I have been meaning to write about these iconography classes ever since I met the artist last year at the PULSE Alternative Gift Market. There was also a recent gallery display of incredible iconography during the last First Fridays on Penn avenue. Artisan hosted a show of works by the Russian Icon painter Simeon Larivonovoff. I’ve included a short documentary about Simeon Larivonovoff below. I really enjoyed seeing these icons and reading more about the process. Even if you don’t have an oOrthodox background, it is fascinating to see the time and effort that goes into creating these works of art.
Today seems like a most appropriate day to post about iconography. Merry Christmas to everyone who is celebrating Orthodox Christmas today. I will be spending this weekend making and eating pierogi with my father and his cousins who all grew up celebrating Orthodox Christmas.
Pittsburgh Iconography Classes with Immanuel Icons
The spring session for the Immanuel Icons class starts in February in Highland Park. Details and registration information is available online here.
Saturday Spring Iconography Class: approximately every other Saturday morning for 8 sessions, 9:30-12:30, $200
February 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 25, May 2, 16, and 30
Students will work on a simple bust of a saint or angel. To prepare their own board and drawing for the saint of their choice, they may take the two Fall Workshops listed below (optional). Otherwise, a choice of two saints will be presented on the first day of class and students will use the teacher’s drawing and a purchased board. $75 materials fee, for first-time students.
If you are interested – Immanuel Icons will be offering a summer iconography intensive from August 3-9, 2015.
Classes are taught by Randi Maria Sider-Rose who has been writing icons for over 15 years and has studied iconography around the globe.
You can follow Immanuel Icons on Facebook here.
Read more about local Pittsburgh iconography in this Post-Gazette article – Orthodox icons are seen as ‘theology in color’ (April 4, 2010)
Documentary: The Russian Icon Painter
Pittsburgh filmmaker Julie Sokolow made this documentary about Simeon Larivonovoff, this film was a finalist for the Life In A Day documentary film project.