Design Matters with Debbie Millman Sarah Lewis
Dec 9, 2024
Sarah Lewis, a celebrated art and cultural historian from Harvard, dives into the intersection of visual representation and racial justice. She discusses how art influences identity and belonging, sharing her journey from artist to educator. Lewis explores the transformative power of art, emphasizing failures as stepping stones. She reflects on her work with Obama's arts policy committee and scrutinizes historical racial narratives, urging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths for a more just society.
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Expelled for Curiosity
- Sarah Lewis's grandfather was expelled for questioning the lack of diversity in history textbooks.
- He became an artist, creating inclusive images, inspiring Lewis's career.
Essay on Failure
- Lewis's Harvard application essay focused on failure, inspired by her experience in the NAACP's Olympiads.
- Winning a national painting competition and later not placing impacted her deeply.
Underestimation as Strength
- Lewis views being underestimated as a strength and connects it to failure.
- She sees this "failure" as a gap between others' perceptions and one's potential.
