Scratching the Surface 58. Alice Twemlow
Dec 27, 2017
Alice Twemlow, a design writer, critic, and educator, discusses her fascinating journey from English literature to design criticism. She explores the evolution of design criticism and the collapsing boundaries between design disciplines. Alice also dives into her book, *Sifting the Trash*, highlighting its blend of literary analysis and interviews. She emphasizes the significance of addressing environmental issues and societal reflection through design. Additionally, Alice shares her current interests in trash and repair, and her role in researching design within geological time.
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Family Roots Led To Design History
- Alice grew up in a design family but studied English literature and gravitated back to design through visual aspects of texts.
- She then pursued an MA in Design History at the Royal College of Art and immersed herself in graphic departments and workshops.
Starting SVA's Design Criticism Program
- Alice was invited by Steve Heller to help create an MA and she recommended focusing on design criticism rather than history.
- She saw the program as a way to refine criticism and teach robust skills and imaginative outputs.
Teach Criticism With Rigorous Tools
- Teach explicit skills and tools to produce rigorous design criticism rather than only increasing volume.
- Expand imaginative outputs but prioritize refining the qualities of critical practice.
