STUDIO SANCTUS
Iconography Studio
About STUDIO SANCTUS
Traditional Byzantine Icon Studio
The man behind the name: Orthodox Priest, Father Justin Venn
Born and raised in South Africa, well travelled and multi-lingual, now married with kids and living in the UK, I am also both priest and painter. As such, I have spent years spiritually and practically developing the sacred art of iconography. Icons I have created adorn churches and homes all over the world, and it is such a blessing for me to see the spiritual nourishment these icons carry with them to the places they travel to. Under the Russian Church Abroad I currently serve as priest in both Belfast and Liverpool. The majority of my time and ministry, however, is spent at the easel. And for as long God allows me I will continue to paint for His glory. For in the icon we can truly say "gloriously has He been glorified" - Holy Saturday Liturgy.
I also teach and have discovered that as a priest and iconographer I have a special and blessed role to play in the lives of those who desire to learn to paint Byzantine icons. Instruction is according to traditional methods and materials, integrating and continuing the long tradition of Christian imagery. In short, I don’t just teach people to paint; I transform them into iconographers. (Individuals from all denominations, or none, are welcome.)
Finally, I do accept commissions and should you wish to discuss the creation of an icon or mural please contact me.
Testimonials
A sample of what some students and clients have experienced.
Dr Emma Rae Rhead, Psychotherapist, Coach, Doctor
Fr Justin's dedication, as a priest, professional iconographer and teacher is an inspiration. Under his guidance, my artistic confidence has flourished, and my drawing and painting skills have improved in ways I never thought possible.
Dr Zano Tyrannis
M.Tech.Chiro. M.Sc. Med.(Pharm.) MBA
Fr Justin is an inspiring and very patient teacher. My technique progressed rapidly under his instruction from line drawings to painting in full colour on wooden panels at a much higher level than I expected I would be able to.
Artiom Barkun
Fr Justin's teaching is a perfect balance of deep respect for tradition and a commitment to helping students grow as artists. By the end of the week-long course, I not only had a completed icon but also gained a wealth of new knowledge in iconography.
Portfolio
A collection of both panel and mural works from the last several years.
Jesus Christ
The Son is the image (icon) of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. - Colossians 1:15
The Mother of God, the Ever-Virgin Mary
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14
Angels and Saints
Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. - Matthew 13:43
Feasts of the Church
These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. - Leviticus 23:4
Summer Workshops
This summer (2025) I will be holding 2 week-long icon painting workshops in Formby (near Liverpool) at the St Joseph's Prayer Centre which is a great location because it has plenty of accommodation, room to work in, three meals a day, a little prayer chapel, and a beach within easy walking distance which you can get to by walking through the red squirrel sanctuary.
The prices of my workshops include all materials (some of which you can take home), accommodation and food - all you have to do is get yourself there and back. I have yet to finalize the details regarding cost and dates but I wanted to ask for your feedback before I go ahead and start making plans… so which is best for you? Early July, or late August, or some other date? Contact me and let me know. Also, subscribe to my Substack Newsletter to keep up to date with all relevant news from the studio.
Once the dates and prices have been settled I will post the info here too.