The Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts

Jesus Christ, 12 x 14

Grace Zazzaro

Grace Zazzaro grew up in New York in a large family. Her life has always been divinely guided. Grace has spent years helping others to understand the spiritual side of life. Art, history and theology have always been her focus, leading her to an in-depth study of Byzantine Iconography and Iconology. Grace's education began at The Chicago Art Institute where her studies started with embellishment and design. She has lived in and traveled to England, Ireland, France and Russia to immerse herself in ancient art and history. Grace is a gallery coordinator, fundraiser and paints Icons for churches and private collections. Grace's studio, Athella, is located in her home in Mystic, Connecticut and is a central part of her family life.

Artist Statement

I am inspired by the master to student tradition. Where the art of iconography is handed down from master to student then repeated. Iconography has continued to change throughout the ages because of outside influences and many traditional images from the Byzantine era were lost. I see the repeated images of Christ continue to change because of the evolvement of time, through the hand of the artist depicting them, and other influences.
The language of the religious image and its content are governed by the canon of rubrics set by the early Christian church to preserve the integrity of the images depicted. I continue to replicate in my work the fundamental purpose the early Christian church intended with the union of theology, art, and expressing a traditional ecumenical image.

Contact
           Email: grace@athellaiconography.net
           Site: www.athellaiconography.net