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Icons of St. Francis and St. Clare tempera and gold leaf on board |
Artist Statement: Something remarkable happened in Assisi at the end of the 12 th century. Within 13 years
of each other, two of the most beloved Christian saints were born in this small hill town
midway between Rome and Florence. Each in their own way, they brought light and
hope to the world. Like a comet, Francis shone brilliantly over his short life, sparking a
return to Christian charity unlike anything seen for a thousand years. Clare, by contrast,
lived a long life and became one of the most powerful women in medieval Europe.
Despite chronic illness she founded and oversaw a ministry of physical and spiritual
healing that brought countless pilgrims to her Assisi monastery. Even the pope came to
visit her, and from him she wrested approval for the first monastic rule for women written
by a woman. Together, Francis’ and Clare’s legacy created an example of love and
hope that has inspired countless people through the ages to serve the poor, to bring
light to the hopeless, “those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” It was a
privilege to paint these images, to illuminate these holy people. I hope the icons will
shine in the lives of those who pray with them. |
