What can be said of St. Francis that hasn’t already been said by Bonaventure or GK Chesterton? Francis was a beautiful man that inspired such deep love for God, for man, for creation. He rejected wealth, pleasure, and honor and instead chose charitable holiness. When I hear his story, I wonder—who could have enjoyed life more than this man? Francis’ fervor for holiness and his acquiescence into the “fully human” calling which Jesus offers each of us has made him an icon for what it means to enjoy to the fullest every moment of life—imagine how much delight he took in watching a lark take flight! Even the worm had beauty and dignity. Just like Christ, Francis loved each person, each fallen leaf, each ray of light.

This piece is inspired by Giotto’s painting of Francis’ sermon to the birds with some added Japanese landscape influence. As I make these drawings, I am reminded of the paradox of icons: by these images we glimpse God’s grandeur, and at the same time, it only ink and paper. As Francis believed, there is no way outside of our bodies, our imaginations, and the physical world that we can draw near to God. Ink and paper has been redeemed! It fills me with great joy to know that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming like this, filling each moment with unshakeable meaning and revealing the inherent dignity in a world called “Good,” however far from Home we may be. I am grateful that the kingdom is coming in the lives of humble servants like Francis who are unafraid to love and wholly enjoy their simple lives.
 
Commissioned by Eva Bleeker, on behalf of Josh Bleeker.