ST LUKE’S WORKSHOP
Our workshop is located in the Abbey of Dombes, near Lyon, France.
In this Cistercian Order abbey the Chemin Neuf community continues its tradition of prayer, spiritual life and theological education. In this beautiful, quiet, prayer-filled abbey, close to nature, the community hosts our work, as well as icon painting and mosaic workshops.
RŪTA POIKĀNE AND KASPARS POIKĀNS
As painters, we have discovered, alongside our classical studies, the fascinating and authentic beauty and profound message of the art of first century Churches. To pass it on in our art is an integral part of our life, a vocation, a way of thinking and being.
We draw inspiration from Christian art of the first centuries as well as western and eastern Christian art of the Middle Ages. Our work is rooted in these traditions, but undeniably it has a contemporary spirit, it is made to speak to our world. We want the gentle flow of the divine presence to be felt through our work.
We are delighted to be the authors of many art projects.
We have created icons, murals, mosaics, enamels and liturgical furniture for churches and chapels.
A special project in which we have partaken is the Unity Chapel for the International Centre “Mary of Nazareth” in the Holy Land. Here, a fresco of the dome and 24 icons have been created. It was a special grace to work in this holy place.
RŪTA POIKĀNE
Painter, mosaicist
Mosaic and other ancient techniques, oil painting. Together with Kaspars Poikāns, established the Atelier de Saint Luc, Where we create icons, frescoes and mosaics at the Abbaye des Dombes in France. The studio carries out large-scale projects for churches and chapels, as well as small icons, frescoes and mosaics on an individual commission basis. Our works are Inspired by the ancient art of the Church, we breathe contemporary life into our work.
EDUCATION
Ravenna International School of Frescoes and Mosaics, Italy, May 2019.
Atelier Saint Jean Damascène, France, fresco painting, April 2004.
Gino Rizzo mosaic workshop, Italy, June 2004.
School of Icon Painting, Pskov, Russia, June1996
Art Academy of Latvia, Latvia, painting 1994 -1999
Riga School of Applied Arts, 1988 – 1992
MAIN PROJECTS
Fresco and icon project for the chapel of the International
Marian Centre in Nazareth, Israel
Mural fresco in the Byzantine chapel of St. Irenaeus in Lyon
Various frescoes and mosaics on the floor mosaics in les Potiers, France
Murals and mosaics for Colette Combe’s psychotherapy studio in Lyon, France
BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS
« Story of the two brodhers » in collaboration with Colette Combe 2017
« Icon through the door of a dream », with Colette Combe and Kaspars Poikāns, illustrations, France 2015
EXPERTISE
Oil painting, ancient techniques, interior design, masterclasses
Languages: French, Latvian, partially Russian
PERSONAL DATA
Born on August 24th 1972 in Rīga, Latvia
Latvian
KASPARS POIKĀNS
Painter and woodcarver
Tempera, fresco, mosaic, woodcarving. I work in an iconic fresco and mosaic workshop created together with Rūta Poikāne. We make voluminous projects for churches and chapels as well as smaller works. We also create large murals for evangelization events, especially addressed to young people. Our works are inspired by the art of the ancient Church, but with a contemporary touch.
EDUCATION
Ravenna International School of Frescoes and Mosaics, Italy, May 2019.
Atelier Saint Jean Damascène, France, fresco painting, April 2004.
Gino Rizzo mosaic workshop, Italy, June 2004.
School of Icon Painting, Pskov, Russia, 1995-1996
Art Academy of Latvia, Latvia, painting 1991-2003
Riga School of Applied Arts, 1983 – 1987
MAIN PROJECTS
Fresco and icon project for the chapel of the International Marian Centre in Nazareth, Israel
Wall fresco in the chapel of St. Irenaeus of the Byzantine Order in Lyon
Several frescoes and mosaics on the floor of the Doll, les Potiers, France
BOOK
“Icon through the door of a dream”, with Colette Combe and Rūta Poikāne, illustrations, France 2015
“Transformed by God’s Word: Discovering the Power of Visio Divine”, Stephen Binz, illustrations, USA 2016
COMPETENCES
Tempera, fresco, mosaic, woodcarving
Languages: Latvian, French, partially English, Russian
PERSONAL DATA
Born on September 4, 1968,Rīga, Latvia
Latvian