Beginning with lines: Straight

The first depiction of the Trinity/Visitors to Abraham story was thought to be carved out of a cylindrical stone. It included three figures and a small amount of background. And while I'm sure the sculptor(s) were much more talented than I, it had no lines to be painted. And lines are hard. 

At this early stage, lines are added on top of the 2nd layer of Roskrish. The icon I chose has LOTS of lines. So these updates will come in segments. Because lines are HARD. I practiced a lot and still wasn't particularly wonderful.

 Did I mention lines are hard? Don't make fun.

 I thought I'd also talk about the differences in lines. Today-- straight lines. I did some curved lines, but for the most, this first section was straight.

"A straight line represents the straight motion of our mind, and in practicing it we prepare our will to act in the simple straight way, the way of Truth." (Prosopon School)

This truth, we know as the love of God, His unending story of love to His people. The truth, we know, is that Christ came to earth, fully God and fully man, to trample down "death by death".

This phrase is one my favorite from the Eastern Orthodox liturgy. The whole proclamation is...

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death;
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

Because the unending story continues with the living, breathing, restored relationship, just as is shown in this icon. Today, let the lines give a little more distinction to the hope and truth we have in Christ!