GUILD MEMBERS
Chris Curry
While in high school, the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa inspired me to learn about the spirituality and beauty of icons. I continued my journey in the 90’s and 2000’s studying the art of Iconography while living in Moscow for five years. Upon my return, I worked on my own until joining the Guild in 2019. My hope is to master different mediums and techniques and to develop a style that reflects both Eastern Christianity and my own Catholic tradition. In this, I can rely on the instruction, guidance and prayerful support of the iconographers in the Guild.
Jennifer Tellis
I began my iconography journey in 2017 at the invitation of my fellow Carmelites. It has been a grace and blessing in my life to explore this prayerful art form with such beautiful, faithful souls who love Our Lord and His Church. Veronica Royal is an excellent teacher, and her workshops have taught me so much, in such a short time. I look forward to continuing this prayerful journey with the guild.
Lisa Gastrell
Learning to paint Holy Icons has been one of life’s unexpected joys. The prayerful and meditative practice of icon writing has personally strengthened my inner soul and enriched my relationship with Christ. The opportunity to paint sacred images, once venerated in the past, now revealed again to shine anew onto a contemporary audience, is a gift from God.
Gemma Allen
I began my icon writing journey in the year 2015 after seeing the iconography of the Seven Sorrows of Blessed Virgin Mary, which was written by Ms. Veronica Royal. This inspired me to write. Writing icons helps me to meditate on the image I am working with. I am right there in the presence of the Lord and every line or stroke I make is my prayer. Looking and writing sacred images helps me to venerate or worship deep within the heart of my soul.
I hightly recommend Ms. Veronica Royal if you are thinking about studying to become an iconographer. We have a workshop on Saturday mornings. She is a great teacher and instructor. I already learned so much in the nearly four years I have been with her. I enjoy every minute of Saturday workshops. Icon writing is my weekend retreatㅡit calms my soul and brings me closer to God.
Ann Schierer
I have been fascinated and interested in icons after first seeing them at the Ukrainian National Shrine in Washington, DC. Since learning to paint icons under the tutelage of Veronica Royal, I have discovered a beautiful and inspirational way to pray and grow closer to Jesus, His Blessed Mother, and the Saints. I give thanks to God for this incredible journey.
Mary Myers
What a gift this guild has been — I encourage anyone who is interested in iconography to join us! Veronica is an excellent teacher: she is enthusiastic, patient and full of encouragement. Writing an icon is a spiritual journey and it’s a joy to have companions along the way. I love this guild and am very thankful to be a part of it!
Jackie Dettling
Joining Veronica’s iconography guild has been a great blessing in my life. Iconography has allowed me to combine my love of prayer with my interest in art and art history. Veronica is patient, talented, prayerful, encouraging, and full of enthusiasm. Her guidance has allowed me, with much help, to complete beautiful icons of the Theotokas and St. Michael. Thank you, Veronica!
Ann Murphy
I've had a passion for art from a young age, and considered pursuing it professionally. However, I went down a different path and did not make much time for art over the past decades. In late 2020, I took an iconography workshop led by Veronica Royal and loved it! Icon writing combines my love of art with my desire to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, His Blessed Mother and the saints. I enjoy honing my techniques with this guild and learning about the subjects of the icons I am writing. Every new icon is a new adventure.