Judith James Icons
Judith James is a contemporary iconographer whose work is rooted in the rich traditions of Byzantine and Orthodox icon painting while reflecting a deeply personal creative journey. Born in Norwich and later pursuing a fine art degree after a career in nursing, she dedicated herself to the study and practice of sacred art, training in both England and Italy and working with internationally respected teachers in traditional techniques. Her icons are created using time-honoured methods such as gilding and egg tempera, and are shaped by years of study, travel, and spiritual reflection.
This website offers an introduction to her life, influences, and artistic practice, along with a gallery of her work. Visitors can explore a collection of hand-painted icons and monochrome pieces that draw on historic iconographic styles while remaining attentive to the contemplative and devotional purpose of sacred imagery. Through her commissions and ongoing practice, Judith James continues to create icons intended not simply as artworks, but as aids to prayer and quiet reflection.
Biography
Judith James, born in Norwich in 1947, was educated at Cardiff and Sheffield. She had a successful career as a Nurse whilst bringing up a family of 5 children. Upon retirement at aged 55, she concentrated on pursuing her creative passion, gaining a fine art degree at Newcastle University in 2007.
After some years painting, she was particularly inspired whilst living in Italy and began producing religious work on terracotta tiles. This led on to studies in both England and Italy in icon painting techniques of various styles working under prominent Russian, American, Italian and English teachers.
After several years and single artist exhibitions in Norfolk and Tuscany, she was accepted on to the Princes Trust Icon Painting Certificate 3 year course commencing in October 2019. This finished in November 2022 with an exhibition at the Prince’s Foundation Chapel in London. She benefitted greatly from this course, improving her skills and finish quality in board making, gilding, drawing and painting in egg tempera in the Byzantine icon style. The course provided the environment to share and benefit from experience with other students from differing countries. Her work and latest commissions reflect these factors and influences.
Judith James with some of her icons.
Iconographer and Aylsham parishioner Judith James is set to hold an exhibition of her work in St Peter’s Church in Corpusty, in North Norfolk, this summer.
The Diocese of East Anglia – read full article here
Aylsham artist creates icons as an aid to prayer
Network Norwich – read full article here
