Life as Art; The Art of Bunnies: A Whimsical Tale

March, named after Mars, the Roman God of War, carries the vibrant energy of transformation. The expression “Mad as a March Hare,” originating in the 1500s, reflects the excitable behavior of hares, akin yet distinct from rabbits, during this springtime period. Lewis Carroll immortalized the March Hare in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865), presenting a character brimming with whimsy. Yet, for many, March heralds a season of celebration, a welcome shift to brighter days and vibrant colors in nature.

This month ushers in handful of festivities and changes, including the switch to daylight saving time, the first day of Spring, St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, and significant Christian observances such as Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday Good Friday, and Easter. For children, Spring and Easter are synonymous with joy, embodied by Easter baskets and, of course, bunnies. The charm of bunnies—with their soft fur, distinctive ears, and large feet—is universally beloved.

Hunt Slonem, an artist who has left an indelible mark on the art world, is celebrated for his vibrant, impressionistic, abstract bunny paintings. His “Bunny Series” (1985-1995), a captivating fusion of pop culture and fine art, draws upon the mystical qualities of rabbits. Slonem’s inspiration is partly rooted in the White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland,” a symbol of curiosity and exploration. He shares, “When I’m painting, I sometimes feel as though I’m observing reality from an outside perspective,” a sentiment likely echoed by many artists deeply engaged in their craft.

Jeff Koons’ monumental stainless steel “Rabbit” (1986), which fetched $91.1 million (Christie’s Auction house in 2019) and Vincent Van Gogh’s stunning “Field with Two Rabbits” (1889, displayed at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam,Netherlands) are further testaments to the rabbit’s enduring allure in art. These creations underscore the rabbit’s symbolic associations with luck, creativity, compassion, and fertility, emphasizing its role as a harbinger of spring and new beginnings.

Artists throughout history have woven rabbits into the fabric of their work, captivated by their symbolic richness and the joyful playfulness of springtime. In this way, the art of bunnies transcends mere representation, art itself is transformative, purposeful, inspiring and restorative to ones soul. Spring reawakens us and our environment, bringing everything to life. Whatever type of art you enjoy, it becomes an emotional perspective, a way of seeing and engaging the world. Art enriches our lives and is able to appeal to people in different ways, a common bond threaded through everyone.

So if you happen to see a bunny this spring at an Easter party on Sunday (March 31st), or at Cheekwood Estate Garden, (steel hare sculpture “Crawling Lady Hare” by artist Sophie Ryder,1997) just remember it’s more than a cute fluffy animal.

It’s a magical creature, one which has inspired artists for centuries!