Aidan Hart was born in England in 1957 and grew up in New Zealand.  He has been a professional liturgical artist for over forty years, with commissioned works in over twenty-five countries.  From 1988 to 2000 he tested his vocation as a monk, including spending a total of two years on Mount Athos and six as a hermit in Shropshire, UK.  This life dedicated to prayer has had a profound impact on his work.