-Lion (converted doorstop)- still bank c. 20th century

This metal lion, now a still bank, was once a humble doorstop made by an anonymous artist. The metallic paint mimics gold and silver, with the artist using a simple palette to transform a functional object into something precious. Look at how the paint pools and gathers in the lion's mane, creating texture, depth, and a sense of movement. The choice of metallic paint gives a tactile quality, inviting us to touch and feel the weight of the metal beneath. See how the artist didn't try to hide the object’s prior utilitarian function, even leaving a hole in its side. The lion’s looping tail feels kind of playful, juxtaposing the lion’s serious face. It makes me think of other artists who repurpose found objects, like Marcel Duchamp. This lion is an example of how art is not about perfection, but about transformation and seeing the potential in the everyday.