The need to practice printing, paper and ink finally conjuncted in a sort of print marathon in which much was learned and much is left to learn. Here is Bandit again, slightly different colors and an added feature; bokashi. That's the gradation along the top, I used Prussian blue. The ears are not as pink as my screen seems to think, but they are, decidedly too pink. It is getting a little closer, refinements will be made. As an actual rabbit Bandit needed no refinements, she was quintessential, though plagued with health problems mostly stemming from poor teeth. She was purchased from the local feed store as a sort of therapy pet for my son when I got divorced and he and I moved into an studio apartment. She was an ideal diversion; special (who else has a rabbit loose in their home), soft, full of personality, and a very capable side kick for budding ventriloquists. Through out her life she gave selflessly from making sure no one got shut in the bathroom to working with her vet to develop the "Bandit Tooth Trim Mask"; a device that allowed the vet to trim teeth with the grinder (preferable to clipping which can split the tooth root) without having to anesthetize the rabbit. I always felt comforted when she slept under my bed and one time when I had had pneumonia but still felt breathless I bent over to pet her and when I stood up my breathing was better. True, I swear it. I nursed her through tooth operations, pneumonia, bronchitis, jaw abscess, tooth breakage, and eye injury. I learned how to give injections, subQ fluids, and how to nebulise and do a sinus flush. Together we experienced rabbit herbal medicine, acupuncture, and the use of Flower Essences. But really, she is mostly remembered for her beauty, sense of humor, and great flower like ears which could open and close, swivel and adjust in ever marvelous ways. Often missed always loved; Bandit B. Rabbit ruled from May 1998 to April 2007.
13 comments:
That's a lovely tribute to your friend, even if the colors seem off to you.
Wow you sure have made a lot of progress. I love the blue.
This reminds me of the old adage of focusing on someone else's needs instead of your own when you're feeling bereft. It keeps your mind off your worries and helps your heart grow. Beautiful.
We started with one rabbit and then it just kept growing. I totally agree with you on how rabbits are good company. The children and us are only home in the evening and they run to the rabbits first. Especially my eldest, she's very fond of the rabbits and bring them into the house all the times, even hoping that one of her rabbits will give birth (oh..no..). We've let them loose since last weekend to roam all over the garden and put them back to the cage at night as there's still no proper hutch for them during rain. I have never seen my rabbits SO HAPPY hopping around when they were let out on the garden!! Rabbit poop cleaning certainly has been cut down tremendously. Sadly, we've lost 3 rabbits so far .
That's a beautiful tribute to Bandit. You both really have been through thick and thin together. I wish I had known her earlier.
absolutely agree - lovely tribute and thank you for sharing a little about bandit with us - she sounds like she was a unique and special rabbit.
What a great tribute to your lovely rabbit, words and print both.
I love the simplicity of your lines and the way the colour has made it's own texture from the impression.
I'm in the same boat as you...it's taken me a long time and a LOT of paper to get my brain round the printing of blocks. I'm not there yet, but I'll get there. And so will you. :-)
She sounds like she was a wonderful rabbit - reminds me a bit of our late and much missed Anya in some ways (the ears and teeth for starters!).
Your print is lovely.
Super picture of an obviously wonderful rabbit!
Our children had them years ago and they were so lovely.we miss them
Wonderful progress from your first proof to this version -- the thinner lines, the adjusting of color balance. I should learn from you to proof more carefully beforehand! Nice print.
I liked what PJ said .. works for me.
Bandit was the right bunn at the right time!
didn't make it to sta cruz but thought of you and next year when i do it again (we decided we had so much fun it must be a yearly event) i will plan ahead so we can go for tea or something! :-)
Thanks for visiting artists and rabbit folks alike, next time Bandit show up she'll be just right, I hope....
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