Signe Wilkinson (born July 25, 1950) is an American editorial cartoonist best known for her work with the Philadelphia Daily News. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1992 and is known for her sharp, irreverent style and focus on political and social issues.
Early Life and Education
Signe Wilkinson was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, into a Quaker family on July 25, 1950. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Denver. Later, she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to study art while working at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. During her studies, Wilkinson worked as a stringer for various newspapers, including the Daily Post, King of Prussia Courier, and West Chester Daily Local News.[1]
Career
Early Career
Wilkinson began her career as a reporter but eventually shifted to editorial cartooning after realizing her interest in both art and politics. She worked for various Philadelphia and New York publications before securing a full-time position at the San Jose Mercury News in 1982, where she worked as a staff cartoonist for three and a half years.
Philadelphia Daily News
In the mid-1980s, Wilkinson returned to Philadelphia and began working as an editorial cartoonist for the Philadelphia Daily News. She became known for her bold, insightful cartoons that frequently tackled political corruption, reproductive rights, and civil liberties. Her work often reflected a liberal viewpoint with a focus on progressive social issues.
Wilkinson remained a staff cartoonist at the Philadelphia Daily News and later for The Philadelphia Inquirer until her retirement from daily cartooning in late 2020. However, she continues to contribute cartoons for the Sunday editions of the Inquirer.
Comic Strips
Beyond editorial cartoons, Wilkinson also explored comic strips.
- Family Tree (2007-2011): Syndicated by United Media, this strip focused on environmental issues and family life. It concluded in 2011.
- Shrubbery: Created for Organic Gardening magazine, this strip combined botanical humor with political commentary.
Style and Themes
Wilkinson's cartoons are characterized by:
- Satirical depictions of current events and political figures.
- Liberal perspective with commentary on reproductive rights, civil liberties, and environmentalism.
- A unique, sharp line art style paired with witty captions.
Her work has often sparked controversy due to her outspoken criticism of conservative policies. Former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Samuel Smith once sarcastically referred to her as the "Pennsylvania state vegetable substitute."
Awards and Honors
Wilkinson has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career:
- 1991: Clifford K. and James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartooning
- 1992: Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning (first woman to win this award)[2]
- 1996, 2000, 2006, 2014: Overseas Press Club Award (Thomas Nast Award)
- 2002, 2008: Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Cartooning
- 2011: Visionary Woman Award from Moore College of Art & Design
- 2013: Aronson Award for Cartooning with a Conscience
Publications
Wilkinson has published and contributed to several books, including:
- Abortion Cartoons on Demand (1992) – A collection focusing on reproductive rights.
- One Nation, Under Surveillance: Cartoon Rants on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Privacy (2005) – Addressing civil liberties and privacy concerns.
- Sex and Sensibility: Ten Women Examine the Lunacy of Modern Love in 200 Cartoons (2008) – Contributor.
- Joe Sixpack's Philly Beer Guide by Don Russell (2008) – Illustrator.
- Mike McGrath's Book of Compost (2006) – Illustrator.
- You Bet Your Tomatoes by Mike McGrath (2008) – Illustrator.
Legacy and Influence
Wilkinson's groundbreaking career has paved the way for other women in editorial cartooning, a historically male-dominated field. She has used her platform to advocate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and progressive social change.
She served as President of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) from 1994 to 1995, further contributing to the advancement of the field.
Personal Life
Wilkinson resides in Pennsylvania with her husband. They share their home with a dog, two birds, and five goldfish. She continues to contribute to political discourse through her Sunday cartoons for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Impact and Legacy
Signe Wilkinson remains a trailblazer in the editorial cartooning world, not only for her achievements as a Pulitzer Prize winner but also for her influence on the next generation of cartoonists, especially women in the field. Her fearless critique of social and political issues continues to inspire and challenge readers.
References
- ↑ Altersitz, Katrina. "Not a Funny Situation: In the Shrinking Field of Editorial Cartoonists, Women are Scarce." American Journalism Review, vol. 27, no. 3, 2005, p. 14+. Academic OneFile. Retrieved 3 Dec. 2018.
- ↑ Visionary Woman Award
External links
- Family Tree at GoComics