On Creativity with Paula Wallace

How To Spread A Smile…

SCAD alumnus Roberto Carlos Lange takes artistic experimentation and exploration to new heights through his music, films, installations, and visual art. Under his musical moniker, Helado Negro, Lange has become a Latinx icon, advocate, and role model. His bold expression and spirited positivity are undeniable features of his much-loved work. As a proud member of the SCAD Class of 2003, Lange continues mentoring current students and instills a work ethic that can accomplish anything. His work featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. He was named a United States Fellow in Music and received a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. For today’s interview, Lange zoomed Paula Wallace from his current studio at Ballroom Marfa in West Texas. Before a virtual audience, the two examined Lange’s road to success, compositional techniques, and collaborative nature. Lange also fields questions from current SCAD students in a Q&A moderated by sound design sophomore, Angel Chiclana.

The Creativity Behind The Curtain...

In the high-intensity world of fashion shows, so much preparation goes into readying a model for the catwalk. Mirroring the stage’s elegance is a delicate choreography backstage consisting of makeup teams, hairstylists, wardrobe assistants, designers, and countless others preparing each model for their moments. Among those dedicated artists is Robert Fairer, our eyes into backstage beauty. As a photographer, his highly influential techniques launched and elevated backstage photography to a highly respected art form. His ability to improvise, communicate, embrace spontaneity, and capitalize on inspiration are essential lessons for any aspiring visual artist. Fairer’s “Unseen” series of books put these images in rich context and tell the full story of particular designer’s shows. President Paula Wallace sat with Fairer in London last November before a live audience to celebrate the launch of his latest photographic tome, “John Galliano for Dior.” The two explore Fairer’s decades of expertise, signals he’s created to direct his shots quickly, and all the candid authenticity of the fashion world’s heart.

174 Is The New 30...

Stellene Volandes is a renaissance woman of communication — author, editor, curator, style director, public speaker, and more. As Editor-in-Chief of America's oldest continually published general-interest magazine, Volandes values roots while keeping her eyes and ears on the horizon. "Town & Country" reflects the accomplishments, tastes, amusement, and passions of modern society. Under Volandes's stewardship, the publication has embraced the 21st-century mindset and lifted stories of compassion, philanthropy, and joy. Among her expertise in many subjects, Volandes is an inspiring raconteur of jewelry. Her upcoming book, "Jewels That Made History," unearths tales of wearable art and celebrates what transforms a cloudy rock into a precious gem. In her first visit to SCAD, Volandes zoomed with Paula Wallace on a live broadcast to SCAD students. As you're about to hear for yourself, Volandes's mentorship and thought leadership applies across disciplines and benefits creatives of any experience.

Luxury Reimagined...

Today on SCADcast, the shepherd of one of the most treasured brands in the luxury fashion market: Bob Chavez. As President and CEO of Hermès of Paris, Chavez led the nearly two-hundred and fifty-year-old fashion house into the 21st century with a bold mix of tradition, whimsy, and the unmatched quality that defines Hermès. He is a veteran of fashion retail – a strong leader who understands every section of the industry from the sketchbook to the stockroom to the sales floor. As the 2019 SCAD Savannah Commencement Speaker, he encouraged students to take the road less traveled and, “not be afraid to start at the bottom, be patient, and do what you love.” That advice continues to ring true in 2020 when determined patience and brave persistence are the keys to success. Paula Wallace recently caught up with Chavez to reflect on the unique qualities of Hermès, our rich history of SCADpro partnerships, and safe management under the pandemic. And like seeing an orange box, hearing from Chavez is always an exciting moment.

Brushes With Memory…

Representational painter, David Kassan, combines psychology, anatomy, and masterful technique to create paintings that bloom with life. His life-size paintings always drew the viewer in and enwrapped their attention, but one of his latest series, “Facing Survival,” invites viewers to interact with 20th-century heroes. The series of portraits depict survivors of the Holocaust, a study of life that Kassan devoted months of research to and interviews with each subject. The results are tremendous profiles in courage, celebrations of life, and symbols of bravery. Kassan is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his paintings have exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and private collections around the world. In his most recent in-person visit to SCAD in January, Paula Wallace sat with Kassan to reflect on his gift to the modern visual art landscape and his valued mentorship to SCAD students.

Sharpen Your Aperture…

Welcome back to “On Creativity” for our third season! In times of shared societal woe, we turn to art and culture for deeper understanding. As today's guest, modern art icon and long time SCAD friend, Carrie Mae Weems, shares in the episode, "the arts really do allow us to get closest to our humanity." Winner of a 2013 MacArthur Foundation fellowship—colloquially known as a "genius grant"—as well as an "Anonymous is a Woman" award, Weems's works and words are transformative. Join Paula Wallace as they discuss Weems's most recent public art initiative — “Resist COVID/Take 6!” — which sheds light on the realities of the Coronavirus, and spreads awareness directly to minority communities who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. SCAD is honored to be bringing this essential initiative to our communities in Atlanta and Savannah this summer.

Community Threads...

Prabal Gurung is a fashion designer who operates his business and designs with his heart as much as his hands. As a committed environmentalist, humanist, and social advocate, Prabal blurs the lines between commercial and civic duty with powerful results. Just recently, Prabal organized the donation of thousands of protective face masks to New York City hospitals serving at-risk communities. He is committed to effecting change in America and produces eighty-percent of his garments in New York. He also provides tremendous benefit to his home country of Nepal through the Shikshya Foundation. His artistry in fashion is undeniable, and his tenth-anniversary book, "Prabal Gurung: Style and Beauty with a Bite," is a must-have for fashion students and enthusiasts. Paula Wallace interviewed Gurung via Zoom before a live audience of SCAD students as part of SCAD's Guests and Gusto program.

Fabulous And Functional...

This week's "On Creativity" guest is a design guru who's been called "America's Favorite Designer." Bobby Berk rose to fame through his dedication to hard work and love for his clients as he reimagines their living spaces with stunning usability. As a member of the "Queer Eye" 'Fab Five,' his infectious positivity brightens the lives of fans across the world. In their latest season, the 'Fab Five' take over the City of Brotherly Love. As always, Berk's redesigns and interiors make for endless inspirations for home improvement of our own. Paula Wallace zoomed with Berk, in front of a live audience of SCAD students and alumni, as part of SCAD's Guests and Gusto program. Enjoy the energy, warmth, and creative genius of the interior designer of the decade.

Every Character A Hero...

Everyday in her studio, Ruth E. Carter breathes life into the threads that become iconic screen legends. That same master storytelling ability transcends to her words and presence as an artist. Long before Carter's historic Costume Design Oscar win for "Black Panther," she wove magic onto the screen. Her wardrobes dazzle the viewer yet seamlessly fit into shot. She is a leading force in the film and television industry, and her most exceptional work is always surpassed by her next project. SCAD is honored to have hosted Carter to our Atlanta and Savannah campuses, where she mentored eager students and worked with faculty. This particular interview comes from a special Meals on Wheels Atlanta event from fall 2019. Paula Wallace sat with Carter in front of a lucky live audience, and we're glad to share it with you on this platform.

And If You Hit This Button...

"Make tech come alive," the motto of SCAD's User Experience Design degree program, calls for high-tech to be low-stress. The fast-growing program was designed in collaboration with today's special guest, design manager at Google, Mike Buzzard. Buzzard's journey from his design firm Cuban Council to Google resulted in partnerships with NASA, Tom Waits, Francis Ford Coppola, Facebook, and more. He's been a regular partner and mentor for students as part of SCADpro, SCAD's collaborative innovation studio that provides creative solutions to industry challenges ranging from fashion, aerospace, automotive, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology sectors. At the 2017 SCAD Commencement, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and we are proud to count Buzzard as a member of the SCAD family. Paula Wallace zoomed with Buzzard as part of SCAD's Guests and Gusto program, which will continue during the summer months. For now, sit back and learn how intelligent design can make us all feel like tech wizards.