I am an iconographer based in Calgary, Alberta, working within the traditional practice of Orthodox iconography.

My formal education began in 2012 under the guidance of Alena Martynova. Following her passing in 2013, the parish priest, Father Peter Shashkov, entrusted me with completing the icons she had been working on at the time of her death. With the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel, I accepted this responsibility and completed the works later that same year. This experience was incredibly valuable and helped shape who I am as an artist today.

Following this, Father Peter commissioned me to write an icon of St. John of Shanghai for the parish, furthering his trust in my education and work.

I undertook further study through the Department of Sacred Arts at St. Mary’s University, where my studies included gilding, ornamentation, calligraphy, egg tempera techniques, and traditional iconography. Additional development came through specialized courses and private instruction with renowned iconographers Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova of Sacred Murals Studio.

Today, I am an active member of the Sacred Arts Guild of Alberta (SAGA) and remain dedicated to the prayerful, living tradition of iconography—approaching each work not only as an artistic process, but as an act of devotion.

With gratitude,

Alla Kireyeva