Jonathan Pageau is a French Canadian icon carver, public speaker, and YouTuber who explores the symbolic patterns that underlie our experience of the world, how these patterns emerge and come together, manifesting in religion, art, and popular culture. He is also the editor of the Orthodox Arts Journal and the host of the Symbolic World blog and podcast. In this article, we will look at his background, his work, and his influence on the contemporary cultural landscape.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Pageau was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1975. He grew up in a Catholic family, but became interested in Eastern Orthodoxy after reading the works of Fr. Seraphim Rose, a convert from Protestantism to Orthodoxy who wrote extensively on the spiritual crisis of modernity. Pageau studied fine arts at Concordia University, where he specialized in sculpture. He also studied iconography under the guidance of master iconographer Vladislav Andrejev, who taught him the traditional techniques and theology of Orthodox iconography. Pageau graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2001.
Icon Carving and Teaching
After graduating, Pageau moved to Ottawa, Ontario, where he established his studio, Pageau Carvings. He began to carve icons in wood, stone, and ivory, using natural materials and pigments. He also designed products, such as jewelry, ornaments, and puzzles, inspired by symbolic motifs. He received commissions from churches, monasteries, and individuals around the world, and his icons have been exhibited in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Some of his notable works include the iconostasis of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Ottawa, the reliquary of St. Herman of Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska, and the icon of Christ Pantocrator for the Orthodox Church in America.
Pageau also became a teacher of iconography, offering workshops and courses in various locations. He taught at the Hexaemeron School of Liturgical Arts, the Orthodox School of Theology at Trinity College, and the Orthodox Arts Journal Summer School. He also created online courses on icon carving and symbolism, which are available on his website. He has written articles and essays on iconography, art, and symbolism for various publications, such as the Orthodox Arts Journal, the Clarion Review, and the Orthodox Word.
YouTube and Podcast
In 2015, Pageau started his YouTube channel, where he posts videos on various topics related to symbolism, such as mythology, folklore, literature, movies, politics, and religion. He analyzes the symbolic patterns and structures that shape our perception and understanding of reality, and how they are expressed and manifested in different forms of culture. He also interviews guests from different fields and backgrounds, such as academics, artists, writers, and clergy, who share their insights and perspectives on symbolism and its relevance to contemporary issues. Some of his popular videos include “Kabbalah, Occultism, Freemasonry and Jordan Peterson – Stop Being Silly”, “Symbolism & Propaganda in Popular Culture”, and “AI, Moloch and the Genie’s Lamp”.
Pageau’s YouTube channel has attracted over 200,000 subscribers and over 15 million views as of November 2021. He has also gained recognition and support from prominent figures, such as Dr. Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and best-selling author, who invited Pageau to join him on stage during his 12 Rules for Life tour in 2018. Pageau also hosts the Symbolic World podcast, where he uploads the audio versions of his YouTube videos and other exclusive content.
Symbolic World Summit
In 2020, Pageau launched the Symbolic World website, which serves as a platform for his work and a hub for his community of supporters and collaborators. The website features articles, videos, podcasts, courses, and products related to symbolism and its application to various domains of life. The website also hosts the Symbolic World Summit, an annual event that brings together speakers and attendees from different backgrounds and disciplines to explore and celebrate the symbolic worldview. The first Symbolic World Summit was held in Tarpon Springs, Florida, in February 2020, and featured speakers such as Dr. Jordan Peterson, Dr. Stephen Hicks, Dr. Mario Baghos, and Richard Rohlin. The second Symbolic World Summit is planned for February 2024, and will include speakers such as Dr. Martin Shaw, Fr. Andrew Damick, Annie Crawford, and Jacob Howland.
Conclusion
Jonathan Pageau is a multifaceted artist, educator, and communicator who has dedicated his life and work to the study and promotion of symbolism and its role in shaping our culture and society. He is a respected icon carver, a popular YouTuber and podcaster, and a leader of a growing movement of symbolic thinkers and creators. He is a source of inspiration and insight for many people who seek to understand and appreciate the symbolic world. According to his website, his mission is “to help people see the world through stories, to help them discover their place in a pattern that connects us all”.