because it opens my world to what’ s happening out there. Otherwise, I live somewhat under a rock. I’ d rather read Patricia Highsmith or Raymond Chandler than scroll Instagram and keep up with trends. In terms of the fellowship itself, the people selected for the fellowship have been fantastic. Nick Drnaso’ s second graphic novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize— the first graphic novelist ever shortlisted. Ali Fitzgerald, who lives in Berlin, Cara Bean in Massachusetts, Jeremy Nguyen from Brooklyn, and Arwen Donahue from Kentucky, who’ s also a MacDowell Fellow. It’ s selfishly rewarding for me to meet these talented artists. They’ re lifelong connections now. Originally, the fellowship was meant to reward their work, not necessarily to promote it. They can come here and relax— I would almost prefer if they just come to hang out. Graphic novels require immense work— eight hours a day hunched over a desk. I wanted to give these young, talented people a break and some cash.“ Come to Cornish, New Hampshire, hug a tree, see a porcupine— you won’ t see that in Brooklyn.” Look, my dog just came in— he hears me doing these silly voices.
Sherman: Let me ask you more about J. D. Salinger’ s property, where you live now. Does the property’ s history add to the lore for you personally and for the fellowship, or is it just an interesting piece of information without deeper personal significance?
Bliss: There’ s no personal connection. I’ m more of a caretaker. I wouldn’ t exactly call it sacred ground, but I do believe in the energy of certain places, and I feel Salinger’ s energy is present here.
Sherman: New Hampshire and
Top: Harry and Maurice Sendak Middle: Harry and Ed Koren Bottom: Harry’ s home in Cornish, NH, which was previously owned by J. D. Salinger
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