In a quiet corner of St Brigid’s Church in Portumna, there now hangs a framed icon depicting the Face of Jesus on a Veil – but despite looking like it comes from the depths of history, it is in fact a brand-new work completed by a Latvian artist who wanted to thank her adopted community in a very special way.

Natalja Smirnova is originally from Riga, the capital of Latvia, and for the past 15 years she has lived in Ireland, working as an artist.

“In my life, as an artist, I have always painted and decorated walls with murals and pictures in restaurants, bars, offices, children’s rooms and kindergartens, private homes, as well as window paintings,” she explains.

Her artistic interests and talented are disparate, but her reasons for creating and donating this beautiful work of art run deep.

“A few years ago, I was interested in papier mâché techniques, I did classes for children on papier mâché and also made figures and even papier mâché custom furniture. As a child I was also interested in clay modelling and took part in exhibitions in Riga,” she says.

Natalja reveals that she came to icon painting after ‘the devastating loss of my child a few years ago’ – and that’s also why she created this work for Portumna.

“When I lost my child, many people from our town came to me with help and support, so I decided to give my community an icon in gratitude, for everyone,” she says.

And it’s also symbolic of her turning to religion as a comfort after her unfathomable loss.

“Since I started studying iconography, it has been a bright time in my life; that’s when I come to God,” she says.

Portumna PP Fr Michael Byrne PP was delighted to receive this gift from Natalja, with the icon – traditionally associated with Christianity in Eastern Europe and Russia – also bridging a cultural gap

“This icon depicts the Face of Jesus on a Veil, bringing us back to the Good Friday passion with Jesus on His way to be crucified and, at one point, Veronica wiping His Face which imprinted on the Veil,” he explains.

“The icon – an expression of faith – is presenting to us the Glorified Face of Jesus and His triumph over His passion and death.”

Natalja explains that she specialises in Byzantine painting tradition.

“After studying at the Icon Painting school, I received my certificate as a master iconographer,” she says.

“My art practice also extends to calligraphy. I received certificates in Gothic Fracture, Church Slavonic alphabet, Glagolitic scripts and ligatures. My expertise in calligraphy is incorporated into my iconography, as all my icons are signed on the reverse side.

“It takes me several months to paint the icon, and I do it with great love. Most of my icons are in my own private collection – but one of my icons of Jesus Christ I gifted to St Brigid’s Church. This icon is made in old traditional techniques.

“In my icons I adhere to the iconographic canons. I used best quality materials, such as wood, 24 carat gold leaf, egg emulsion, finest natural earth and mineral pigments.”

And now her work hangs proudly in St Brigid’s Church – a symbol of different Christna traditions but also an acknowledgement of the support offered by her adopted community to talented artist in her time of need.

Pictured: Fr Michael Byrne PP, Moderator JV, and Natalia Smirnova in front of the framed icon at St Brigid’s Church in Portumna.