The Ramblings of a Low-Brow Hack

 
I think it was in that biography of Charles Schulz, entitled Good Grief, where I read that Schulz once took a friend aside and showed them some of his old sketches from his time in WWII, exclaiming, "I really can draw, you know!" How funny, that this incredibly successful cartoonist would still feel the need to remind others that he really did have artistic talent. Not that I consider myself anywhere near the level of Schulz, but still, I can certainly relate to that kind of insecurity – the need to showcase the 'real art' from time to time just to remind folks that there's more to me than just goofy cartoons. But really, why the hell aren't goofy cartoons enough? I don't know. Maybe it's because I still get those sideway glances from folks when I tell them the kind of art that I do, or the bored snearing expression of those who quickly leaf through my books, or the ones who ask me why don't I try writing a dark, deep, heartfelt graphic novel, or the crtics who say that my illustrations are far too simple. If they're so damn simple, I mutter under my breath, then why the hell don't you draw them? I know, I know – it's wasted energy, and besides, I truly do love drawing silly, goofy cartoons, and in my heart I know that what I do is vaulable. Because if it isn't valuable, then why the hell is Mo Willems so bloody popular? But sometimes, in a weak moment, when I'm feeling like the world just views me as a low-brow hack, I too feel the need to pull out some of my sketches and exclaim, "I really can draw, you know!"

Comments

[Zosia]

Patricia, it's nice to see your sketches, but we love your Penguin and the Pirate and your cartoons just the way they are, so pay no heed to the highbrow sneerers.

[patricia]

Aw shucks. Thanks, Zosia! This cartoonist can sometimes get so neurotic and insecure...

[Cipriano]

Pattycakes -- I have always loved your "drawings" in whatever format or genre they appear. The above bridgework is so beautiful, it makes me speculate on the treasures of wall-type paintings and/or drawings you have done in your lifetime as an artist.
I must admit though, even with the above bridge, just knowing who is behind the drawing, I expect Winnie-The-Pooh or Toad of Toad Hall to go sauntering across it.

[Soozcat]

I can't do what you do.

ANY of what you do, whether it's illustration or cartooning.

Anyone who dares to sneer at your work clearly has a soul of Spam. It's easy to criticize, much more difficult to create.

[patricia]

"Clearly has a soul of Spam." Oh Soozcat, that's beautiful. And thank you.

And yes, it's so true – very easy to criticize, much more difficult to create...