“Sheri / Dragon” is part of artist Riva Lehrer’s Mirror Shards series. In this series, she explores some of the many similes and metaphors that reference animals – such as the simile “timid as a deer.” By doing so, Lehrer seeks to emphasize that the human ability to imagine ourselves in the place of an animal is the same ability that allows us to feel empathy for others.

In this particular painting, the author references similes such as “proud/fierce/strong/powerful as a dragon” in the context of a portrait of Sheri Rush. Lehrer explains that Sheri Rush is a Chicago-based painter who deals with personal challenges through “a stubborn, focused determination.”

The woman in the portrait is clearly facing difficulties given the weariness and sadness in her expression, and the dragon armor rears fiercely over her, ready to help the woman fight each challenge. But the armor is also frightening and dangerous, and the woman stands alone for a reason. Through this composite artwork, Lehrer illustrates how pride and stubbornness can help individuals overcome personal difficulties, but sometimes at the cost of isolating the wearer, and hurting those closest to them.