Client: Simeone Deary Design Group, Chicago

Overview

White Rabbit is an immersive, suspended sculpture that was commissioned by an International Art Advisory team. It was created for Simeone Deary Design Group’s booth for a massive Design Boutique Convention which took place at the Javits Convention Center, Fall of 2023. This large-scale floating Rabbit captured the essence of the year of the Rabbit by symbolically leaping into the new year. White Rabbit was designed to be lightweight and dynamic, creating a sense of movement and wonder for spectators that peered up at it. Suspended above the ground, this larger-than-life rabbit sculpture invited viewers into a magical realm. It was meticulously handcrafted, with intricate details that mesmerized patrons. White Rabbit, was constructed using thin steel rods that were welded together, forming the framework of the rabbit’s shape. The steel structure was then stretched and coated with sewn white fabrics, giving the sculpture its ethereal appearance. Hand-painted touches were also added to enhance and enliven the artwork, adding depth and visual interest.

Goals

The goal was to create a light-weight suspended artwork that resembled floating Chinese Festival sculptures. It was intended to draw in viewers to a booth in a large Convention Center and celebrate the Year of the Rabbit for a temporary Design Exhibition. Overall, White Rabbit was a striking and immersive art piece. Its combination of delicate craftsmanship, dynamic design, and other-worldly presence created a captivating experience for spectators, drawing them into the space.

Process

Thanks to virtual communication, White Rabbit came into fruition by working with an Art Advisory Group out of Canada and a Design group out of Chicago. In addition, the artist transported White Rabbit to New York and assisted in installing it in the Javits Convention Center.

PHASE 1- Created a framework/steel construction of a leaping rabbit by welding thin steel rod.
PHASE 2- Framework was prepared for painting by grinding and metal brushing the surface. Bronze Metal effect paint was be applied to the framework.
PHASE 3- White fabrics such as silks, muslin, sheers and faux white fur were applied to the framework by using Weld Bond adhesive and cutting the glued fabric to conform to the various shapes
that make up the constructed frame.
PHASE 4- Dried and shaped fabrics were stretched by hand-sewing each section. Thread: Black, Heavy-duty Wildfire beading thread.
PHASE 5- Coated the sewn fabrics using Acrylic- GAC 900. Fabrics are subtly hand painted to unify and add dynamism to the completed sculpture. Acrylics and Metal effects paint are used to paint the fabric.

Additional Information

White Rabbit was created for a temporary exhibition. Once the exhibition ended, it was donated to Housing Works in New York, which is a wonderful non-profit organization that raises money to fight Aids and Homelessness.