Most Religious Stores Can't Match Art of the Icon's Process

Why has Art of the Icon remained a trusted source for orthodox christian icons for so long, even as the market has grown crowded with cheaper competitors? Much of it comes down to a story that began over 40 years ago, when the Vasarmidis family started painting Icons in Crete with a strict commitment to tradition.

How are these Icons actually made? The process is detailed and unhurried by design, resisting the urge to speed things up even when demand is high. Hardwood boards are coated eight times with Gesso glue, with each layer drying fully before the next is added, then sanded and prepared for a line drawing on burlap canvas. Gilding follows using pure silver and 24k gold leaf, materials chosen specifically because they hold up over time and reflect the seriousness of the tradition being honored. Only three factories worldwide continue this method, which explains why genuine Icons can be harder to find than expected. Is it worth choosing a traditionally made piece over a cheaper alternative? For most customers, the answer becomes clear the moment they see the difference in weight, texture, and detail up close, a difference that's hard to unnotice afterward once you've seen it firsthand.