-Lion c. 1920s

This cast iron lion, made by the A. C. Williams Company, is more than just a static object; it's a portal into a world of imagination. The warm bronze patina is worn in places, revealing the metal beneath, like a map of countless adventures and stories. I try to imagine the hands that shaped it, the decisions made about its form. Was it a conscious choice to make the lion more approachable than ferocious, more friendly than regal? How many coins have been dropped through the slot in its side? The texture is so tactile, almost begging to be touched. The mane looks heavy, and the slight curve of the tail hints at a playful energy contained within this small form. The way it's been constructed reminds me of the toy-like figures by artists such as H. C. Westermann who conjured the spirit of folk art and surrealism. This little sculpture is more than meets the eye. It's a testament to the conversations that artists, artisans, and makers have across time, each inspiring the next.