-Lion c. 1920s

This small Lion was made by the A.C. Williams Company. It's cast iron, and just look at that patina. The way the iron has been cast, you can really see the process involved in its creation. There's a kind of straightforwardness, like a friendly handshake. I can imagine them in the factory, pouring the molten metal into the molds and seeing how the form emerges, how it is shaped. The surface has this mottled texture, and it’s not trying to hide its age. There's a deep groove that defines the lion's mane, and I love the way the dark paint pools in those recessed areas, accentuating the form. The whole thing is quite heavy, but you could probably fit it in your pocket, a talisman to remind you of power and resilience. It reminds me of some of the folk art sculptures made by self taught artists, the kind that have a real directness of expression. It's a reminder that art isn't always about fancy techniques, sometimes it’s about connecting with something primal.