I was doing research for a series utilizing vintage circus themes when I came across a photograph of Selika Lazevski. The image was so powerful, I just knew I had to incorporate it into a painting. Selika was a 19th Century equestrian who performed dressage in French circuses and hippodromes. I tried to imagine her struggles as a black woman living in France two hundred years ago. But the more I studied the portrait, the more convinced I was that this was a woman of strength, someone who probably didn't take no for an answer. I chose a primary color palette and a starburst background to simulate the look of a vintage circus poster. I was tempted to add text but then decided the image was strong enough to stand on its own. The image is part of a series of five paintings, the other four are much smaller, but carry the same color theme and background. I chose the size differential to suggest that Selika is the woman in charge - she is the "Ringleader."