Let’s Talk About Wild Things

By Lauren Shipman / January 11th, 2012 in Talks / London / 495 views

“We all have to find our own way,” explains legendary author Maurice Sendak with stern enthusiasm, whilst staring intently across his paper-strewn desk and into the camera lens. It seems clear that this influential American writer and illustrator, the man who managed to lead more than one generation of naughty children out of their bedroom confines, straight out the window and into the fantasy island world of The Wild Things, possesses an aura of wild charisma—much like the adventures he writes.

Not only does he seem like the grandfather figure extraordinare, quite honestly, Maurice Sendak is rather frank in conversation. Clearly not afraid of faux pas, he’s a writer who seems altogether determined to say what he wants, straight to our faces. As a result, sitting still, listening to him speak to the TateShots interviewer is somewhat like being called upon to adventure. We can see why Spike Jonze, Lance Bangs and Catherine Keener jumped at the chance to create a documentary on him back in 2010.

Born in Brooklyn, Sendak decided to become an illustrator after viewing Walt Disney’s film Fantasia at the age of twelve. Since then he went on to write and illustrate countless books, some of which regularly appear on the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged and banned books. Yes, he’s the kind of guy to say ‘fuck you’ to the boss, and he’s not afraid of a challenge or two. He has a lovely looking German Shepard called Herman (as in Melville) who sleeps on the rug in his study and oh, just in case you were wondering, Maurice Sendak is not a whore. His words, not ours.