Celebrated graphic novelist and painter Karl Stevens reflects on the transformative power of the Transcendental Meditation technique, which he and his wife have practiced for the past 12 years, and his enduring fascination with feline life. At the heart of Mr. Stevens’s creative world are his two philosophical cats, Penny and Pepper, who not only inspire his work but also serve as the introspective protagonists in his acclaimed graphic novels.

Karl Stevens is a graphic novelist and visual artist whose work seamlessly blends fine art aesthetics with sardonic wit and introspective storytelling. Known for his meticulously detailed, realist illustrations, Mr. Stevens has contributed to publications such as The New Yorker, The Village Voice, and The Boston Globe. He is perhaps best known for Penny: A Graphic Memoir, a poignant and humorous exploration of life through the eyes of a deeply philosophical house cat. The book was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and earned praise from David Sedaris, who called Penny “a major literary figure.”

Celebrated graphic novelist and painter Karl Stevens reflects on the transformative power of the Transcendental Meditation technique, … and his enduring fascination with feline life.

Mr. Stevens’s forthcoming graphic novel Pepper (2026) continues the story of feline sisters Penny and Pepper as they muse on the absurdity of their highly educated Bostonian owners and embark on a series of whimsical and existential adventures. In addition to his original work, he recently illustrated the graphic novel adaptation of Jamie Lee Curtis’s eco-thriller Mother Nature, further showcasing his ability to merge painterly visuals with bold, narrative-driven art.

Christine Albers, host of TM Talks, interviewed Karl Stevens. This interview was aired on October 19, 2025.