Why rabbits?

A lot of my artwork features rabbits. When I do art fairs people remember me as the rabbit person. It's great to be remembered for something!

So why do I draw so many rabbits? Because I love them and they are so cute. Please see this diagram of their cute features:

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That is shallow though, and there is really more to my love of rabbits than just thinking they are cute.

I've been drawing rabbits for a long time. For most of my life I have lived with one or two rabbits as a companion animal and they have always been a source of inspiration for me. I didn’t think about it too deeply at first, I just had rabbit friends and they were fun to make pictures of.

Rabbits are prey animals and often misunderstood. I have learned and continue to learn so much about them over years of caring for them. Rabbits are different than other companion animals, they don't have expressive faces and a desire to please humans like dogs, and they don't meow at you for attention like cats. Their differences lead many people unsure how to relate or interact with them. Rabbits are generally cautious and require patience to earn their trust and love. Some people doubt their intelligence or emotional depth because they are so guarded. Their cautious nature is also what makes earning their trust and love so special. Once you get to know some bunnies you realize that just like any other animal they each have their own personalities

Rabbits vulnerabilities are not limited to their mistreatment and misunderstandings as companion animals. The same species and breeds of rabbits that are kept as pets are simultaneously exploited for meat, fur, as show animals and in labs. They are seen as livestock by many rather than a companion like a cat or a dog. Most rabbits in the world live very sad and short lives. But in my pictures rabbits are in happy places, in comfortable homes and in beautiful fields of flowers. I like to specifically feature rescue rabbits, with names and known personalities you can read about. I want them to be seen as unique special beings and hopefully help people who previously didn’t think so much of rabbits to see them with more empathy and understanding.

Rabbits are not the only subject of my artwork but will probably always be a big part of it.

Whats new?

Alternative Pulp volume 3 is out now! Written by Garbhan Sheridan and illustrated by me! Check it out via instagram @alternativepulp

#Buntober2024! As many of you know October is the month that many artists created prompt lists of ideas for other artists to draw. I think it all started with Inktober many years ago and now there are so many 'tobers' it's impossible to keep up. No one did any #buntober prompts last year (that I could find online) so I decided I would create some for myself and share them. They will only be weekly or biweekly, because I can never keep up with the daily ones. I will post the prompts here on Substack/in my newsletter on September 1st! Then on Instagram September 3rd. Feel free to join in, any medium and skill level is welcome, do as few or as many as you'd like!

Upcoming events:

Toronto Stationary Show Fall Edition - October 19th, 10AM - 5PM, Parkdale Hall, Toronto. I am delighted to join this event again in October. One of my favourites to table and attend, there is always so many great vendors and it's so well organized.

Buntoberfest! By Pumpkins Acres - October 12th, 11AM - 4PM, Central Arena Auditorium, Burlington.  I am so excited for this event! All things rabbit related, the last PARR event was so great and I am excited for this one. I hope to see you there.

I will be making items especially for both events and I hope you will be able to come out. If not keep an eye on my online shop for updates.

Thank you for reading Mail Chums!! I appreciate you all :)