Paola Antonelli, Senior Design Curator of the Department of Architecture & Design and Director of R&D at the Museum of Modern Art, on her early years in Italy, her path from architecture to curation, and using design as a force for good.
Steven Heller, NYC-based art director, curator, editor, and writer, talks growing up in the city, his early ambition as a cartoonist, finding his niche, and why we’re all imbued with something—it’s just a matter of finding it.
Liz Danzico, chair and cofounder of the MFA in Interaction Design at School of Visual Arts, talks about her newest role at NPR, her most influential mentor, the importance of trusting your instincts, and ice cream—hey, it’s summer in the city!
I first encountered Roxane’s writing on the online literary magazine, The Rumpus. Immediately, I was drawn into her writing, into its wit, its directness, and its unapologetic approach. Needless to say, I’m a fan of Roxane’s work, and I was thrilled at the opportunity to interview her for this week’s issue. I spoke with Roxane while she was on tour for her debut novel, An Untamed State, which is getting rave reviews! Roxane recalled her upbringing in the Midwest, the “Aha!” moment that had been inside of her the whole time, spoke about what she hopes to contribute as a writer—and as a human being—and gave some pretty great advice: give a damn and own your work. —Tina”
Ryan and I recently took a trip to LA for some fun, sun, and work. While there, we met up with Alissa Walker for an in-person interview and, at her suggestion, we met at Urban Light, the large-scale assemblage sculpture by Chris Burden, which stands in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on Wilshire Boulevard. After snapping a few photos, we walked over to LACMA’s Stark Bar for a drink, where we talked with Alissa about her path into writing, the solo trip to Europe that led to her “aha” moment, why she ditched her car and became a walker in LA, and her thoughts on long-form writing on the web. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with this enthusiastic Angeleno about her life, her city, and the community she is a part of. As you read this interview, may Alissa’s excitement for her community challenge you to join in on the story of your city as it unfolds in front of you—because no matter where you are, an adventure awaits! —Tina
Dear readers, you are in for a wonderful time. Find a quiet place to sit, grab a cup of coffee or tea—or something stronger, if preferred—and get ready to peek into the mind of Maria Popova, architect of Brain Pickings. Thoughtfully and with candor, Maria told her story of growing up in Bulgaria, how Brain Pickings got its start, the places she’s traversed along the way, and why New York is where she truly feels at home. But that’s not all; she also gave plenty to ruminate on when it comes to work, relationships, purpose, and our pursuit of creating things that are meaningful, intelligent, and beautiful. Of course, we hope you’ll do more than just think on what she says—we hope you’ll consider and then pursue something that fulfills you. —Tina
We’d like to preface this with a disclaimer: no matter what we write to introduce Mandy, it will be fucking inadequate. With that off our chests, we’ll just say that we’re huge admirers of the multi-talented, multi-tasking maven of the text and web. Thank you, Mandy, for talking with us about your craft and the creative community you’ve found in New York. Your passion for all that you do is evident; you’ve left us hungry and thoroughly inspired. —Tina
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