This work is inspired by Giotto's (1266 - 1337) fresco of St Francis preaching to the birds. I have transported St Francis from Assissi to New Zealand and surrounded him by lush native trees and plants and our superbly coloured and and unique native birds.

St. Francis has quickly adapted to his new surroundings. Note his shorter, beltless robe, New Zealand-made leather jandals, and his rough-hewn paua shell cross hanging on a plaited flax cord around his neck. A true antipodean. His face shows calm amazement and pleasure as he sees a shy, nearly concealed large Kakapo, a Kiwi offering him a pile of newly caught worms and a mother Takahe presenting the ultimate gift, her gangling young chick. A Pukeko hurries in to join the welcome while a tiny, rock wren sits and sings on St Francis' shoulder.

Lush green native forest and ferns meet high country tussock and flax -with bird life from each. Surely a miracle! One sees movement in the undergrowth and wind around the flax. St Francis lifts his hands in blessing (see the Heaven sent stigmata on his palms). Green lichen grows on the foreground rocks. MY adoration for my husband and lichenologist extraordinaire- David Galloway. All is calm in the natural nikau palm cathedral that protects the saint. Patricia Payne