Recommended Archives | The Great Discontent (TGD)

Paloma Lanna

Designer, Photographer, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

As the child of designers behind one of Spain’s most well-known fashion brands in the ’80s, Paloma Lanna spent much of her youth traveling the world with her parents—learning the ins and outs of the industry by closely watching them work. Here, the Barcelona-based photographer and designer talks to us about both the rewards and challenges of growing up in the family business, what she learned by working alongside her mother before starting Paloma Wool, and why experimentation and collaboration with other artists has been critical to keeping the vision for this totally unique fashion project alive.

Gary Taxali

Artist, Educator, Illustrator, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

Gary Taxali’s body of work has influenced many artists and illustrators over the years, and the imprint of his distinctive aesthetic has touched everything from children’s books and toys, to album covers, men’s fashion accessories, and even 25¢ coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. Here, he recalls childhood days spent in Toronto’s Little India, and the impact both Bollywood “bad guys” and Hindustani classical have had on his work; why he’s always felt like he was born in the wrong era; and how he’s channelled his lifelong love of the classics into a successful, decades-long career as an artist, illustrator, and educator.

Ruth De Jong

Artist, Production designer, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

LA-based artist and production designer Ruth De Jong recalls her unexpected path into production design, which began when art director Jack Fisk recruited her to work with him on There Will Be Blood. Embracing her innate talent and driven to learn, Ruth has risen to the top of her craft becoming known for her work on Manchester by the Sea and David Lynch’s new installment of Twin Peaks. Here, Ruth opens up about what she’s learned from her mentors, the process of bringing a script to life, and why she has no regrets about forgoing grad school to work in film.

Sonja Rasula

Entrepreneur, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

Sonja Rasula moved to LA to work in TV, but when her path didn’t go as planned, she embraced the unexpected. Here, she recalls how her involvement in local politics led to her becoming an entrepreneur and the founder of The Unique Space, CAMP, and Unique Markets, how she’s accomplishing her mission to empower artists in practical ways, and why, if you want something, you’ve gotta put your heart and soul into it and give it everything you’ve got.

Glynn Washington

Broadcaster, Recommended, Writer / By The Great Discontent

Glynn Washington never imagined a career in radio. The Host & Executive Producer of Snap Judgment (produced by WNYC Studios) previously worked in law and, in an attempt to “throw darts at the board,” he entered a contest that changed his trajectory. Here, the acclaimed storyteller opens up about his early life in Michigan where he grew up as part of a religious cult that he left in his late teens, what working as a lawyer taught him about running a business, how he made the transition to a creative career, and why the best stories come from picking at scabs.

Jenna Bouma

When ambition led her down an uncharted path, Edmonton-born Jenna Bouma, made her own way. The hand-poke tattoo artist also known as Slower Black, recalls her beginnings tattooing friends in her home studio in Vancouver, deciding to call East River Tattoo in Brooklyn her home after extended traveling and guest spots, and how she developed her now signature, sought-after style.

Leon Bridges

Musician, Recommended, Singer-songwriter / By The Great Discontent

From his humble Fort Worth, Texas, roots to stages around the world, Leon Bridges’ talent has catapulted him into the spotlight since his first album, Coming Home, debuted in June 2014. Compelled to make music before anyone knew his name, the rising star played open mic nights and performed in smoky bars, and he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Here, Leon offers an intimate glimpse into his early days, recalls how he discovered his voice through a connection to soul music, and imagines what the future holds as he makes a point to remember his past.

Ron Finley

Artist, Designer, Gardener, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

LA-based artist, designer, and gangsta gardener, Ron Finley, is taking his art to the streets to inspire people around the world to reconnect with their food and each other. Ron spoke to us about growing up in South Central, his early work as a fashion designer, how gardening has transformed his life and lives of people around the world, and why he’s living for his legacy now to preserve the planet for future generations.

Krista Tippett

Author, Broadcaster, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

Peabody Award-winning broadcaster and New York Times best-selling author, Krista Tippett, reflects on how her early years in Oklahoma shaped her future, what initially drew her to radio after working as a print journalist and news correspondent, the impetus behind her new book, Becoming Wise, and the most important work that any of us can do right now.

Helen Rice & Josh Nissenboim

Creative director, Designer, Entrepreneur, Recommended / By The Great Discontent

South Carolina-based creative directors, Helen Rice & Josh Nissenboim, discuss the scrappy beginnings of their creative agency, Fuzzco, how they’ve navigated the waters of entrepreneurship together, and the most important life and business lessons they’ve learned as a couple.

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