This week I wanted to introduce you to my illustration department family! I started working full time teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall 2018. One of the reason why I decided to do the crazy commute from NY to Baltimore is those people! They are incredible people and talented illustrators who I get great inspirations from. It’s very unfortunate that covid-19 happened that we had move to the online teaching and I don’t get to see them everyweek. Also I love the students at MICA! We have a group of super talented Senior 2020 this year. They are graduating in one week. I will start putting some of my students work here on this blog.
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Lisa:
Some items I have bought in quarantine have been:
- Oxbow Timothy Hay (this is food for Blanche!)
- Nineteen Crimes Red Wine
- Pacific Foods Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- Parsley (also for Blanche!)
Me:
Ohhhh I love your shopping list is a list for two. (Blanche is a cute rabbit Lisa has)
I must ask about Blanche! How old is she and how did you meet her?
Lisa:
Blanche DuBun is my beloved rabbit companion. We recently celebrated our nine year anniversary since her adoption day! She was an adult rabbit when we met, so I suppose she is likely about ten years old. The house rabbit online community affectionately refers to a rabbit of her age as an "elder bun." (a term I find hilarious and fascinating!) We met because a childhood cohort of my brother's was looking to rehome her. (It's a long story, but this friend had ended a rocky relationship with someone who had acquired LOTS of animals before things ended and she left, so he had several animals he was looking to find homes for.) The day I met her, I put baby carrots in my pockets to stack the deck in my favor. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Me:
Awwww. Elder bun!
I love the story of you, two.
Is she happy that you are at home all the time?
Lisa:
I think so! We have been hanging out a lot! She is very popular when she appears on Zoom calls.
Me:
I can just imagine! I can stare at her on zoom forever! I wish she has her own webcam channel, I would turn it in! I don’t know many people who have rabbit.
Have you had a rabbit before Branch?
Lisa:
I never had a bunny before Blanche! I didn't really grow up with pets, though I've always loved animals.
Me:
That’s great!
I grew up with dog who I adored, but when I was in college I adopted a cat and since then I became more of a cat person! I don’t know If our personality match better or just their very round shape my brain completely scream cats over dogs now. haha.
What makes Blanche happy? What makes you happy? Is there a moment you share two of you that is special?
Lisa:
Blanche likes blueberries, bananas, head pets, running around very fast at night, and her budding celebrity status. I enjoy making art for myself, listening to musical theater soundtracks, improv theater, catching up with friends, and fine cheeses. I think a special moment we share might be that every evening, I sit on the floor and she sits next to me, and I just pet her head and ears for as long as she wants. It's a nice calm, quiet moment for me to think and process, and I think it relaxes her as well. A more specific special moment was that when I was recruited by my previous job, the company paid for her plane ticket to move too! I have a ticket somewhere that says "bunny in cabin."
Me:
"bunny in cabin”! I am melting. That’s so nice you two have a clam evening together. I really miss having an animal company.
Thank you so much Lisa for the interview!
Here are some adorable photos of Lisa and Blanche!!!
Lisa is incredible illustrator, she illustrated those beautiful frames on the photos :)
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!