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.

The Story of Milk and Honey

MILK AND HONEY

40 X 30 inch Oil and Mixed Media on canvas

“In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.” ~ Helen Thompson

In June 2023, my Mother died after a short illness. I had taken care of her all throughout the time that she was sick, and so I chose to put my painting on hold. Because I had brought her to live with me, it meant that we spent every day together, and it is one of the most precious things that I have done, as we laughed so much, reminisced about funny stories from the past, she told me stories from her childhood - some of which I had never heard before, and most importantly I got to ask her every question that I had ever wanted to know. I will forever treasure that time, and will always be grateful that I had the privilege of looking after her. After she died, I felt completely lost and heartbroken, and for a few months just couldn’t get my head around the fact that she was gone. Gradually though, I realised that the people left behind after a death, have to honour the person by continuing to live, especially because my Mum loved life and didn’t want to die. So I began to paint again. This painting was the first painting that I painted after her passing, and it reflected how I felt at the time…..looking back fondly and a bit sadly at the past, but heading to the future with hope and gratitude. The hummingbirds symbolise the spirit of a loved one being near (my Mum loved birds, and they always remind me of her), and also hope and freedom, and the bumblebee is a personal symbol which reminds me of my childhood. This painting to me reflects memories of the past and hope and optimism for the future with the freedom to create the life that I want.

This painting was inspired by a book called The Girl who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

The book tells the story of a young girl who shares a deep and special bond with horses, and seems to have a deeper understanding of them than most people.  Finding comfort in them in a way that she does not with the people in her own village, she eventually becomes one and is wild and free.

I believe that as humans we connect with the animal kingdom in such a way that fulfils a deep need within us.  Horses in particular give us a sense of freedom when we ride them, but also just by looking at them.