tiny rabbits - no. 12

tiny rabbit no. 12 dons a cranberry-colored rain slicker in preparation for the forecasted rains over Memorial Day Weekend. I realize that the weather has been far worse in other parts of the country, but folks up here in the Pacific Northwest (myself included) are pretty cranky with the long run on gray skies and cool weather since late summer of last year. Ugh!

In happier news, I've been busy at work in the studio:

• Finishing up a few of my "dustbowl" paintings + prints
• Working on a painting for an upcoming equine art show alongside my girls
• Drawing a handful of original pen + ink "art is my compass" prints
  
• And, last but not least, making progress on my oil paintings.

Stay tuned for more shop updates. My goal is to list new items by mid-June.

Thank you for all your support!

Cheers, Mandy

tiny rabbits - no. 11

tiny rabbit no. 11 is ordinarily a quiet, well-mannered rabbit named Molly. But not today! We found Molly playing with her mama's make-up. We find it charming. What do you think?

tiny rabbits - easter edition

tiny rabbit no. 8 is definitely one of my peeps! With Easter just around the corner, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to try my hand at replicating one of these beloved Easter treats. How'd I do?



tiny rabbit no. 9 is a cousin of rabbit no. 8 and damn proud of his big ears! His name is Dennis and he was brought to life by my older sister Denise.



tiny rabbit no. 10 is the quintessential chocolate Easter bunny. Couldn't you just eat him up? He was quite relieved when I told him about my allergy to chocolate (yes, it's tragic). Long live the chocolate bunny!

tiny rabbits - no. 5, no. 6 + no. 7

tiny rabbit no. 5 is a charmer courtesy of my mother's beautiful hands. His periscoping stance tells me he has a few questions on his mind. "Did you say raisins?" Adorable!



tiny rabbit no. 6 is a playful gray rabbit who is always there when you need her...to share your deepest thoughts and dreams with...and snuggle up to on cold Spring days like today.



tiny rabbit no. 7 appears to be slightly pissed off about something. Perhaps it's because I've been too busy to clean out his hutch. Sorry Clyde...I'll get right on it!

tiny rabbits - no. 3 + no. 4

Can you tell tiny rabbit no. 3 is a bit shy? My oldest daughter brought him to life and he's desperate to find her comforting arms.



No. 4 on the other hand is proud to show you her giant carrot. My youngest daughter molded her and insisted the tiny rabbit have a carrot. Looks like this beauty in blue has enough food for a month!

tiny rabbits - no. 1 + no. 2

It's been a few weeks since I announced our tiny rabbits family project inspired by the incomparable Cathy Cullis and her tiny heads project.

Since that time, my daughters and I have managed to sculpt and paint a handful of hares (some mischievous) who are now ready for their public debut. We've also inspired my mom and sister to join in on all the fun.

tiny rabbit no. 1. A classic white bunny. She's not sure what the fuss is all about...and frankly ...she'd much rather be munching on carrots back in the hutch.



tiny rabbit no. 2. She's quite confident and very much at ease in front of the camera (she took over the photo shoot I tell ya). I am happy with her coloring.

tiny rabbits {inspired by artist Cathy Cullis}

our first litter of rabbits (yet to be painted)

UK mixed media artist and poet Cathy Cullis' recent "Tiny Heads" project has inspired my daughters and I to embark on our own year-long ceramics collaboration that we have titled "Tiny Rabbits". Like Cathy, we will use air-dry clay and paints to sculpt pocket-sized figurines, in our case rabbits, to celebrate The Year of the Rabbit. Each session will produce three fluffy little friends.

"2/365" tiny head by Cathy Cullis -- a favorite of mine!

"tiny heads - January" enjoying the winter sun by Cathy Cullis

I instantly fell in love with Cathy's tiny heads -- each unique in appearance and personality and brought to life in a way that only Cathy could. But what I think I love even more is the premise behind her project and something I can relate to as an artist. In Cathy's words:

"I chose a 3-D challenge because this is something I don't feel so confident with.... and I want to indeed challenge myself and to *not worry* if there are good results or not so good results. Choosing a different medium to what I usually create with may just free things up and allow some further experimentation."

Just how many rabbits we'll create by December 31st is unknown (we realistically cannot commit to a daily schedule). But what is known is that my daughters are thrilled with this art project and that makes me insanely happy. Feel free to check back for photo updates.

To see more of Cathy's beautiful art, visit her blog, Etsy shop, or Facebook page...I promise you won't be disappointed.

"to be here" mixed media embroidery art by Cathy Cullis (sold Oct. 2010)

"three portraits" folding artist book watercolour painting by Cathy Cullis (available for sale)