Chaos And Cats And Russians

This drawing was done the week before last, I think, whenever there was the attemped coup in Russia. There was talk in the news as to what the global ramifications might be of the challenge to Putin. In fact, I think I pulled the phrase from the news, “capitalize on the chaos.” My favorite kind of political cartoon to create is one that makes an oblique reference to the news, but can stand on its own without knowing the reference.

I also love drawing cats in this kind of frantic state. Who knows what set these four kitties off— perhaps a simple sound from the other room, a spoon dropped in the kitchen. You can imagine how these dogs might take advantage, I wonder if they did. I haven’t seen any obvious capitalization from the coup in Russia, have you?

This week feels like vacation. I’m in my studio, but I’m having trouble working. The New Yorker did not take cartoon submissions this week, that always makes the week odd. I feel like everyone is away and not paying attention to what’s going on, myself included. I look at the news every day, but my brain is slower, my “go-get-em” is being challenged by my “it’s-okay-relax.” Because I am self employed, it’s sometimes hard to know when to take time off. There are so many things I want to do!! Things I want to produce, make, share. But my brain is resisting, maybe for a reason. I’ve heard it said that artists need space to work—not physical space (although they do)— but time space. It is said we need to do nothing sometimes. I love that notion, but it’s hard to accept that it’s true.

Anyone else feel a tad rudderless this week?