Popular Australian iconographer Michael Galovic says he is full of gratitude for a career spanning half a century which has included artistic opportunities beyond his expectations.
“It is incredibly rare and unique to be able to live solely on religious art without needing to rely on any other income,” he said.
This year the central coast-based artist celebrates a triple jubilee—30 years working in Australia, 50 years of icon painting and his 70th birthday which comes up in November.
“The years have crept up on me and I can’t believe those figures looking at them in black and white because I feel full of beans,” Michael laughs.
“I’m feeling very fulfilled and very grateful to have had the opportunity to work in more than 100 churches and organisations in Australia.”
Twenty years ago Michael was able to stop teaching icon painting at evening colleges and art schools in Sydney and workshops around the country and overseas, but he still keeps in touch with some of his former students.
Next weekend he will celebrate his special jubilee with a unique exhibition of his icons and other sacred art at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Ambrose St, Hunters Hill from 3pm-7pm on Sunday 11 August and 10am-4pm Monday 12 August.
Tickets cost $20 at the door and Michael will be present both days to chat to visitors.
While he is known primarily as an icon painter the exhibition will include a variety of styles including Renaissance-style works and contemporary pieces including pieces from Michael’s Uluru series and contemporary Crucifixion pieces. Some have never been exhibited in Sydney.
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