Rabbit Vision
Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit began with a desire, a need for Molly’s thesis work to be printed into a hard copy. I wanted something tangible that I could hold between my fingers. To set the words in ink so that they’d hopefully stop circling in my head. To stop me from whispering “oh fuck” every few poems and feeling these unnameable feelings.
Convinced this would be the path to my freedom I began rereading, arranging, re-arranging, and rearranging again her pieces. I transferred them into one document, doing my best to keep the same consistency and feel as the original compositions. I felt a small sense of peace once I was done.
After transferring the sections, I made the harmless decision to design a cover for this book. It would make for a good surprise for Molly and would look better on our bookshelves, I rationalized. My plan was simple, a black cover with one of the fonts found within the book. It would be an easy task to complete and I would be able to print the book by the end of the week. I was pleased with the idea of this book in physical form and began imaging where I’d put it once it was printed.
What I hadn’t realized at this point was that Molly’s work had become an obsession. When I closed my eyes, rabbits were all I could think of. And they were breeding. Immersed into this work I began to see rabbits everywhere. They filled my Pinterest feed, I noticed them outside on my walks, they existed in my dreams.
They were everywhere. I felt like this was potentially unhealthy but instead of worrying about it I simply texted Molly whenever I felt that reality and rabbits were mixing too dangerously.
This book haunted me. It lingered with me and I soaked in it for months. I worked on it grudgingly, obsessively, in secret, and with a fervor that I rarely feel towards a project. What started with a simple, text-based book cover became a detailed illustration. Then came the section illustrations. Then came my reaction essay, an explanation to the insanity of this process, coupled with process and studio photos. Once that was completed it was still. And perfect.
I’m hoping her work and our collaboration has a similar effect for you.
Some obsessions are meant to be shared.
Information on preorders for the book will be shared soon.
Check out the portfolio HERE for more pictures featured in the book.
