Lawrence University
Student Art in the Library

Artist: Jamie Lee
Title: Big Bunny
Date: Spring 2001

Artist's Statement:
Stuffed animals are soft, fluffy playthings that we give to children. They are harmless versions of essentially wild animals. We endow them with human characteristics to make them safer and more controllable. We puff out their cheeks and bellies and widen their eyes so that they seem adorable and innocent. All the aspects of a real animal that are threatening are softened or removed. These stuffed toys are made on a small scale so they can be pet, handled and enjoyed by children. But what happens when the scale is changed? How does the relationship between the stuffed toy and the person change when the toy becomes larger than the person?

Big Bunny is installed in the Seeley G. Mudd Library. This is not an accident. Big Bunny would not be out of place in a toy store display; it would be accepted as appropriate and normal. In the library at Lawrence University, however, it might be seen as a little bit odd. This is where serious studying and learning occurs. After viewing a giant, white stuffed rabbit in the periodical area one might begin to question the seriousness of their surroundings. Can one carry on an important conversation or read a thought-provoking book in the shadow of this ridiculously large toy? Imagine if it were placed in Main Hall. What would you think if you were a prospective student and saw it displayed in the Admission's office? Could you take what President Warch said seriously if, at the next convocation, he was introducing a speaker with Big Bunny standing next to him on stage? The idea is absurd and incredibly funny. I hope that you find as much humor in this piece as I do.