Canadian cartoonist hopes her work will inspire people to love the Earth more

Canadian cartoonist hopes her work will inspire people to love the Earth more

[INTERVIEW with Danny Bloom in Taiwan]

http://northwardho.blogspot.com

Meet Mary Susan MacDonald, cartoonist extraordinaire, with a deep
interest in the future of the planet.

Born in Montreal, she now lives in Toronto. A regular reader of Dot
Earth, Mary says that her cartooning is a personal way of taking part
in caring for the planet.


When asked how she tries to invoke a sense of hope and empowerment in people
about issues having to do with climate change and the environment,
Mary said: "First off, Danny, thank you for taking an interest in my
work and for conducting this email interview...
I find that people generally respond best to my cartoons when they
feel a connection with their own lives and values. I focus on key
issues and try to create an image that people can not only relate to
but which they may find motivating."


"For example, in my recent cartoon, 'Jewel EARTH', the viewer may
see planet Earth with its stunning color, clarity and contrast, and this
may invoke a sense of personal responsibility."


When asked how she first become interested in social change and in looking
for sustainable ways of living, Mary said: "I have been interested in
sustainable living since childhood. My family recycled everything.
Latterly, my interest has taken on political overtones
through my friendship with the former Green Party of Canada leader,
Jim Harris, and his work with former US vice president and climate
activist Al Gore."

Mary said that her interest in cartooning came naturally to her, since
she always had an interest in art and had many artistic friends.
"Although I have had a successful career in management, my
friends encouraged me to take up cartooning several years ago
and I enjoy it too."

When asked about reactions from viewers, and which cartoon so far has
been most popular, Mary said: "The simplest cartoons, such as ‘Jewel
EARTH,’ seem to attract the most favorable interest. Comments have
come in by email from as far away as New Zealand and Taiwan."

Andrew Revkin's science blog Dot Earth at the New York
Times website, helps fuel her own thinking and insights. "Reading and
contributing to Dot Earth is motivated by my own interest," she said.
"If by doing so, I can spark an interest or invoke a sense of
responsibility in others, then so much the better."

When asked if she thinks global warming is real, she replied: "There
is no doubt that human life has an impact on the environment.
Everything is connected. Awareness is the first step in being
responsible. I believe that we should all be mindful of the impact
that we have on our environment and act appropriately."

When asked if she believes that cartoons can change public opinion,
she said: "Yes, depending on the agenda and ability of the cartoonist."

As for her own favorite cartoonist, Mary said: "Charles Schulz."

Mary's website is

http://www.marytoons.com

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To view her website please click here:

http://www.marytoons.com

Jewel EARTH cartoon, above, copyright (2009) Mary Susan MacDonald