Meaning: The quote you've provided offers insight into the artistic journey of an individual who transitioned from traditional fine art to the world of underground comics. The quote reflects a pivotal moment in the speaker's artistic development and sheds light on the influence of the underground comics movement on their creative path.

The mention of attending an art school in Brooklyn and painting fine art for eight years in New York indicates a significant period of dedication to traditional artistic pursuits. This experience likely provided the individual with a strong foundation in artistic techniques, principles, and art history. The reference to "if that's what you'd call it" suggests a degree of self-reflection and perhaps a hint of uncertainty about the classification of their previous work as "Fine Art." This introspective tone hints at a potential shift in artistic identity and creative direction.

The turning point in the speaker's artistic journey is evident in the phrase "until I saw the first underground comics in the East Village Other." This moment marks a clear departure from the world of traditional fine art and a newfound discovery of underground comics as a source of inspiration and artistic liberation. The East Village Other, a pioneering underground newspaper that emerged in the 1960s, served as a platform for countercultural expression and played a crucial role in the dissemination of underground comics, including the work of influential artists such as R. Crumb and Bill Griffith.

The mention of Bill Griffith, the renowned cartoonist behind the iconic "Zippy the Pinhead" comic strip, adds a personal touch to the quote and suggests that the speaker's artistic awakening may have been directly influenced by Griffith's work. This connection to a specific artist highlights the profound impact that individual creators can have on the artistic development of others and underscores the interconnected nature of artistic communities.

The quote encapsulates a significant artistic evolution, reflecting the transformative power of exposure to new and unconventional forms of expression. The shift from traditional fine art to underground comics represents a departure from established artistic norms and a willingness to explore alternative modes of creativity. It also speaks to the spirit of experimentation and boundary-pushing that characterized the underground comics movement, which sought to challenge societal conventions and expand the possibilities of visual storytelling.

In a broader context, the quote aligns with the broader cultural and artistic shifts that unfolded in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. The East Village, in particular, served as a vibrant hub of artistic experimentation and cultural rebellion, giving rise to movements such as Pop Art, performance art, and the avant-garde. The emergence of underground comics within this rich artistic landscape reflects a desire for subversion, satire, and a departure from mainstream artistic traditions.

Overall, the quote captures a moment of artistic awakening and transformation, highlighting the profound impact of encountering new forms of creative expression. It serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of artistic identity and the power of artistic communities to inspire and shape one another's creative paths.