If you’ve talked to me about my rabbit paintings at any of my shows, you’ve likely heard this story about how they all started. But for those of you who have not, here is how the bunnies began their journey as my little muses.
Some years back I was part of an Artist’s Way group that met regularly to work our way through the book together and support each other on our creative paths. (If you are not familiar with the book The Artist’s Way, be sure to check it out.) At one of the sessions, we were led through a meditation exercise during which our eyes were closed and we scribbled on a piece of paper throughout the process. At the end, we opened our eyes and looked for images in what we had drawn.
For me, three rabbits immediately jumped out at me from the image. We took some time as a group to add some color to our scribbles to highlight what we found, and then dove into research and what it meant to us.
Now, let me tell you, there are all sorts of interesting lore and stories around the meaning and symbolism of rabbits:
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they are the most fortunate sign of the Chinese zodiac they are representative of doors to the faerie realm as they appear at dawn and dusk – the in between times - they symbolize the power of change as they can almost instantly switch from perfect stillness to great speed
- they represent the undeniable current of growth (this is the one that really stuck with me)
For many years prior to this, I had a little turtle as my mascot to remind me that progress is only made when you stick out your neck. When the bunnies showed up, I thought it a fitting change, a reminder to keep growing, to keep seeing the magic in the world.
While I do go through phases of painting other animals (birds have been prevalent lately), the rabbits always return. Sometimes quirkier, sometimes sweeter, but always working their way back.