Framed Matted Limited Edition Giclee Print, 2006 (Age 10)
 
Print Size (with matting): 16" x 20" 
 
This was my first chalk pastel, done under the guidance of wildlife and animal portrait artist, Valerie Jones of Burlington, Ontario. People thought it was so good that they didn’t believe I could have done it on my own as a ten year old. But I did, and Val took photos to prove it, truthfully telling everyone how she has never touched any of my pieces. She would show me things on the side, like how to do eyes, but she always gave me complete freedom to do my own work. I was inspired to draw this subject from the Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis. I have always loved The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The lion named Aslan is a great metaphor for Christ. My favourite quote from the book in reference to Aslan is, “He’s not a tame lion, but he’s good.” My desire was to illustrate this through his fur and eyes in this picture. I don’t think I could ever give away or sell the original.