Artist Statement:

“The Heart of a Lion” is an intimate exploration of strength, courage, and spirit, captured through the vibrant geometry of a foundation paper-pieced quilt. Measuring 30 by 30 inches, this piece invites the viewer to gaze deeply into the lion’s eyes—a window to its essence and a reflection of the power that resides within us all.

The lion’s face, rendered in bold and radiant colors, emerges from carefully pieced fragments, each a deliberate choice in shaping its form and soul. Bright hues replace the natural palette, transforming the lion into an abstract expression of vitality and intensity. The interplay of colors and sharp lines brings focus to the depth of the eyes, creating an emotional connection that transcends the surface of fabric and thread.

Through this quilt, I sought to evoke the quiet majesty of the lion—a creature both fearsome and noble. The process of crafting it required precision, patience, and a balance of technical skill and creative intuition. Each stitch became a meditative act, a way of channeling the lion’s raw energy into a form that feels both powerful and alive.

At its core, The Heart of a Lion is a celebration of resilience and beauty, a reminder of the strength that lies within each of us. It is a reflection of my own journey as a maker, finding harmony between boldness and delicacy, chaos and control, to create something that speaks to the wild spirit of the natural world through the intricate language of quilting.

(NOTE: Appropriate permission/licensing/agreement have been secured for this project.)