Words by Ed King
Erdington’s creative and wider community have been reeling from the shocking loss of one of their most cherished members, and a man whose murals and paintings brought joy to so many.
Bunny Bread (Rudel James – aka Create Not Destroy) passed away in late October from a surprise and fatal heart attack.
Erdington resident and multi-media artist – with talents in photography, videography, aerosol art, illustration, music, and murals – Bunny Bread began his creative journey in the mid 1980’s.
Skilled in capturing the characters he saw in the world around him, Bunny’s work represents a beautiful gallery of creativity and community, from musicians and performers to the individuals that shine their light on the everyday streets.
In Erdington, one of Bunny’s best loved pieces is the large mural of Louvina Moses, on Coton Lane – just off Erdington High Street.
The piece was commissioned as part of the ‘Queens of the Commonwealth’ programme – supporting a special documentary celebrating 22 women who migrated to the UK from Commonwealth countries, produced ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.
When interviewed by Erdington Local in October 2022, Bunny told: “I spent as much time on the ground chatting to people than I did up the ladder painting. People were so interested what I was doing, normally they would walk past me without giving me a second glance but when I start painting murals people are suddenly interested.”
He added: “There is a real appetite for art in Erdington, through our [Artists Conversations] group we know there is talent in the area and art can make a difference. I want art to become part of Erdington, like how the murals and art really are part of Brixton; there is no reason why Erdington cannot be the Brixton of Birmingham.”
Following the news of his death, messages of love and condolences flooded social media.
The Erdington based Birmz is Grime collective posted: “Great loss to this world. Rest in peace Bunny. Thank you for leaving the world a bit more brighter. Was lucky enough to call this guy a friend.”
Lincoln Moses MBE, son of Louvina Moses, expressed his “regret to announce the passing of Bunny, the esteemed graffiti artist” who painted the widely loved portrait of his mother.
Co-founder of Erdington Litter Busters (ELB), Dawn Edwards, expressed the local community group’s “sincere condolences”, and praised “this very talented and thoughtful man who loved working with and in the community”.
Bunny had been commissioned by ELB to paint a mural celebrating the local volunteer community, situated on Minstead Road.
Erdington Arts Forum also dedicated part of their November Evening of Creativity (EoC) showcase to Bunny Bread, at Oikos Café on Friday 21 November.
EoC co-founder, Claire Marshall, who was working with Bunny on a three part art installation at the Peddimore development in Sutton Coldfield, told: “Rudel James (Bunny Bread) of Create Not Destroy was one of the most incredible human beings.”
She added: “He created his best work from capturing the essence of a person or place and amplifying the beauty. It’s such a loss to not have more of his creativity, and the work he leaves behind is a gift for our communities.”
For more on Bunny Bread visit www.createnotdestroy.com
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