How others see you is not important. How you see yourself is everything. - Unknown
This painting, called Lion Pride, has been sold!
This lion was inspired by this quote, combined with viewing other colourful lion paintings by various artists. I did this painting when I needed to feel stronger through the untamed parts of me, rather than despite them. I needed to channel the energy of the lion; wild, regal, authoritative, raw, powerful, brave.
When my father came home from a business trip in Africa when I was about ten years old, he brought home a VCR tape about wildlife in Africa for me, as I have had a strong passion for animals for as long as I can remember. From that moment on, I was hooked. I would watch this film over and over again, fascinated by each and every creature, their behaviours and habitats. The lion in particular, the king of the jungle as they called him, had an undeniably powerful presence.
As an avid traveller, I have also witnessed people historically depicting lions symbolically throughout the world. For example, in Egypt, the sphinx has the body of a lion, acting as a protector of the pharaohs in the afterlife. In the Middle East, the lion would represent great kings, an emblem of great strength and authority, or as protectors at gateways. The Tibetans, as well as Chinese Buddhists, have used the lion as a symbol of great majesty, vigilant protectors from demons.
In my mid-twenties, I was dealing with difficulties that left me feeling weak, and with a lack of confidence, I was unable to demand respect or provide leadership. Painting became by way of communicating in that moment. I wanted to harness what was within; the heart of the lion, my potential to be outspoken, my authentic self acting in harmony with my mind and heart. It was my way of taking responsibility to get myself out of negativity, assuming full responsibility for my life and find my voice to roar my truth. I was ready to face my challenges head on, without fear. I needed to regain by self-confidence and personal power.
The greatest fear in the world is of the opinion of others. And the moment you are unafraid of the crowd you are no longer a sheep, you become a lion. A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom. - Osho
Photo by me of during my first safari in South Africa
Photos by me during safaris in Namibia, Africa
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