Let me introduce myself!

            My name is Tineke (Katja). It's a long story explaining how "my" way to Russia got about. Approximately 16 years ago, I started Icon painting. Why? On my first visit to Paris 32 years ago we went to the Louvre. There in the Louvre I saw Icons for the first time in my life! Scenes of Christ, the mother of God and Saints, painted on wood with lovely warm colours… it hit me. I was shocked. What is it? I hardly dared to look and walked away. Then returned to have a closer look. I was a little upset but did not know why. It seemed to me that these Icons came from another world. A couple of years later I read in a magazine that Icons are still being made today. It was not some old forgotten art after all. Usually I tend to remember this kind of thing. And I did when speaking to somebody years later. This person told me that there was a woman in The Hague who painted Icons. Her name was Lydia Duif. Her mother was Russian and lived in St Petersburg. Lydia was almost 80 years old when I first met her. She taught me a lot: painting, stories about Russia, her family. I met George Morozov, her teacher in Paris. She was a very special woman.

The first time I visited her was like a test; like being 'on approval'. She asked whether I could paint. I had to say no. She asked me whether I knew the Bible? I had to say no again. Ok she said, if you promise to learn or at least try, then I will help you. You can not draw nor paint, God willing, he'll help you. This is how I started my apprenticeship with Lydia. And she taught me! The first lesson was a visit to a Russian Orthodox church. In order to be able to occupy oneself with Icons and Icon painting, one needs to understand what they are about she said. This was also the first time I met Russian people. Elderly Russians who left Russia long ago. This was the start and I could not fathom what would happen from there.

1987 I travelled to Russia for the first time. It was a Icon study trip, a voyage to churches, monasteries and artists work places. Having lived in Russia themselves, the two tour guides really made us see and feel Russia. It was a very special experience. This is when Russia captured my heart.After a few more trips, I developed my desire to be trained by the real Russian Icon painters. Lydia had grown very old and unfortunately was not capable to teach me their techniques. I had to find my own way, also spiritually. That was a lesson well learned: growth is most important. It is something that can not be bought. It needs patience and sometimes tough lessons.

It was in Kostroma where I got my first lessons: I was allowed to watch and ask questions. I learned a lot about hospitality, love and friendship. Just like that! Is this possible in Western Europe? I asked what I could possibly do in return. Something for the children? I asked whether I could visit a children's hospital or a children's home so that I could see for myself what the situation is like. Afterwards I decided to try to support those children. In 1993 I started my "humanitarian" work by taking 150 note pads. Through the years the work has increased and nowadays it has become difficult to find the balance. Especially since Icon painting has become very important to me. A lot has happened because of all my trips to Russia. My awareness was raised slowly. Icon painting is nothing compared to a hobby as a lot of people think, it is Growing.

There are still a lot of people who see Icon painting as just something nice to do to, to spend some time. But to worship and pray is not a hobby, nor a pastime. To me it is a good and extensive learning experience, through which I have learned a lot. Among other things, that I am able to, and should draw the consequences of what I have learned. It is not good only to take from the wealth that has been given. As a result I was baptised to the Russian Orthodox religion. It signified the beginning of a new life. Everything became clear. New insights entered my world . I have learned a lot about Icon painting in St Petersburg and the more I learn, the more I know and not know. The bigger the realisation how small I am as a human on this world and within Icon painting. A small but happy human nevertheless!

I am glad that I can tell my story to you. I am glad that I can tell about our Russian children: children of the future in dire need of our help, who live in homes away from their family, who are ill and need food and medication. All my Russian friends, my Russian family look after me and we can all look after them too. Especially the children need somebody looking after them.

If you would like to know more please feel free to contact me. I would be very happy to tell you about my experiences and journeys. I am always planning my next trip as soon as I have the necessary funds and medication.