Description
Lion, 1977
Lithograph 2 chops LEE Little Egypt Enterprises
Signed Staley/Camblin
22 x 30 in. (image)
32.5 x 40.5 x 2 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The lithograph “Lion” is from the series Bestiary, a drypoint from Little Egypt Studios.The image features a fantastical, hybrid lion creature composed of various intricately detailed elements. The creature combines features from different animals—such as a scorpion’s tail, a lion’s mane, and other animalistic textures—forming a beast that appears both mythical and grotesque. The composition is highly detailed, showcasing textured skin, scales, fur, and anatomical structures that give the creature a lifelike yet surreal appearance. The use of fine lines emphasizes the intricate nature of the forms, with areas of dense cross-hatching creating shadows and textures.
From a Zen perspective, this creature may represent the interconnectedness of all beings, a reminder that life consists of many intertwined elements that form the whole. The layering of different animal traits reflects the Zen concept of “emptiness” or “no-self” (Anatta), where identity is not fixed but composed of various changing aspects. Just as the beast’s identity is not confined to a single form, so too does Zen philosophy encourage a view of life as fluid and ever-changing, with no inherent boundaries between oneself and the environment.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, may interpret this artwork through the lens of Hexagram 49, “Revolution (Ge).” The creature embodies a transformation, with disparate parts uniting to create a wholly new entity. This reflects the dynamic process of change, which involves shedding old layers and embracing new forms to adapt and survive. The creature’s chaotic yet cohesive nature suggests a balance between destruction and creation, where opposites merge to form something transcendent.
Combining these perspectives, the artwork can be seen as a visual meditation on the nature of identity and change. The creature, with its fusion of various life forms, transcends conventional categories, inviting the viewer to contemplate the fluidity of existence. Zen philosophy’s emphasis on interconnectedness and the I Ching’s focus on transformation converge to suggest that all beings are in a constant state of becoming. The beast is a metaphor for life’s complexity, where chaos and order coexist in an eternal dance of change.
The intricate line work and amalgamation of different animal forms recall the fantastical beasts found in Hieronymus Bosch’s works, as well as the surrealist style of artists like Max Ernst, who often used hybrid creatures to explore the subconscious. The attention to detail also aligns with the pen-and-ink traditions of Renaissance anatomical studies, where artists meticulously documented organic forms. In this artwork, these influences combine to create a piece that not only explores visual complexity but also challenges the viewer to consider philosophical questions about nature, identity, and metamorphosis.
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From the series Bestiary, a drypoint on Twinrocker handmade paper
1 bob a tirer, 25 artist’s proofs, 1 printer’s proof, 3 LEE proofs, 35 edition
“Lion” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in Sandra Jensen Rowland’s monograph, Bob Bilyeu Camblin – An Iconoclast in Houston’s Emerging Art Scene.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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