Michael Goltz Icons
About Michael Goltz
Michael Goltz has been drawing and painting ever since he was a small child. Being self-taught with art he has taken very few formal art lessons. When he began high school, Michael’s parents were so impressed with his artistic skills they allowed him to paint murals on the walls of his room and by the time he graduated the walls were completely covered. Michael earned a BA from the University of Toledo in European History. In several Russian history classes at Toledo Michael was first introduced to Orthodox Christianity and the iconography of St. Andrei Rublev. He then went on to study at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa.
At St. Vincent’s Michael was introduced to Peter Pearson with whom he studied icon painting for the year he was in seminary. After leaving seminary Michael was introduced to Dennis Bell who, along with Fr. Basil Stoyka, taught Michael much of what is now the basis of his Orthodox faith. In studying with Dennis and Fr. Basil Michael was so moved by the spirituality and liturgy of the Orthodox Church that he converted to Orthodoxy on Lazarus Saturday 1999. He studied with Peter Pearson for an additional two and a half years before moving to Ohio in June 2001. Working with Peter helped Michael fine tune his artistic skill. It was through Peter’s encouragement and instruction that Michael developed his style of iconography. Peter’s influence on Michael also taught him to use colors to quietly and effectively communicate the message of the icon to the viewer.
In every aspect of his work Michael seeks to combine artistic skill with sound Orthodox teaching. Michael firmly believes icons are a “dynamic letter of love between God and Man”, a physical means which allows us to gaze into the invisible, spiritual reality, and tell us of God's ever present love for man. He takes seriously the role of the iconographer in relating the message of the Gospel to the faithful, while at the same time understanding that iconographers are artists and must be able to use their artistic skills in relating this message. He attributes his deep love of Orthodoxy and Iconography to his many teachers. Michael paints in a classical Russian style.
Michael has painted dozens of icons for private individuals and was exhibited at the 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 biannual Icon Festivals held by the Brotherhood of Orthodox Clergy of Greater Pittsburgh. He also exhibited at the 2003 and 2004 Orthodox Cultural Event held by the Inter-Orthodox Council of Greater Cleveland. He had an essay on the meaning of icons published in “Word” magazine in December 2000 and another essay on “Why Orthodox Churches are full of icons” in January 2006. He has most recently composed a third essay addressing the idea that icons are “Dynamic Letters of Love Between God and Man” as well as short photographic essay detailing the process of writing an icon. His icons have appeared in “WORD” magazine and on it’s cover, as well as in a textbook and most recently on the cover of a book of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers of the Church. He has taught a class on the meaning of iconography at a local college and given many presentations on iconography to church groups of all ages. Michael enjoys the ability to speak to groups about iconography and to share his understanding and enthusiasm for this sacred art form with other people. In addition to iconography Michael also enjoys woodturning, photography and has 3 English Toy Spaniels. Michael is a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport, PA.