This is a piece I made during a big turning point in my life. I found myself directionless and in need of change, a change I was afraid to make. I was working as a Laser Operator, and I loved my job, but I hated my living situation. I had the choice to move but give up my dream job, or stay and continue to live a miserable existence.

In the moment I wanted to create something that would reflect my disjointed state of mind, but also something that would help me find an answer to this dilemma of mine.

The Jackalope is a creature that I hold near and dear to my heart. It’s a simple concept, just a big rabbit with some antlers on it, but that simplicity and symbolic nature of this creature has captivated me. I’ve always viewed this cryptid-creature as something akin to a spiritual guide. A being beyond this world, with such a deep connection to the earth that we look to it for it guidance. The goat eye also holds that same meaning to me, it represents spiritual knowledge beyond human understanding.

In times where I stagnate, or I start to doubt myself, I look to create this kind of imagery as a way to clear my mind and guide myself. When I was younger and less confident in myself I would Jackalopes such as this one all the time, but I had gone so long without it that drawing this piece felt like seeing an old friend you once knew. That’s where the title of this piece comes from. The feeling of seeing someone but you don’t recognize them anymore.