The Unusual Glass-Bead Icons of Angelika Artemenko

Icon by Angelika Artemenko

I have just learned of a most unusual iconographer from Ukraine whose medium is primarily glass beads. Her name is Angelika Artemenko, 26 years old. Despite her unconventional technique, she works with great care and piety, emphasizing the blessing of her bishop in all she does. Ms. Artemenko begins by painting the hands and faces on canvas.…

Continue reading »

Designing a Syrian Orthodox Panagia

I was recently asked by a young student of St-Vladimir’s Seminary to make a Panagia which he wanted to give to his bishop.  This student is of Indian background and a Syrian Orthodox.  I have always been fascinated by Orthodoxy in India,  the stories of St-Thomas, the link with Nestorian Christianity and also their long…

Continue reading »

Medieval Art from Catalonia

The utmost french speaking resource website for Orthodoxy, www.orthodoxie.com, has a very beautiful Flickr stream of the National Museum of Catalonia.  It is an amazing showcase of Western icons, liturgical objects, frescoes and furniture from the Early Middle Ages. When looking at the images, what strikes me the most is the boldness in color bringing about a…

Continue reading »

Branislav Đerković : Surgical Miniature

  A few weeks ago, I introduced you to a Serbian miniaturist named George Bilak.  Here is yet another Serbian miniaturist who has recently grabbed my attention.  His name is Branislav Derkovic and he lives in Northern Kosovo, in a town called Leposavić. What struck me most of his carvings is the astounding perfection in detail, the…

Continue reading »

Rescuing the Art of Ecclesial Embroidery

Editor’s Note: Our readers may remember the piece we published previewing the Hexaemeron Inc. workshop on ecclesial embroidery. This piece is a follow-up, now that the course has been completed.   “And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of…

Continue reading »

The Carved Miniatures of George Bilak

George Bilak is a Serbian carver who now lives in the United States.  He carves miniature icons, pectoral crosses, blessing crosses and eggs that will take your breath away.  I can say without hesitating that he has been one of the biggest influences in how I carve miniatures.  My very first miniature commission, of which…

Continue reading »

Wooden Vessels

Recently I had the chance of making a wooden chalice and diskos set for a priest.  It was quite an interesting undertaking as it required a woodturner, a silversmith and myself to bring the whole thing together.   Interestingly enough, the order for this set came as I was working on another wooden chalice, making stone roundels…

Continue reading »