I think it's part of the responsibility of an artist to shock, to upset, to make people think differently, and to surprise people. And that's where the good humor is, if there's a surprise and there's something unexpected. Something that's not normal, not in the realm of general living expectations.

In this quote, Bill Plympton discusses the role of an artist and the importance of shocking and upsetting the audience in order to provoke thought and challenge conventional perspectives. He suggests that artists have a responsibility to push boundaries and introduce surprise into their work, encouraging people to think differently. This idea reflects the belief that art should not just entertain but also disrupt and encourage a deeper engagement with the world around us.

Plympton also connects this concept of surprise to humor, explaining that good humor often arises from the unexpected. By introducing something unexpected or outside of the ordinary, artists can create moments of humor that feel fresh and original. The humor, in this case, doesn’t come from traditional or predictable jokes, but from subverting expectations and offering something that challenges the norm.

The quote also emphasizes the idea that art should operate outside the realm of general living expectations, meaning it shouldn’t always conform to societal norms or conventional views. Instead, art should offer a new perspective, something that isn’t immediately understood or accepted, but that forces the audience to question their assumptions and perceptions. This can be seen as a call for artists to use their work to break from the ordinary and engage in something more provocative and thought-provoking.

Ultimately, Plympton’s quote highlights the power of art and humor to transform perspectives. By embracing the role of surprise and pushing against societal norms, artists can create works that not only entertain but also stimulate change, broaden understanding, and provide new ways of thinking.