Iconography Retreats at St Hilda’s Priory, Whitby
Led by Susan Sherwin TOHP
Susan Elizabeth is a contemporary iconographer drawing inspiration for her icons, learning about the lives of the Saints by visiting the places where they lived, thus becoming part of her personal journey and pilgrimage narrative. Susan has a particular interest in the Northern Saints and Celtic Spirituality, living in the North of England, she often writes the icon in the places the Saint lived and includes symbolic elements in the design developed from her pilgrimage sketchbook.
Susan is a Tertiary with the Order of the Holy Paraclete (an Anglican religious community of women based at St Hilda’s Priory, Whitby). She is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) in the Church of England and a UKBHC registered Healthcare Chaplain. Art has always been an integral part of Susan’s faith journey, part of her Rule of Life and an expression of prayer, spirituality and a source of healing for health, wholeness and well-being. Susan’s professional background in nursing and more recently in health care chaplaincy is intertwined with her creative practice, where art, spirituality and health help Susan connect more deeply with her own prayer life whilst offering pastoral and spiritual care to others.
Iconography is rooted in Christian history, grounded in Christ Jesus and all the Saints enabling a deeper understanding of faith and belief. Sharing this with others has become increasingly important and Susan offers iconography retreats, accessible for all with or without any experience in painting.
Susan works with natural, organic materials using traditional techniques and treasures the rich resources from the earth connecting human creativity to creation, the natural world and the mysteries of faith and God’s grace.
