Alice McDermott, a 70-year-old writer, expressed her intention to challenge her reading preferences by trying her hand at writing science fiction, murder mysteries, and novels about novelists, despite not being drawn to these genres initially. She emphasized that if she fails in these attempts, it may indicate that these are not the types of books she would typically enjoy reading.
Thurston Moore, a 65-year-old musician and author, shared his creative projects, including finalizing a new album titled “Flow Critical Lucidity” and working on a novella set in Lower Manhattan in 1981, titled “Boomerang and Parsnip.” The novella revolves around two young individuals deeply in love and is described as irreal, bordering on fantasy.
Samuel R. Delany, an 82-year-old writer, mentioned his current project involving a guidebook for a set of tarot cards that he designed in collaboration with artist Lissanne Lake.
Susan Cianciolo, a 54-year-old visual artist, discussed her upcoming solo exhibition at Bridget Donahue gallery, where she will showcase new artworks alongside curated older pieces. The exhibition will feature a book of her watercolor tree paintings titled “Tell Me When You Hear My Heart Stop.”
Jenny Offill, a 55-year-old writer, revealed her plan to form an all-female band named Spacecrone, inspired by a book of essays by Ursula K. Le Guin. The band will cater to members aged 55 and above, with a unique style combining Ziggy Stardust-inspired makeup with practical clothing and shoes.
Alex Eagle, a 40-year-old creative director, discussed the refinement of the bag collection at his company to achieve a balance between luxury and practicality. Additionally, he mentioned his intention to collaborate with his son Jack on a cookbook.
Earl Sweatshirt, a 30-year-old rapper and producer, expressed his continuous passion for creating music despite facing self-doubt. He also shared his interest in exploring stand-up comedy, highlighting his apprehension about performing without the safety net of music.
Alex Da Corte, a 43-year-old visual artist, mentioned his ongoing project of writing an opera based on Marisol Escobar’s assemblage “The Party” from 1965-66. The opera is set in a unique scenario where the sun shines only once a year, creating an intriguing backdrop for the narrative.
Danny Kaplan, a 40-year-old designer, discussed his transition from working with clay to experimenting with new materials like wood, metal, and glass to expand the scope of his craft.
Kengo Kuma, a 69-year-old architect, shared his initiative to establish satellite offices outside of Tokyo to alleviate the congestion in big cities. He emphasized the importance of reducing the burden on urban areas and recently opened offices in Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Raul Lopez, a 39-year-old fashion designer known for Luar, expressed his desire to revive his video blog titled “Rags to Riches: Dining With the Fabbest Bitches.” The blog explores the interconnectedness of food, fashion, music, and art.
Charles Burnett, an 80-year-old filmmaker, discussed his involvement in developing two films, “Edwin’s Wedding” and “Dark City,” both set in Namibia. The former focuses on two cousins planning weddings amid the Namibian armed struggle, while the latter delves into themes of betrayal and vengeance akin to a Hitchcockian narrative.
Ludovic Nkoth, a 29-year-old visual artist, expressed his interest in exploring mediums beyond traditional canvas art, particularly in sculpture and video projects.
Elena Velez, a 29-year-old fashion designer, mentioned her plan to organize a series of salons to bring together diverse talents across various disciplines while nurturing the subculture that influences her work.
Daniel Clowes, a 63-year-old cartoonist, revealed his aspiration to create imitations of artworks he admires to understand their techniques and have unique pieces in his living space. He reflected on the challenges and rewards of painting with oil, drawing parallels to his art school experiences.
Piero Lissoni, a 67-year-old architect and designer, shared his excitement about designing new government offices in Budapest and his ambitious goal to venture into designing various products ranging from chairs to skyscrapers.
Robert Longo, a 71-year-old visual artist, discussed his approach to processing overwhelming news images by creating monumental charcoal drawings inspired by historical paintings depicting war atrocities. His upcoming works will reinterpret iconic paintings like Peter Paul Rubens’s “The Massacre of the Innocents” and Francisco de Goya’s “The Third of May 1808.”
Gabriel Hendifar, a 42-year-old designer, mentioned his move to a new apartment after past relationships and his anticipation of exploring new design ideas in this fresh space. He emphasized the potential impact of this personal change on his design studio, Apparatus.
Donna Huanca, a 43-year-old visual artist, shared her current projects involving two solo exhibitions—one in a 15th-century palazzo in Florence and the other in a modern gallery in Riga. She highlighted her focus on tailoring artworks to complement the unique architectural settings of each exhibition space.
Satoshi Kuwata, a 40-year-old fashion designer associated with Setchu, discussed the upcoming launch of a shoe line, detailing his design process and the transition from conceptualization to production.
Aaron Aujla, a 38-year-old designer, along with Ben Bloomstein, a 36-year-old designer, talked about their upcoming furniture collection crafted from studio offcuts finished with a modified piano lacquer. They also mentioned an exciting commission to create a large sculptural fireplace from rare wood logs.
Adrianne Lenker, a 32-year-old musician from Big Thief, expressed her interest in learning how to paint and translating her musical compositions into visual art. She shared her admiration for her grandmother’s watercolor skills and her own desire to explore painting as a creative outlet.
Melissa Cody, a 41-year-old textile artist, discussed her venture into creating wall tapestries that blend traditional Navajo/Diné loom designs with digital Jacquard loom techniques. Her new works feature intricate sampler compositions that pay homage to her cultural heritage.
Josh Kline, a 44-year-old multidisciplinary artist, mentioned his transition into filmmaking by working on his first feature film outside the realm of traditional art projects.
Sally Breer, a 36-year-old interior decorator, shared her collaborative project with her husband to construct structures on their property in upstate New York. They are focused on sustainable construction using locally sourced materials, with their current project being a studio-guesthouse nestled in a pine forest.
Eddie Martinez, a 47-year-old visual artist, discussed his return to creating large-scale paintings for an upcoming exhibition at the Parrish Art Museum. The series, titled “Bufly,” is inspired by his son’s childhood mispronunciation of “butterfly” and features vibrant interpretations of butterfly motifs.
Karin Dreijer, known as Fever Ray, a 49-year-old singer-songwriter, expressed her curiosity about learning to play the drums, a musical instrument that has always intrigued her.
Eric N. Mack, a 36-year-old visual artist, shared his approach to rejuvenating his creative process by engaging in activities like journaling, reading, and exploring various media. He highlighted the importance of self-care and introspection in preparing for his next artistic endeavors.
Jenni Kayne, a 41-year-old fashion designer, discussed her plans to launch the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse, a self-care sanctuary in upstate New York inspired by the brand’s former ranch in Santa Ynez. The project aims to promote slow living and offer a space for holistic experiences.
Christine Sun Kim, a 43-year-old multidisciplinary artist, expressed her desire to create a fully native American Sign Language “music” video to address the limitations of ASL interpretations of popular songs on social media. She aims to showcase the unique rhyming and expressive qualities of ASL in a music video format.
Ellia Park, a 40-year-old restaurateur, mentioned her collaboration with the in-house designer at Atomix to create custom welcome cards featuring bespoke artwork for guests. The initiative aims to enhance the dining experience at the restaurant through personalized artistic elements.
Awol Erizku, a 35-year-old visual artist, discussed his upcoming exhibition “Mystic Parallax,” scheduled to open in Bentonville, Arkansas. The exhibition will feature concerts and portraits of notable individuals like Solange and Pharrell Williams, showcasing Erizku’s diverse artistic talents.
Jeremiah Brent, a 39-year-old interior designer, shared his creative process of diversifying design references by exploring unexpected sources like playwrights, films, historians, and science. He emphasized the importance of expanding the language of design to incorporate diverse influences.
Vincent Van Duysen, a 61-year-old architect, highlighted his focus on celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Italian furniture company Molteni & C. He also shared his excitement about welcoming a new family member—a black-and-tan dachshund named Vesta, inspired by the virgin goddess of the hearth and home.
Kwame Onwuachi, a 34-year-old chef, discussed his initiatives to launch a sparkling water line to support clean water projects in African countries. He also mentioned his upcoming third cookbook and his continuous drive to explore new culinary ventures.
Larissa FastHorse, a 52-year-old playwright and choreographer, shared her adaptation of a classic American musical into a TV series. She discussed the challenges of expanding a stage production into a television format and the creative process involved in adding depth to the narrative.
Peter Halley, a 70-year-old visual artist, discussed his newfound interest in watercolor painting and the asynchronous narrative approach he employs in his artworks. He shared his inspiration for creating watercolor grids based on a recurring theme of cell explosion, reflecting his artistic evolution over the years.
Darren Bader, a 46-year-old conceptual artist, revealed his unconventional idea of starting an art gallery called Post-Artist that showcases anonymous artworks without revealing the creators. He also expressed his interest in exploring new artistic directions inspired by filmmaker Harmony Korine.
Jeff Tweedy, a 56-year-old musician from Wilco, discussed his upcoming album recording with his solo band, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project involving his sons and close friends. He highlighted the significance of singing with others as a transformative experience that informs his creative process.
Charles Yu, a 48-year-old writer, shared his plans to promote the “Interior Chinatown” series based on his 2020 novel. He expressed his interest in exploring music and community service inspired by his family’s involvement in drumming and volunteering activities.
Elyanna, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter, expressed her aspiration to enhance her Spanish language skills, particularly to connect more deeply with her Chilean heritage. She emphasized the importance of continuous practice to improve her proficiency in Spanish.
Boots Riley, a 53-year-old filmmaker and musician, discussed his upcoming feature film projects, including a story about professional female shoplifters and a sci-fi space opera. He shared his vision of shooting both movies back-to-back in Oakland, California, to spend more time with his children.
Sable Elyse Smith, a 37-year-old visual artist, announced her operatic project titled “If You Unfolded Us,” which explores themes of queer love and coming-of-age. The project, set to premiere at MoMA, delves into a magical 3-D environment filled with music, sound, and visual elements.
Satoshi Kondo, a 39-year-old fashion designer associated with Issey Miyake, discussed his innovative approach to blending traditional Japanese paper (washi) fibers with recycled fabrics from past clothing collections. This experimental technique aims to create unique textures and colors in his designs.
Laila Gohar, a 35-year-old chef and artist, shared her interest in transitioning from ephemeral food-based artworks to more permanent sculptures. She reflected on the gender dynamics in art creation and her evolving confidence in creating lasting art pieces.
Patricia Urquiola, a 62-year-old architect and designer, discussed her recent nomination to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid and her reflective process while writing the acceptance thesis. She highlighted the philosophical aspects of design and the iterative nature of the creative process.
Luke Meier and Lucie Meier, fashion designers associated with Jil Sander, mentioned their venture into creating glass and ceramic objects as part of their design exploration. Despite their limited experience in these fields, they expressed enthusiasm for the creative challenges and opportunities presented by these new mediums.
Marianne Elliott, a 57-year-old director, shared her excitement about an upcoming film project titled “The Salt Path,” based on a true story about an English couple embarking on a transformative 630-mile hike. The film explores themes of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.
Samuel D. Hunter, a 42-year-old playwright, discussed his collaboration with Joe Mantello and Laurie Metcalf on a dark comedy play titled “Little Bear Ridge Road.” The play centers on the relationship between an estranged aunt and nephew, offering a poignant exploration of familial dynamics and personal reconciliation.
Thebe Magugu, a 30-year-old fashion designer, revealed his long-term project of writing a novel set in South African towns Kimberley and Kuruman. The novel, spanning 80,000 words, reflects his dedication to storytelling and his commitment to revising and polishing the narrative over the next decade.
Misha Kahn, a 34-year-old designer and sculptor, shared his unconventional toothpaste project called Zaaams, which evolved into a vast cinematic universe. He expressed his creative struggles with managing expansive ideas and the potential societal impacts of his artistic ventures.
Nell Irvin Painter, an 81-year-old visual artist and writer, discussed her unique project involving an autobiographical Photoshop document layered with memories from different phases of her life. She reflected on the challenges of starting a new creative endeavor at an advanced age and the complexity of representing her multifaceted experiences through art.
Sharon Van Etten, a 43-year-old singer-songwriter, shared her journey into filmmaking by producing a minidocumentary on the organization A New Way of Life. The documentary, titled “Home to Me,” reflects her commitment to storytelling and advocacy, showcasing her evolving interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking.
Piet Oudolf, a 79-year-old garden designer, discussed his planting design for Calder Gardens, a new center dedicated to artist Alexander Calder in Philadelphia. He highlighted the seasonal evolution of the garden and his approach to creating a harmonious living artwork that reflects the beauty of nature.
Rafael de Cárdenas, a 49-year-old designer, shared his vision of creating a unique concept store called Over Our Heads, blending elements of art, design, and connoisseurship. He drew inspiration from various cultural references and historical influences to curate a dynamic and immersive retail experience.
Gaetano Pesce, an architect and designer who passed away at the age of 84, discussed his innovative collaborations with a jewelry company and a perfume brand to create groundbreaking designs. His projects aimed to push the boundaries of traditional design concepts and explore new artistic possibilities.
John Cale, an 82-year-old musician and composer, expressed his lifelong fascination with conducting orchestras, a passion that resurfaced after his early experiences with the viola. He reflected on his musical journey and his enduring interest in exploring new creative avenues in the realm of conducting.
Nona Hendryx, a 79-year-old interdisciplinary artist and musician, shared her project, the Dream Machine Experience, a multimedia environment combining music, visuals, and interactive elements. The project aims to create an immersive world inspired by Afro-Futurism, inviting diverse audiences to engage with art and music in a transformative setting.
Faye Toogood, a 47-year-old designer and visual artist, discussed her aspiration to develop a jewelry collection and her contemplation on the role of adornment in contemporary society. She reflected on the challenges of integrating jewelry design into the current cultural landscape and the creative considerations involved in this endeavor.
Freddie Ross Jr., known as Big Freedia, a 46-year-old musician, shared his upcoming projects, including recording a kids’ album and publishing a picture book for early readers. He emphasized the cultural significance of bounce music and his efforts to introduce children to the vibrant rhythms and colloquialisms of the genre.
Danzy Senna, a 53-year-old writer, reflected on the challenging yet rewarding process of writing novels and the emotional rollercoaster involved in each creative endeavor. She discussed her recent editing work and her anticipation of embarking on a new novel, highlighting the intrinsic connection between writing and personal fulfillment.
Jackie Sibblies Drury, a 42-year-old playwright, discussed her collaborative project with director Sarah Benson to create a play inspired by action movies. The play aims to explore themes of masculinity and vulnerability in action heroes, offering a fresh perspective on the genre through a theatrical lens.
Lindsey Adelman, a 55-year-old designer, shared her project of creating a digital archive of her work spanning three decades. The archive will encompass her artistic evolution from student sculptures to collaborative design projects, offering insights into her creative process and inspirations over the years.
Elizabeth Diller, a 69-year-old architect associated with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, discussed her ongoing project exploring the visual representation of ghosts in architecture. She shared her fascination with ghosts as site-specific entities and their unique presence in domestic spaces, reflecting on the intersection of architecture and spectral narratives.
David Oyelowo, a 48-year-old actor, revealed his venture into launching a streaming platform called Mansa, dedicated to showcasing Black culture for a global audience. The platform aims to provide a platform for underrepresented voices in storytelling and create opportunities for diverse narratives to reach broader audiences.
Franklin Sirmans, a 55-year-old museum director at Pérez Art Museum Miami, discussed his recurring exhibition “The Beautiful Game” featuring art inspired by soccer. He shared his plans for the 2026 iteration of the exhibition and his ongoing efforts to compile a book of poems that has been a long-standing creative project.
Jamie Nares, a 70-year-old multidisciplinary artist, shared his revisitation of the performance piece “Desirium Probe” from 1977, now adapted to incorporate YouTube videos in a contemporary context. He discussed his artistic evolution and the creative challenges of translating past works into new mediums.
Joseph Dirand, a 50-year-old architect and designer, discussed his collaboration with Zephalto on designing interiors for a hot-air balloon journey to the stratosphere. The project aims to offer travelers a unique experience with minimal environmental impact, featuring transparent cabins and minimalist design elements inspired by space exploration.
Amaarae, a 29-year-old singer-songwriter, shared her creative process in developing the deluxe version of her album “Fountain Baby.” She discussed her transition from a maximalist approach to a more intimate and personal style, reflecting on the evolution of her music and artistic vision.
Jennifer Egan, a 61-year-old writer, discussed her upcoming novel set in late 19th-century New York City. She emphasized her creative process of exploring historical landscapes and urban environments to craft immersive narratives that capture the essence of a bygone era.