GUILD MEMBERS
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.
Megan Carter
I joined this guild at the encouragement of my husband, who has a deep seated admiration of icons. It was not long before I independently gained an appreciation for the beauty of icons and the facilitation to prayer that they provide. Veronica not only guides our hands and eyes, but our souls towards the true pleasure of icon writing. I never imagined having the opportunity to experience such a unique way of conversing with Our Lord and His saints. It is a true blessing to partake in the creation of sacred art and - hopefully - thus, magnify the glory of God on Earth. ...and the guild members are most definitely icing on the cake!
Father Vito Crincoli LC
My journey to iconography began in Rome when studying for my Master's Degree in Spiritual Theology. The reason and moment I felt this gift, I sincerely do not remember, but I can only tell you there was a desire stirring in me to bring the Gospel to "color" in order to open a "door" to Christ through beauty. It is a path that has helped me grow as a Christian and helped me spiritually mature as a Catholic priest.
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.
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!
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.
Linda Lepak
Being raised in a small Ukrainian community within a large Ukrainian family, I was raised in the importance of religion, education, family, and honoring traditions. Our Ukrainian Catholic Church was a big part of life growing up. As a little girl admiring and studying the beautiful iconostasis and numerous religious icons that adorned the church, I would have never imagined I would be learning to write them myself. I am truly blessed and thankful to have found Veronica and the lovely members of the Royal Icon Studio Guild. Under the direction of Veronica, writing icons, while studying the history and symbolism behind them, has been a spiritual gift I am very thankful for.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Ian McCoy
I began my icon writing journey in 2022 after decades of seeing, admiring, and trying to understand iconography. I wanted to deepen my faith through meditation and found the practice of icon writing the logical next step. Since studying under the tutelage of Veronica Royal and contemplating the Holy images this pursuit has evolved my faith and changed my life.
Connie Chaskes
As a Roman Catholic who occasionally attends Divine Liturgy, I have a deep appreciation for praying with icons. While helping my daughter to pursue her interest in writing icons, I met Veronica who invited me to take one of her workshops. This opened up a whole new world. Discovering the joy of icon writing enriched my devotion to the Holy Face and my prayer life in general. It’s fun to share my progress with others. I encourage everyone who has an interest to take a class. Veronica’s a great teacher.