Articles and Videos

Working with wood to make a panel remains something I love about making traditional orthodox icons. Maybe it’s the smell of the cut wood, which always takes me back to my Grandfather’s woodshop where we built things together when I was a child. Or, maybe it’s the fact that there’s always something more to learn … Read more

In this introductory iconography class, Symeon will teach 12 participants over 4 months to make an Orthodox icon using traditional methods and materials. The Level 1 class provides the experience of making an icon by copying one of Christ the Pantocrator created by Symeon for this purpose. Such work from a prototype makes room for new students … Read more

It seems to me that all blues are the colour of the air—and this is certainly the case for woad blue. As the fall season comes to Canada, the hazy sky of summer clears and becomes a blue as deep as eternity offset by the flaming yellows and reds of the trees’ autumn leaves. It … Read more

Yesterday an article of mine appeared in the Orthodox Arts Journal entitled, “Local Color in Icons”. The piece is a reflection of how living in Conestoga for the last 15 years has shaped my iconographic work, and is ultimately about how much I’ve found that the material world (especially its local colour pigments) can inspire sacred artwork. As … Read more

Saint Andrew was one of the twelve disciples who followed Christ during his ministry. He also proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God after his death as an apostle. He first encounters Christ as a follower of Saint John the Baptist. But, after hearing Saint John’s words about Christ, he believes and leaves … Read more

Finding inspiration in something local is a big part of the studio’s work. While it is most obvious in the pigment colours foraged and used to make paint for its icons, it exists in other ways, too. Today that search for local sources took my son and I out into the woods to harvest a … Read more

Friday, February 24th, 2017 at 7:30 pm Great Hall at Conrad Grebel University College All are welcome for this public talk. Over the years, I’ve worked through a number of ways of sharing about the traditional practices of iconography. In this talk, we’ll weave together the theologic, historic, stylistic, and material considerations that all combine … Read more

Saint David is the Old Testament king and prophet who did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. His remarkable life is full of great accomplishments and promise. He slays Goliath the giant in battle. Although from humble origins, he is anointed King of Israel by Samuel the Prophet. But, he’s not perfect, … Read more

The icon of Christ the King of Glory offers an unique prototype within the iconographic tradition. It’s the image of Christ laid in the tomb, or to put it more bluntly, the icon of Christ’s dead body. This offers an unique challenge to the iconographer, as the eyes are painted closed. In all other cases … Read more