30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day Two

"The White Rabbit" - mixed media on canvas paper, 9' x 12"

And on the second day, there were rabbits.  Not just any rabbits.  White rabbits.  And lots of them. 

My dad and I take a walk every evening.  We like to call it "The Rabbit Walk."  In our neighborhood there is a rabbit conundrum, which I am certain is more confusing to the rabbits than to the people.  It seems someone in the neighborhood likes to raise rabbits. And then let them go free in the neighborhood like outdoor cats...and they stay in the neighborhood, much to my surprise.  It is no big deal to walk after dark under a bright moon and see a large white rabbit sprawled lazily in the middle of the lawn.  Or to come across one daintily nibbling certain weeds in the yard.  Or a couple of them on the sidewalk on their bellies resting after a hopping marathon.

You might wonder what the conundrum is.  Well, it seems 50% of the neighborhood love these rabbits. You can see them with baskets of produce, reverently placing a pile of kale and carrots under a bush for the rabbits to enjoy.  Or helping them across the street to keep them safe.  Also shooing away dogs and other animals which may try to bother (or devour) the rabbits.  And the other half of the neighborhood?  Ouch.  They despise the rabbits.  You will find them chasing the rabbits with large plastic bins, trying to capture them.  Or consulting with trappers to attempt to lure the fluffy yard cuties into a baited box.  Or threatening to shoot the rabbits and serve them for dinner.

Which leads to a large bushel of uncertainty on the part of the rabbits.  Are humans a source of food or a source of danger?  Should they hop toward us or away?  I can only imagine the boatload of confusion hiding behind their adorable twitching whiskers.  Uncertainty is protection for these hopping cotton balls.  As long as they aren't sure, they avoid the people and keep themselves safe.  And quite well, I might add.  Apparently these rabbits have been citizens of the neighborhood for several months without being caught. 

Uncertainty can be a very good thing.  Especially if you're a rabbit.

This piece is available, unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

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