Broken Crown

This painting began simply — two stags facing one another. But as I worked, something deeper revealed itself. On the left, one stag calls out, full of restless energy and emotion. On the right, the other stands quietly, gazing back with steady composure. His antler is broken, yet his presence feels grounded — as though he understands something the other has yet to learn.

This painting contrasts two stags—one restless and calling out, the other calm with a broken antler—capturing a quiet dialogue between ego and wisdom. It transforms a simple wildlife scene into a symbolic reflection on temperament, experience, and the strength found in stillness.

I didn’t plan for this story at first. But when I noticed the broken antler, the painting transformed. It became more than a wildlife portrait — a reflection on temperament, experience, and what it means to find calm after the noise.

I wanted to capture that contrast: the clash of ego and the peace of wisdom. The dialogue between them feels almost human — a reminder that strength can be quiet, and dignity doesn’t always roar.