Fragments of interviews, artifacts uncovered in an abandoned homestead and messages left behind in concrete statues reconstruct a haunting portrait of Armand G. Lemiez, a unique Canadian pioneer and naive artist. Another contemporary folk artist, a sculptor from Saskatchewan, becomes the medium through which Armand reveals his presence. We move in time and place from present day in Canada back to the middle ages in Belgium, in search of Armand's personal history and artistic influences. Presence is a poignant portrait of unfulfilled desire, man's quest to leave behind a lasting impression in this place, time and society.