Oct. 7, 2024
A New York Institution Leaves the City He Loved
Jules Feiffer, the highly decorated cartoonist, illustrator, author, playwright, and screenwriter, left New York City 27 years ago. But to Mr. Feiffer and those who know him, it’s a move that still feels as likely an occurrence as the pigeons departing St. Mark’s Square.
A City That Was an Extension of Himself
Being a New Yorker was a key part of his identity. “I never thought I could live out of the city or for that matter out of the Upper West Side,” said Mr. Feiffer, whose book “Amazing Grapes,” a graphic novel for young readers was published last month. “I walked everywhere. If I had an appointment downtown, I would leave an hour early so I could walk there. I adored it all.”
A Life Rooted in the City’s Vibrancy
Mr. Feiffer’s love affair with New York City began when he was a young man, struggling to make a name for himself as a cartoonist. He would draw caricatures of the people who walked by his stoop, and eventually, his work caught the eye of the editor of The New Yorker, who published his first cartoon in 1956.
Leaving Behind the Familiar
So, why did he leave the city after nearly four decades? Mr. Feiffer says he needed a change of scenery and a slower pace of life. He moved to Bridgehampton, on the East End of Long Island, where he continues to work on his projects.
A Return to His Roots
Although he has been away from the city for 27 years, Mr. Feiffer’s ties to New York City remain strong. He continues to draw inspiration from his years in the city, and his latest book is a testament to the power of his experiences there. As he reflects on his decision to leave, Mr. Feiffer acknowledges that he will always be a New Yorker at heart.
Conclusion
Jules Feiffer’s story serves as a reminder that even the most iconic New Yorkers can change and evolve, even as their love for the city remains unwavering. His departure from the city may have seemed impossible, but it’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, it takes leaving behind the familiar to find new inspiration and perspective.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Jules Feiffer to leave New York City?
A: Mr. Feiffer needed a change of scenery and a slower pace of life. He moved to Bridgehampton, on the East End of Long Island, where he continues to work on his projects.
Q: What is Jules Feiffer’s most recent book?
A: His latest book is “Amazing Grapes,” a graphic novel for young readers, published last month.
Q: Does Jules Feiffer still identify as a New Yorker?
A: Yes, Mr. Feiffer continues to draw inspiration from his years in the city, and his love for New York City remains unwavering. He considers himself a New Yorker at heart.
