I drew this in 1992 at an art festival in Seattle, Washington. My sense of humor doesn’t always translate well (or at all!)  to others, and I continue to find myself  frustrated by this. I remember there was a woman at the art festival who was pulling her husband through the various artists’ displays, remarking in disgust that “cartoons” should be included in an “Art Festival”.

     I’m still sensitive about others’ approval of my “art”, and whether they “get it” or not. I’ve tried to overcome this by simply drawing what I decide I want to draw, and not let others’ comments and critiques get to me, but I’d be lying if I said I’m impervious to others’ reactions to my work. There is, however, really no pleasing everyone. Not even my mother, who is perhaps my biggest fan, can restrain herself from suggesting to me to draw cartoons that are more “wholesome” and “nice”. I generally cringe and think of Sunday Funnies (not there’s anything wrong with Sunday Funnies!!).

       I believe that every artist has to create what is meaningful to him or herself, and if that happens to be raw or anything other than mainstream wholesome, then so be it. (Think of Spiegleman, Barry, Crumb, or Groening.)

       (But I do still want people to like what I draw!!)