The saint who did this par excellence was St. Simeon the Stylite: for thirty or forty years he lived as a hermit at Antioch, up in the air on a platform. Some years he spent all of Lent standing, as a penance. (Don’t try this at home, kids.)
In that situation he wasn’t really hidden away from the world: he wrote letters to people far away, including the Emperor, and preached to crowds of people below who came to visit him. There are tales about him, of course, including the one about how he healed and converted a great serpent.
British film student Leo Earle takes St. Simeon as his inspiration for some playful animations, and updates the scene by placing the saint on top of a high-rise apartment block.
While you’re dropping in at Leo’s, also see his short films Washing Up Liturgy and The Dark Night, and a photo project, Saints on the Paris Metro.
I’ve just put up 2 new St Simeon Stylites animations called ‘crying’ and ‘paper men’. I’d be very grateful for any feedback : ) Leo