Sandra Koukou has been the Assistant Archivist in the Diocese since April of 2014. She is a mother and grandmother and a late bloomer in the art of painting with oils. She is also a co-author, with her late father, of THE BOOK: A Humble Quest Into The Hebrew Scriptures.
I asked her about the painting she recently completed of Bishop Mary. The painting hangs in the Synod Office above the reception desk.
How did the idea of a painting a portrait of Bishop Mary emerge?
Bishop Mary has forever struck me as ‘the hands-on Bishop!’ It seemed timely to honour her along with previous bishops of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
As assistant archivist—and Sunday painter —I wanted to add to the existing collection of portraits, the first of which is the Right Reverend Francis Fulford, who was installed first bishop of this diocese in 1850.
Buoyed by a comment from a prominent member of my own congregation about the portrait I painted of Naïm Kattan (O.C., O.Q., Arts et lettres de la France) that my painting resembled the subject even more than the photo from which the work was drawn, I ventured to approach the bishop.
How did she react when you approached her?
Originally, she was reluctant. While chatting over lunch pre-pandemic, I asked if she wanted a portrait done of her and she showed no interest in the idea. Then, when I pulled out a picture of the one I had done for Mr. Kattan she called me a Rembrandt. Of course, I was delighted by her compliment! Eventually, when I approached her again she agreed.
I’m sure she was too busy to sit for you. How were you able to capture her likeness?
I picked a photo which Janet Best had taken in the cathedral. The face was a big challenge since the lighting wasn’t ideal for what I had in mind.
Finally, when the Church Home closed and the photographed portraits of the bishops of Montreal came to their final home at the diocese, I found the perfect picture to work from.
And, as fate would have it, I soon found that working from home during the pandemic was the only way this ambitious project could be completed alongside my full time day job.
What did you intend to portray in this portrait?
In essence, it was intended to tell a story…that of a leader placed in the difficult position to navigate the uncertainties faced by all of us, since March of 2020, when the pandemic gripped the world.
Her kindness has manifested not only as a superior, but also as a mentor, through many practical tips offered through the years; her helpful ideas and advice have in turn, enhanced my own craft as assistant archivist of the Diocese.
The oil on canvas portrait of Bishop Mary Catherine Irwin-Gibson is my way of thanking the Diocese and our wonderful colleagues at the Synod office for their warm embrace since joining the team in 2014.
How did she react to the finished piece?
It was gratifying to receive her reaction, insisting that it is truly a “work of love.” I am also grateful that this portrait allowed me to push my limits in the art of portraiture.
