Inspired by the two hares that would appear in our garden each morning, the bronze ‘Merrijig Hare’ series seeks to capture the ethereal nature of this animal that captivated me as a child. Their monogamous breeding patterns have resulted in the hare becoming a symbol of love and devotion in various cultures and folklores, ranging from Greco-Roman mythologies to Chinese traditions. In ancient Greece, hares were considered a sacred gift from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, traditionally given to newlyweds. Parallels can be found in the Chinese Moon Festival, where the hare is associated with vitality, fertility and the feminine power.

Phoebe’s bronze hares are in limited editions and are found in private art collections in Melbourne, London, Hong Kong and Cape Town.