The Story and Inspiration of King

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion” ~ Viktor E. Frankl

This first painting in my Freedom series was inspired by a lion called Jon.  I was so moved by his story that I felt compelled and inspired to paint a lion. Being an eternal optimist, I love happy endings, and so painted the ending that I wanted.

Read below for Jon’s story.

A lion called Jon who was rescued from a travelling circus in France.  He was being kept illegally in horrific conditions.  When he was found, he was so badly emaciated that he was almost half the weight he should have been.  He had also been de - clawed, had so many missing teeth, and bore deep scars on his body of his abuse.  He had spent 13 years in a cramped cage with the travelling circus, and had been used for illegal purposes.

Jon was rescued by the Born Free Foundation, One Voice a French animal rescue charity, and French wildlife rescue centre Tonga Terre d’Accuil.

Whilst recuperating at Tonga Terre d’Accuil, Jon improved physically and mentally and came out of his shell as he grew in confidence.  He played, felt grass beneath his feet for the first time, became vocal, and after operations on his teeth, was able to start enjoying his food and gain weight.

Sadly Jon didn’t make it to his new permanent home at a sanctuary in Italy.  He died after a short illness because of his appalling condition.  Thankfully he knew peace, care and love in his final 18 months.

This painting is how I like to imagine Jon - beautiful, majestic and free as nature intended.