Client: OSF St. Francis Children's Hospital of Illinois

Overview

The “Canticle of the Sun”, a hymn by St. Francis of Assisi, provided the inspiration for this lobby sculpture. The random but symmetrical layout encourages viewing of each panel individually. Tallest panel is 9 feet high.

Goals

Imagery includes the San Damiano Crucifix, hands of God and Adam, flowers, cave of St. Francis, birds, lamb and rabbit footprints, feathers, sandals, sun, moon and stars, the Franciscan cord with knots and selected passages from the Canticle. The random but symmetrical layout encourages viewing of each panel individually. Inspiration for the base came from the symbol for Tau, letter of the Greek alphabet that reminded St. Francis of the Cross of Christ.

Process

Relevant aspects of the hymn and the life of St. Francis were established through detailed conversations with the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and the art consultant.