About

Hello! My name is Mary Nisan, and I’m a Catholic artist and Iconographer. 

I started getting into drawing and painting at a very early age, mostly from how much I loved religious artwork. I grew up going to a church filled with religious images and photographs of saints all along the walls. The Icons and photographs would help me focus and pray better because I was able to visualise it better in my mind. When I was around 13, almost all of the artwork and photographs from that church were removed for a more modern look, and it devastated me.

I believe that understanding and loving Iconography can make someone see the world with a different perspective. This is because the appreciation for an Icon is not only based on the outside appearance of the artist’s handiwork, but on inner truths that can only be understood if you put in the effort to learn about the theology and History of the Icon. In a way, we can similarly learn about Jesus Christ. Depictions of Christ, torn and bloodied while staring back at the viewer, will make the worldly person uncomfortable and unable to see the beauty. However, the one who has studied theology and understands what His wounds mean will see the beauty in every scar.

My very first project that required Icons was for an Adoration Chapel in my local parish, and it was a whole world of difference in comparison to my other projects. It was learning an entirely new language, process, mental, and spiritual state. It took countless hours of practice and learning the rules of what it means to be a real Iconographer. Learning the theology and impacts of Iconography in a church is something I’ve learned that I needed to communicate to my clients and people coming in contact with my work, because most people are not aware of what an Icon truly is. 

Adorning churches with artwork is such a beautiful mission, and if God wills, it will lead new generations to worship with more fervor and foster a stronger relationship with God.

As for my current projects, I’m working for churches as well as private commissions and making pieces for my gallery, but I also put much value into making Icons of Eastern saints that have yet to have any Icons made in their honor. So please keep my work in your prayers.

I’ve been a self-taught artist until recently, when I completed my bachelor’s in fine arts - emphasis in studio arts and a minor in religious studies. Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries.

God Bless