In which the legendary author/illustrator gives an example of how to respond in a situation where selling out is suggested (should one be fortunate enough to have such an opportunity), among other things:
–Which, with a two-year-old son* and having accumulated some books by some of the authors signed at the proclamation bottom there, is something I can appreciate.
–I’ll admit to absolutely loving two of the picture books my son got over the holidays: Oliver Jeffer’s Stuck (Jeffer’s most ridiculous and best book, by far) and Mo Willem’s We Are in a Book (for its quasi-Finnegans Wake-esque loop from last page to first).
–But back to Aaron Renier and his graphic novel, The Unsinkable Walker Bean (which I gave to my wife for Christmas). And which, embarrassingly, I recently finished reading before she started, and loved. Brilliant, lush artwork. By far the best art I’ve read in a graphic novel for some time.
–And if we’re talking about art, we can’t well forget this:
*If my son ever asks why Maurice Sendak never wrote sequel to Where the Wild Things Are, I’ll know to coolly respond: “Go to hell! Go to hell. Maurice Sendak isn’t a whore.”
I love this “should one be fortunate enough to have such an opportunity”. That said, the little bit I saw of Egger’s movie was- really not good. But whatever. It’s a great book.
I agree. In fact, I don’t understand why the film turned out so badly. It should have been great. It looked great (the wild things, anyway).
he’s charming! thanks for the vid. and good to see hennessy making the rounds. love his stuff.
Never knew that Sendak had had, as he describes it, “a nervous breakdown of monumental force.” Question is, how does one keep from getting too “close to the fire”?
I think about this a lot, John. And my opinion changes over the years…but as of now I think- there is luck or fate or destiny- and there is our free will- ie, trying to do the right thing, take care of ourselves, not give into our demons….
But really, I have no idea. It would make a good essay here on big other- an examination- looking into- why some people break and others don’t– and does it matter in terms of the work( I used to argue that most people with serious mental illness are just mentally ill and never accomplish anything and was against the romantisizing of “craziness”)- of course it matters in life.
has anyone else heard that npr interview with him where he basically breaks down talking about death?