How do I know this? Well, last year I contributed a leaf to a New York based multi-media art project I thought was cool called arbor animus. The creation was a "Spirited, or Courageous Tree, is a 16-foot-tall, multimedia, fully-interactive, artistic representation of an American Willow tree, evoking the theme of the American Dream. " Each donor got a leaf on the tree with an image that they felt evoked their notion of the American Dream.
Ten percent of the funds raised for the project went to support The Center for the New American Dream which is a non-profit organization which works to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.
So I was quite surprised when I looked in my inbox on Tuesday, still trying to figure out what I would write for the blog this week, when I discovered that this year Animus is going to build a 20 foot tall meditating rabbit sitting in full lotus position. Here is the description of the Buddha Bunny:
"Running up his body will be light sources corresponding to the chakras of the body. As the week evolves our rabbit will spiritually evolve, and a new chakra will light up each night of the week, until the final chakra is lit at which point The Buddha Bunny becomes "enlightened". This "enlightenment" will literally set off a whole series of new lighting effects woven throughout The Buddha Bunny: the eyes will light up and change color, as well as his nose, teeth, whiskers, and more. The best part is all lighting effects can be controlled by the participants of the festival.
The Buddha Bunny's lap will be made out of futons making it incredibly comfortable to lounge on, find shade, or watch the sunset over Black Rock City. His skin will be made out of different fabrics sewn together like a quilt, reminiscent of an old doll. Each section of fabric will represent an individual contribution to the project, along with a quotation by the donor about spiritual or personal evolution.
Lastly, you'll be able to climb into The Buddha Bunny through his tail. Inside will be a room where the floor, ceiling, and walls are made entirely out of plexiglass mirrors. Everywhere will be a fractal like reflection of a reflection of a reflection of a reflection. A person will see themselves multiplied imperfectly throughout the room, mimicking DNA (the engine of evolution) which takes one code and multiplies it imperfectly through time. This room will be a place to literally and figuratively "reflect"."
I am not quite sure if the theme of evolution and enlightenment come together perfectly in a large bunny made of futons and plexiglass, but I certainly would like to see it and read everyone's quotes about spiritual or personal evolution. I probably won't make it out to Burning Man this year but I hope that the Buddha Bunny makes it out to NYC so I can check it out.
Photos courtesy of Animus and Arbor Animus.
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hey Kirsten, Annie here from the Animus arts collective. First, Thanks for the great blog! We are very excited to explore the comparison between biological and spirtual evolution. We to would love to find a home for the Buddha Bunny in New York.
I have always felt a sense of Peace and Communion in the annual "Temple" at Burningman, especially at burn night when all our personal messages we had written on the walls to our Loved ones was lofted to the night sky in a shower of sparks and flames.
Blessings to the artists and craftsmen who conceived and are building the Buddha Bunny to also shine in this years Burning man art works in the Nevada Black Rock desert.
I look forward to meditating in this vehicle of Elevation of Consciousness....
Thank you Ranger Cladwell... Please come visit us by the Buddha Bunny. Our photo is on our website...so you can spot us by the bunny!
Many thanks to all,
Annie
Hey Annie - It is awesome to hear from Animus directly! I'm excited to see how your work progresses, what people's reactions are, and how many personal quotations you get. How did you guys decided to focus on bunny enlightenment? Also, how did you come to join the focus of evolution and spiritual enlightenment? Beyond just financial support through donations, is there anyway that people can get involved? And of course please let those of us who can't make it to Burning Man know if the Bunny goes on tour!
I LOVED that bunny! I was riding along in the desert and stumbled among him. Best moment of the week! I climbed inside and a man offered me to "OHM" and have a shot of tequila. I made all my friends go out and see him. xoxox
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