The icon has connectivity to our lives; they represent what we believe. The icon speaks to us, preaches to us in its depiction, teaches us, illumines us and assists us to imitate the Saints and God.
If conservative means that the Eastern Orthodox Church has adhered to the original teachings, practices, and Holy Traditions of Christ and the Apostles without addition, subtraction, or alteration of that faith, from the beginning of Christianity for 2000 years, then yes the Eastern Orthodox Church is a conservative Church.