Why Bunnies?
Hello friends,
I hope you are well, and taking time to settle into familiar rhythms as the shorter days of winter arrive.
2023 has been the Chinese year of the rabbit, and in my first newsletter I wanted to address the question I’m probably asked the most, “Why Bunnies?”
I’ve thought a lot about this question, and it probably helps that their lovely round bodies and elegant ears are a joy to paint using fluid and gestural brushstrokes. But the real answer lies in the Japanese word and philosophy: Shizuka.
Shizuka was the name my Japanese family gave me while I lived in Japan. It translates most directly as “quiet and calm,” but also encapsulates ideals of harmony and tranquility that come from connecting with nature and the rhythms the natural world. In many ways the philosophy of Shizuka is the foundation for my work and creative process.
But what does all this have to do with Bunnies? In the natural world, bunnies live in family groups. And in compositional terms, something a little bit magical happens when you paint more than one bunny; they come together to create a balanced, harmonious whole. There is a special energy in their interactions, and you are able to capture a sense of movement and even tell a story using a few simple brushstrokes.
This is what most inspires my work. I love painting all living things, but I will always re-visit the bunnies, whenever I need to learn more about line, movement, composition and colour.
Announcements
Over the last few months I’ve been exploring composition by painting a number of bunny families, and I’m delighted to have had six of these selected for exhibitions in November.
Two pieces will be shown at the prestigious ING Discerning Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries, Nov 17 to 26 and online until 31 December.
Another work can be seen at the new Guildford House Open, Guildford House Gallery, Nov 25 to January 5. I’ve also had a piece selected for the wonderfully titled “We Are The Witches” exhibition at The House of Smalls Gallery, Chipping Campden, Nov 11 to 16 Dec. And finally, I’m participating in a virtual 3D exhibition for the first time, with two paintings selected for “My Animals” by Gallery Omnibus in Dresden, Germany, Nov 1 to 30.
In this newsletter I’m showcasing a number of smaller paintings that began life as studies for larger group compositions, but I loved them so much I’ve mounted them each in a hand-painted mount. If you are interested in these original studies, or in any of the larger paintings, just email me or visit the shop on my website.
I want to thank you so much for your support. Whether messaging, sharing or liking on instagram, you have made all the difference, and I value you hugely!
Jane x
