconography, Ms. Pérez' art combined spiritual symbols from Eastern and Western spiritual traditions as a way to express the struggles and the ultimate goal of embarking on a spiritual path. It was this desire to bring together these two important areas of interest and exploration in her life, spirituality and art, that led Ms. Pérez to study iconography in 1996. She sought out the practice of icon writing/painting, not just as an artistic or technical endeavour, but as a spiritual practice. This practice along with a deeply transformational spiritual experience after the devastating loss of her first pregnancy led Ms. Pérez to intensive reading of Orthodox Christian theology and to dedicate herself exclusively to the practice of iconography. In the year 2000, Ms. Pérez, and her now late husband, converted to Orthodox Christianity. For Ms. Pérez the practice of iconography became a form of contemplation, meditation, and prayer, which in a practical way extends beyond the studio to every aspect of the iconographer's life.

Iconography is in essence a liturgical art form, which if done as a spiritual practice can lead to a liturgical way of life. Ms. Pérez received a blessing to write/paint icons for the Church from His Eminence Bishop Basil, Metropolitan of Wichita, KS in 2001. She currently attends Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, Texas for which she has written/painted the icons in the Narthex of the church and donated several feast day icons.

Ms. Pérez' interest in iconography and egg-tempera technique also sparked an interest in manuscript and miniature illumination. She has taken several classes in these disciplines and has completed several commissions of illuminated miniatures on vellum. In addition, she has collaborated with her artist friend, Maga Paoli who specialises in silver repoussé technique, and together they have taught workshops combining iconography and silver repoussé work while also learning from each other.  

Ms. Pérez has taught iconography workshops in the USA, UK, Italy, and Mexico. She has exhibited her icons in the USA, and the UK, and has painted icons for Churches and individuals in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Ms. Pérez continues to paint icons for private and church commissions, teach iconography workshops, and host weekly open studio hours for her students. She continues to live and work in Austin, Texas. 

Selected Icon Exhibitions

1. April 6^th - July 31^th, 2017 - Catholic Archdiocese of Austin. A bi-yearly group exhibit of sacred art including painting, sculpture, drawing, iconography, and mixed media pieces. 
2. November 9^th - 30^th, 2009 - Divine Dimensions, curated by Ann Welch. A group exhibit of international iconographers. Project: to write icons for a temporary iconostasis at St. John's Church in Oare, UK. Sponsored by HRH Prince Charles.
3. November 2002 - Iconography Exhibit of students of iconographer Vladislav Andrejev, Georgetown Gallery, Washington, D.C.  
4. November 16^th - December 16^th, 2001 - Emmaus Catholic Church, Austin, Texas. Show: "The Art of Worship." A group exhibit sponsored by Art on 5th Street Gallery, Austin, Texas.
5. April 14^th - May 30^th, 2000 - South Fellowship Church, Littleton, Colorado. Show: "Exploring the Icon Image...the Sacred Image." A juried exhibit sponsored by the Christian Fine Arts Association of Denver, Colorado. Juror: Madeleine Dodge. "Holy Family" icon was awarded 2nd place prize.
6. January 28^th, 2000 - St. Austin Church, Austin, Texas. Show: The Icon Show." A group exhibit of 17 iconographers from the United States. Featuring icon writing demonstrations by Irene Pérez and Bill Quick.
7. January 17^th - February 20^th, 1999 - Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, New York, New York. Show: The Written Image." A group exhibition of the iconography of the Prosopon School and its founder Vladislav Andrejev.

Website: https://iconarts.com
Contact: irene@iconarts.com