Canadian icon carver Jonathan Pageau is bringing symbolism back to life. His brilliant icon carvings hark back to a bygone world that seems relevant only to Christians, yet the icon represents the pinnacle of a symbolic world we’re all immersed in.
Pageau sees symbolism as an antidote to the nihilism that pervades our world.
“St. Michael Killing the Dragon,” 2019, by Jonathan Pageau. Soapstone, gold leaf, basma (metalwork), serpentine, onyx, lapis lazuli, and antique pine frame by Andrew Gould; 18 inches by 32 inches. (Andrew Gould)
Just as icons guide Christians in their spiritual life, so secular symbols throughout our traditional culture—as in our songs, stories, and images—can guide us, giving us hope and purpose each and every day.
…