The Lion’s Secret 

The Lion’s Secret Map of Ash and Gold

By Roy Shaa

When you first look at this painting, what you see is only the beginning.

At first glance, it may appear as just a textured surface — a mysterious terrain, almost like the cracked face of an ancient planet or a forgotten world made of ash and scattered gold.

But then, if you keep looking… the surface begins to reveal something deeper.

A lion’s face slowly emerges — not immediately, but subtly — as if the surface itself is whispering its presence.

That lion becomes the key. It is the guardian of the map.

The moment you see it, everything begins to change — the spirit who holds the key to what lies beneath.

From there, the painting begins revealing its hidden world.

As the lion reveals itself, the deeper elements of the map come alive.

You begin to see the face of a spirit — almost alien or celestial — with gold dust flowing from its mouth like breath or energy, as if it is blowing life onto the surface itself.

Above and to the side, a mysterious bird-like figure hovers—perhaps watching or delivering a message from a higher realm.

Beside it, the figure of a person without a guide remains hidden, visible only when you truly begin to see.

This is not just a painting — It’s a map.  And one that changes depending on how you see it.

Surface → Ash → Gold → Lion → Spirit → Map

🕯️ The Legend Within the Layers

This painting holds a symbolic sequence —

a myth shaped by ash, touched by gold, and awakened by the lion.

It begins with a spirit breathing life into the surface,

like a parent to a child, or creation awakening something new.

This breath marks the beginning of life and form.

Above, a lone bird watches — the quiet witness, always present, a reminder that something beyond us is always seeing.

Beside it stands a forgotten figure inside a boat. Once a guide, now silent, the boat drifts without direction —

a symbol of how ancient wisdom waits, though we no longer listen.

A dinosaur rests nearby — no longer alive, yet still watching. Though extinct, it remembers. History never fully disappears; it only hides.

Further ahead, a mountain rises, crowned by a distant temple.

But below, conflict stirs — soldiers with weapons face a single figure.

The sacred stands above; struggle lingers beneath.

This is the open map — a layered myth that shifts with your perception.

You are not just looking at it; you are standing inside it.

And once it starts revealing itself…

the story begins from there.

🔱 Main Symbols in the Painting

• 🦁 Lion – Strength and awakening

• 🕊️ Spirit – Invisible force flowing through all layers

• 🐦 Bird – Spiritual transition

• 🧍‍♂️ Forgotten Figure – The seeker, lost or searching

• ⛵ Boat – Emotional journey or passage between realms

• 🦕 Dinosaur – Ancient memory or forgotten past

• 🛕 Temple – Divine truth or sacred space

• 🪖 Soldiers – Inner battle or unresolved conflict

• 👤 Single Figure – Isolation, self-confrontation, or deep reflection

🌟 The Beginning of 7D Symbolic Painting in Art History

✨ Artist’s Note

This painting responds to you. It reveals different reactions from different angles, and even changes with light.

What you see in the morning may disappear by night. The story unfolds through stillness, attention, and timing.

With spirit — Roy Shaa

About Roy Shaa

Symbolic Artist | Creating Spiritual Art Through Texture, Tone, and Light

Roy Shaa is a contemporary symbolic artist whose work explores inner transformation through textured layers, rich contrasts, and gold-toned highlights. His paintings combine shadow, light, and abstract form to tell quiet stories of spirit, struggle, and silent strength.

Originally from Sri Lanka and now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Roy’s work focuses not on realism, but on what lies beneath—the invisible energy within every surface.

Using a range of deep tones and metallic colors, he creates surfaces that suggest something ancient, spiritual, and quietly powerful.

Each painting becomes a symbolic map — an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the gold within. All artworks are created using acrylic and mixed paints on canvas.

🖋 Certificate of Authenticity

Every original painting by Roy Shaa comes with a hand-signed, dated Certificate of Authenticity, personally signed on the back of the canvas and also provided as a signed printed document.

➡️ View Sample