Rūta and Kaspars Poikāni are an artist couple from the Community. Originally from Latvia, they work with mosaics, painting and sculpture. They founded the Saint-Luc workshop and create works for churches and chapels, as well as smaller pieces. One of their current projects is the chapel of the Community house in Liepāja, Latvia. Every year, they organise an icon-making workshop, open to all. We talk to them about these two projects they are working on together.
What is the status of the mosaic project for the chapel of the community house in Liepāja, Latvia?
The Chemin Neuf Community house is located in Liepāja, a city on the Baltic Sea in Latvia, in a former Russian military district. It is a building from the time of the Russian tsars, which has been converted into a spiritual retreat house. A new chapel was created from the ruins of an old warehouse. This is symbolic in our uncertain world and, given the current political context, it is a sign that spiritual strength prevails over brutal and degrading force.
The interior of the chapel is white, bright and uncluttered. The altar and ambo are made of light travertine, a few icons adorn the chapel and a large mosaic mural has been created on the wall behind the altar. Everything is designed to ensure that art and beauty reign supreme and can touch and console souls.
The mosaic depicts the Heavenly Jerusalem, according to the Apocalypse. The great figures of the Old and New Testaments, as well as the saints important to our Community, praise the Lord. The figure of Christ is in the centre, and from his throne flows the river that brings life everywhere (according to the book of Ezekiel, chapter 47). In the book that Jesus holds in his hand are the words, “I make all things new”.
We have already created 15 figures from the Old Testament and the figure of Christ in the centre. Now we are working on the river that brings life. To continue the work, we need donations. You can support this exceptional project by participating.
You can support us with your donation, specifying its destination: https://dons.chemin-neuf.fr/page-mosaique/
What kind of icon-making workshop do you run?
Since 2002, there has been a Saint Luke workshop in the Abbey of Les Dombes, where we create icons, mosaics and frescoes. We named our workshop after Saint Luke, the evangelist, who, according to tradition, was the first icon painter and is therefore also the patron saint of icon painters. We are fortunate to be the authors of many works.
We also have the joy of sharing our experience and passion by offering courses for the past 20 years. For a week, you can discover this unique and exciting art, which is deeply imbued with the presence of the Lord. In a green and peaceful setting, with community liturgy punctuating the days, we can learn to immerse ourselves in this art, which is also a form of prayer with a paintbrush in hand. We learn the technique of tempera, drawing according to the principles of iconography, and how to use natural materials (pigments, egg tempera, etc.). We also study the spirituality, symbolism and language of icons. During the week, we pray before the icons. We are all deeply moved by how much the icons speak to our hearts, much like Scripture. The Orthodox say that icons are the Bible in colour, and that is exactly what we experience.
Anyone who wants to discover icon painting is welcome. No prior training is necessary; the courses are open to everyone. You can also discover mosaic courses (Byzantine or Roman).
Upcoming course dates at Notre-Dame-des-Dombes Abbey:
- 16–20 March 2026
- 8–12 June 2026
Register for icon workshops on this website: https://dombes.chemin-neuf.fr/se-former/stage-icones/
Discover the Saint-Luc workshop website: https://ateliersaintluc.fr/fr/icones-mosaiques-fresques/
