Lion Head c. 1939

This *Lion Head* by Clayton Clements, is rendered in subtle washes of brown and cream. Look how the artist meticulously details the texture of the wood grain, each carved line a testament to craftsmanship. I can imagine Clements, squinting in concentration, carefully carving each detail. What was he thinking as he worked? Was he contemplating the lion's symbolism—strength, courage, pride? I wonder whether he thought of the long history of humans representing animals in art, from cave paintings to heraldic symbols. The soft, almost monochromatic palette gives the piece a timeless quality, and the flat background throws the head into sharp relief. The open mouth, revealing those fierce, triangular teeth, captures a moment of raw power. But it’s also sort of stylized and decorative. Artists engage in an ongoing dialogue across time, inspiring each other. Clements seems to be part of that lineage. Painting isn't about fixed meanings, but a space for exploration, for the artist, and for us too.