an old dream & a new cry of the heart
Paper Lion is an old and a new cry of my heart. A place to create and share tiny pieces of heaven that my Father places into my hands. Years ago I created a blog under Paper Lion and wrote colorful and prophetic entries, words that couldn’t be kept in…And then that season abruptly ended. Years passed and I wrote very little, but I explored other areas of my creativity and found that the Lord had much to say to and through me still.
Since then I’ve created art and illustrations, shared them on social media. But some pieces have been created from a place of worship, and much of that work has been kept private.
Rather than keep these things to myself, and to fulfill a desire I’ve long had to make beautiful Jesus-centered art available for others to have in their homes, I’ve resurrected the name that meant so much to me and have opened this little shop!
What does Paper Lion Mean?
Paper
As an artist, paper is the starting point of any piece I create. A sketchbook, sticky note, the corner of a napkin, even a blank digital file has been the beginning of countless ideas, letters, paint, or pixels. And what was once blank with no value, the works of my hands have created something of purpose, beauty, and value. Not unlike my own life in the hands of my Father in Heaven.
Lion
Jesus is mentioned as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in the Bible. I’ve always loved the illustration of my King as a Lion. Fierce. Strong. Protective. Loyal. Unwavering. And if He is a lion, and I am made in His image, then I am likened to a paper lion, modeled after Him. Fragile like paper in His hands, a reflection of fierce victory in the eyes of my enemy.
Meet the artist
I’m Catherine and I’m the artist and owner of Paper Lion Co.
Though I’ve been creating art as long as I can remember, I didn’t grow up with a clear understanding of who Jesus was, and it wasn’t until adulthood that I gave my life to Him.
I’m a graphic designer by trade, so I’ve always had a strong inclination toward creating beautiful things that tell a strong, memorable story. In recent years, I’ve sought to tell a story with art that I couldn’t find anywhere else. Impressions from the Lord during worship, quiet time and prayer became the starting place for much of my most cherished work.
So much of it has been kept private from the clamor of social media, but now it’s time for these heaven-inspired pieces to go out into the world, like little seeds; reminders that there’s so much more to this Christian walk than going to church to check a box. There’s a Man in heaven longing for His church, His bride, with a deep desire to be loved and worshiped in Spirit and in truth.