Getting Back Into It

But what does a political cartoon really do?

This cartoon expresses how I feel after coming back from a week of not working much. I need my blank paper to help me more than usual! Thanks for sticking with me while I took a much needed break. I was in California near the water, spending time with one of my daughters, my stepmother and a family wedding. I feel restored.

During said “week off”, I did the drawing above and submitted it to The New Yorker— it did not make the cut, nor did others I submitted. They did buy a cartoon for the caption contest, however, but I can’t show it to you! I have sold a bunch of drawings to the contest over the years, and each time they take off my caption. Usually I don’t mind, but this time it stung. I really liked my caption. Ah well. I like the income, so I agree to it! When the drawing finally is published and they choose a caption from someone, I will share what mine was.

A few days ago, I traveled to Washington, DC to speak at my high school. Each year, they invite select alumni to come to campus and speak to classes, the theme being “Let Your Life Speak.” My high school is a Quaker school (Sidwell Friends School), and part of the teachings of the Society of Friends (the official name for Quakers, of which I am a member), is that every one can live a life of purpose, if they choose. It can be in the form of being an environmental activist or social worker, or ER doctor or District Court Judge or teacher or cartoonist or filmaker….. the list goes on. It was an interesting group of alumni who spoke, and I was honored to be doing it for the second time. I love that I get to do what I love to do, and that it often makes people smile, or think. I saw old friends and met new ones. Here is a selfie with a few of the students I spoke to that morning.

I showed them a powerpoint of my work, including some New Yorker cartoons, but much of it political and about women’s rights. I wanted them to see how a shy, quiet girl found a way to express herself in drawing. The presentation I created got me to wondering (again) why I am still not doing any political cartoons at the moment. After the election, I—along with so many others— was burnt out and had to stop. But isn’t it time to start up again, Liza? I just don’t know. The New Yorker does not buy my political work any more (new editor there), and the only outlets I have for that kind of drawing would be here, my Medium column, and social media.

What really is the purpose of political cartoons? I have always been a strong supporter of the form, and many of my colleagues still do amazing work, commenting on the world’s concerns. I need to return to it, if only to have a dialogue about important issues with young people, such as I met at my high school.

I welcome your input!