Francis Paul is an Ojibwe and is from the Grassy Narrows First Nation. He creates art under his Ojibwe name of Okima Kishik meaning "He Who Soars" given to him by his grandfather. The greatest influence in his creative life was his father, David Paul Sr., a well known Midaewin priest. In all his work, Francis Paul attempts to visualize the spirituality of the subject. He is well known for his charcoal art, he also paints in acrylics.