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Interviewing Joe Quigley, the ubiquitous New Bedford resident known for his advocacy on an array of social justice issues, is an exercise in perseverance. He often delves into the many experiences that have defined his life and brought him to the South Coast.
“Long story short” introduces many of his answers to my very short questions regarding where inspiration comes from and whether a single image, in the age of Instagram, can still carry the emotional weight of a movement.
I’m thinking of the Silence=Death pink triangle or the Barack Obama “Hope” poster.
Quigley is a political cartoonist in the tradition of artists such as Edward Gorey, known for single-image illustrations that are often dark and humorous. He gently laments that he may have missed opportunities to earn an income through his artistry at crucial stages in his life.
He said he believes Gorey was in the right place at the right time and had the right connections to help place his imagery in front of a wide audience. Gorey’s work appeared on everything from book covers to PBS promotions, aided by a well-connected roommate.
For the past 36 years, Quigley has supported himself through teaching in various parts of the country. While financial artistic success has eluded him, his work has been influential in many grassroots pro-union, civil rights, and gay rights campaigns.
The diverse communities he has engaged with have honed his sense of humor and wry wit. Though he may tend to stray off topic when expanding on an issue, his drawings are always short and to the point. Quigley’s single-frame works, characterized by their black-and-white style and political themes, convey complex ideas without the need for language.
Quigley posts one drawing each day on his blog from a small desk looking out through the only window in his modest fourth-story attic apartment. It is a strict routine of producing visual commentary on issues that matter to him. As he stated several times during our time together, “This was not my dream; I’m not rich.” However, he has retained an insatiable joy for image making, and that may be the best reward for any career artist.
