Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discuss her legendary career as a distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzan-Lori Parks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, discusses her impressive career in theater, music, and literature. She dives into her latest work on the complex relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, blending history and art. Parks shares her transformative journey from karate to yoga, reflecting on identity and resilience. She also touches on the art of storytelling, the emotional essence of collaboration in her band Sula and the Joyful Noise, and the profound themes of love, race, and forgiveness woven throughout her creations.

Todd St. John, a multidisciplinary artist and designer, is the founder of HunterGatherer, known for his work across illustration, animation, and product design. In this conversation, he explores the relationship between creativity and challenges, diving into narrative design's power in visual storytelling. He reflects on Jim Henson's influence on his childhood, shares how woodworking shaped his design journey, and discusses the evolving intersection of AI and design. St. John also highlights innovative advertising and the importance of context in artistic expression.

Adrian Tomine, bestselling author and New Yorker cover artist, dives into his captivating creative journey. He shares the anxiety of audience perception and the complexity of crafting unlikable characters like Ben Tanaka from 'Shortcomings.' Tomine reflects on his beginnings with 'Optic Nerve,' the transformative effects of parenthood on his work, and the artistic struggle of ending a story. With humor and nostalgia, he discusses the intricate balance between personal expression and external feedback, shedding light on his evolution as a contemporary storyteller.

Paul Tazewell, an award-winning costume designer known for his work on 'Hamilton' and 'West Side Story', dives into the fascinating world of costume design. He shares how his early theater experiences and artistic family shaped his career. The conversation highlights the creative challenges he faced designing iconic costumes, especially in 'Wicked', and discusses the impact of 'The Wizard of Oz' on his use of color. Tazewell emphasizes the storytelling power of costumes and reveals how personal elements enhance character portrayals.

Emily Nagoski, a New York Times bestselling author and educator, dives into the intricacies of sexual connection and intimacy. She shares insights from her career and new book, "Come Together," emphasizing the need for vulnerability and authentic communication in relationships. The discussion tackles the distinction between desire and pleasure, redefining sexual motivation, and navigating body image. Nagoski encourages intentional intimacy, highlighting how shared pleasure trumps maintaining initial attraction, making for deeper emotional bonds.

Carrie Brownstein, celebrated for her work with Sleater-Kinney and the series Portlandia, reflects on her diverse career as a musician, writer, and comedian. She shares her journey of growing up in suburban Seattle, navigating identity and early musical ambitions. The conversation explores how personal loss shaped her songwriting, particularly in her album 'Little Rope,' and the healing power of creativity. Brownstein also discusses the intersections of punk music and comedy, highlighting the importance of authentic connections in her artistic evolution.

Tiffany Shlain is a multidisciplinary artist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, best known for founding the Webby Awards. Ken Goldberg is an award-winning roboticist and professor at UC Berkeley. Together, they explore their artistic collaborations and the intersection of art and technology. They discuss the impact of their family legacies on innovation, their groundbreaking projects like 'Dendrofeminology,' and the ethical challenges in AI and robotics. Their conversation weaves together personal stories and reflections on creativity, nature, and a hopeful future for technology.

Seth Godin, a prolific author and entrepreneur, shares insights from his latest book, 'This Is Strategy.' He emphasizes learning from past failures while navigating the creative journey. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding goals in a world filled with choices and how AI is reshaping society. Godin discusses overcoming self-doubt and the necessity of collaboration over competition. He also examines the impact of vulnerability on creative growth and the transformative nature of embracing fear and failure.

On this special episode of Design Matters, we look back at the collective brilliance of artists interviewed in 2024. Best of Design Matters 2024 with Es Devlin, Olafur Eliasson, Carson Ellis, and Nell Irvin Painter is live! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.