Saint Nicholas - Mirrored in a Monastic settelment

Artist: Mirela Traian

Year: 2010

Type: Secco Painting

Size: 200cmx80cm

Place: Caras, România

Saint Nicholas....Mirrored in a Monastic Settlement...(Secco Painting)

Introduction to the artwork "Saint Nicholas - Mirrored" by Mirela Traian

In the spiritual light of a monastic settlement in the heart of Caras, the artist Mirela Traian has created a work of art that brings to life the essence of tradition and sacredness. Inspired by the Christian tradition and the venerable figure of Saint Nicholas, this impressive work transposes a sacred text onto a vast artistic canvas, expanding from the dimensions of a simple A4 to a magnificent presence that dominates the wall of the monastic establishment's trapeze.

Through the fresco painting technique known as "a secco," Mirela Traian not only captures the beauty of the sacred text but also creates a subtle bridge between tradition and contemporaneity. The a secco painting, an ancient technique of applying pigments directly onto freshly dried plaster, imparts remarkable texture and depth to the work, like an open window to the spiritual world.

The impressive dimensions, measuring 200cm x 80cm, give the artwork a monumental presence, transforming Saint Nicholas into a colossal figure that dominates the surrounding space. In the mirror, the artist chose not only to transpose the image but also the profound meanings of Saint Nicholas, suggesting an inverse connection, a symbolic dialogue between sanctity and the viewer.

This work, created in 2010 in Caras, Romania, under the title "_MG_6480," serves as a bridge between past and present, an exploration into Christian spirituality and authentic artistic beauty. Through this artwork, Mirela Traian offers us not only a remarkable painting but also an invitation to contemplation and introspection in the face of the sacredness transposed onto the monumental canvas of the monastic establishment.

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Introduction to the process of painting a secco Saint Nicholas and mirroring it on a large canvas of 200 by 80 centimeters.

In my creative studio, I had a remarkable and unique experience in the process of creating an artwork inspired by the spirituality of Saint Nicholas. A secco painting, an ancient technique involving the application of pigments on a fresh layer of dry plaster, became the means through which I brought this sacred figure to life on an imposing canvas measuring 200 by 80 centimeters.

Working on such large dimensions was both challenging and gratifying, enhancing the visual impact of the piece. With each stroke of the brush, Saint Nicholas came to life under my hands, acquiring a magnitude and presence that transformed the entire space.

An unexpected and amusing aspect of the artistic process was dealing with the traces of HB pencil left on the prepared painting surface. I was surprised by how subtle and delicate these marks could be and how much care was needed to cover them. Preparing the wall by applying the lime layer was crucial to ensuring a perfectly smooth and receptive surface for the pigments. This step also carried a hint of nostalgia, as each pencil mark, each detail, was like a memory of the initial phase of creation.

The process of mirroring the artwork added an additional layer of complexity and significance. This choice not only multiplied the visual impact of the piece but also brought a symbolic dimension, suggesting a reflection of the spirituality and values represented by Saint Nicholas.

Beyond the technical challenges and the amusing moments of covering pencil marks, this artistic experience was profound and satisfying, transforming a simple canvas into an artwork where tradition and innovation harmoniously intertwine to communicate a powerful and unique spiritual narrative.