The girl and the lion painting by deborah scott is a painting of a seated woman tethered to a large lion lying at her feet, figurative art, figurative painting, disrupted realism

The Girl and Her Lion

A reflection on coexistence, resilience, and the delicate balance between harmony and danger.

This painting symbolizes the quiet connection and latent tension of living with forces beyond one’s control, inspired by the metaphor of chronic illness as a constant companion.

The Girl and Her Lion portrays a serene young girl seated with a tether in her hand, connected to a massive lion resting calmly at her feet. The lion, a symbol of latent power and danger, contrasts with the peace and connection of the moment, capturing the delicate balance between harmony and risk.

The painting draws inspiration from a conversation with a young woman living with Type 1 diabetes. She described her illness as a constant companion—at times quiet and manageable, at other times demanding immediate attention with life-threatening consequences.

Through this intimate metaphor, The Girl and the Lion explores the intricate relationship between vulnerability and strength, resilience and acceptance, inviting viewers to reflect on the courage it takes to coexist with forces beyond our control.

Oil and mixed media on canvas
40″ x 24″ 

Windows Within: Universal Narratives in Fractured Realism

This body of work by Deborah Scott explores the profound connections between personal stories and shared human experiences. Through a series of conversations and interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Scott uncovers intimate narratives of struggle, resilience, and triumph. These seemingly unique moments are transformed into powerful works of art, revealing their universality and the interconnectedness of all human experiences.

Each painting in Windows Within serves as both a reflection and a revelation, embodying Scott’s belief that art is a mirror to the complexities of identity and existence. Her work draws on the psychological framework of Johari’s Window, exploring the interplay between the visible and hidden aspects of the self. By blending classical techniques with intentional disruptions—rips, tears, and abstract shapes—Scott creates a dynamic visual language that captures the fragmented, evolving nature of contemporary life.

Windows Within is an emotional and visual journey, inviting viewers to see themselves in the stories of others and to consider the profound universality of human connection.