What is an Iconostar?
The idea of what an Iconostar is started out by the artist Elizabeth Laul Healey asking herself, "What would my alter ego look like if it could come to life? What characteristics would it have, and what would it stand for?"
STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, BADASS
Iconostars carry with them characteristics Elizabeth adores in others, but feels she lacks in herself. Iconostars represent strong, beautiful, badass women. They are self-confident regardless of their lumps and their bumps, their size, or the color of their eyes, their backgrounds, etc. They are impervious to the insults others have thrown at them. They are filled with love for others, and more importantly, love for themselves.
Iconostars feature the artist's signature "Circles of Life" motif. They represent loved ones, animals, and our precious Mother Earth. Each circle is unique and has its own backstory. All Iconostars have one thing in common, they each have clear eyes so that any person who looks at them can have the ability to see themselves through their eyes.
The Iconostar sculptures are made from a variety of materials, including glass tile, stones and crystals, watches, drawer handles, seashells, miscellaneous found objects, and love. Their bases are made from foam, PVC pipes filled with sand, rebar, wood, glue, grout and more.
Meet the Iconostars
Sugar
Sugar is a modern-day iconoclast. She's semi-irreverent, she's a rebel and a star. She stands for equality and she's full of self-confidence. Her message is to spread love to all regardless of financial background, sexual and gender identity, color, body shape or size, etc. She cherishes those who are living and also those in the spirit world.
Sugar was the first full-sized Iconostar that Elizabeth made, and she's built with the artist's "Circle of Life" motif. The "Circle of Life" series started back in 2003 when the artist's daughter was born and her mother was simultaneously dying of breast cancer. The circles began as a series of paintings but have now found their way into many of the artist's sculptures as well. She was named "Sugar" for a variety of reasons. First, is her obvious white glistening glass tiles. However, the word "sugar" itself has many meanings: it is something sweet, it can be used as a term of endearment or as an epithet, and it is also something that we crave.
Sugar stands approximately eight feet four inches tall.
Athena
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, and of course the arts! Athena the Iconostar's message is not only to "Dream Big", but to have self-confidence regardless of your size, color, flaws, or imperfections.
Athena also implores others to love more and fear less, to have the courage to be yourself, and to remember to always spread love and positive energy. The large 11:11 written on Athena's leg is a universal time and sign of bringing peace to the world each day.
Athena stands approximately nine feet tall.
Venus
Venus is referred to as the goddess of love, sex, beauty, erotic desire, fertility, victory, and prosperity. Many believe Venus is the perfect woman. Venus the Iconostar however, stands for divine imperfection, and she believes each woman is perfect just the way she is.
She is made from thousands of mirrors so that every person can see themselves through her. She is not afraid to show her flaws because showing our vulnerabilities is the best way to make a human connection. The "Circles of Life" on Venus, and all Iconostars represent love and community.
Venus stands nearly eight and a half feet tall.
Fire Goddess
Fire Goddess represents strong, fierce women. She is not simply one-dimensional. The armatures on all of the Iconostars' heads are a mixture of antlers and wings for strength, courage and flight. Fire Goddess also has flames.
The term "hot head" or "strong woman" usually carries negative connotations, but in her case, her fierceness is her armor.
Fire Goddess refuses to apologize for being a strong, confident woman. She refuses to succumb to age- ism. Whether people call her "young and dumb" or she's having a "hot flash", Fire Goddess is impervi- ous to the uneducated insults that fly her way--her motto is "Kill 'em with kindness."
All double and triple entendres, and puns, are of course, intentional.
Gloria
Gloria is a feminine name meaning immortal glory, fame, praise, and honor. This sculpture was named and crafted in honor of Elizabeth's late aunt Gloria. Aunt Gloria was small but mighty, hence the smaller size compared to the rest of the Iconostars. The artist's aunt was an activist for women's rights and loved animals.
Many of the "Circles of Life' on this Iconostar were made with the help of close friends and family members of aunt Gloria. For instance, the clear vintage door handle put directly on her chest area, was made by Gloria's sister, in reference to "the door to her heart". Gloria's favorite artist was Frida Kahlo and her favorite color was naturally purple.
This sculpture was made with extra love and carries the aura of joy. Aunt Gloria was a spiritual person, so don't be surprised if her Iconostar communicates with you while you are in her presence.
The Iconostar is close to five feet tall. With her winged antlers, she is closer to six feet tall
Paloma
Standing more than nine feet tall, Paloma is a celebration of peace, hope, and the boundless power of imagination. Derived from the Spanish word for "dove," Paloma has long symbolized peace, purity, harmony, and the gentle resilience of the human spirit.
Adorned with reflective mirrors, precious gemstones, and thoughtfully curated found objects, the sculpture transforms throughout the day as changing light creates ever-evolving colors, textures, and reflections. Each element invites viewers to pause, see themselves within the work, and recognize the beauty and light they bring into the world.
Inscribed across Paloma's back is the word "Imagine," meticulously crafted in stone and tile mosaic. It serves as both an invitation and a reminder that every meaningful journey begins with a single idea. Imagination has the power to inspire hope, spark creativity, and shape a more compassionate future.
Like the dove itself, Paloma embodies quiet strength and creative freedom. She stands as a beacon of optimism, encouraging all who encounter her to dream boldly, embrace peace, and imagine what is possible.
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Elizabeth has authored and co-authored several books.
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Elizabeth Laul Healey has been featured in numerous publications, from magazines and books to online media and TV