logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2020
54m 31s

Working: Why Maira Kalman Loves to Work ...

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

This week, host Rumaan Alam talks with the multitalented artist Maira Kalman. Kalman is an illustrator, writer, artist, and designer known for her playful and witty illustrations in children's books like Fireboat and Why We Broke Up as well as her work for the New York Times and the New Yorker.


They talk about what the perfect day of work looks like for the artist, how to stay creative in times of crisis, and her latest project: an illustrated edition of The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas

Afterward, Rumaan and Isaac Butler talk about the ways in which they’re trying to remain creative. Rumaan has been watching the Met’s release of “Nightly Met Opera Streams,” a free series of encore Live in HD presentations streamed on the company website, and Isaac recommends picking up a copy of the book And Then You Act: Making Art in an Unpredictable World, by theater director Anne Bogart to combat creative roadblocks during this time of great uncertainty. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com.

Podcast production by Morgan Flannery.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Today
ICYMI | Encore: Is ChatGPT Your Therapist?
Candice Lim is joined by Dazed senior writer Laura Pitcher to discuss her piece, “Meet the people using ChatGPT as their therapist.” Since ChatGPT’s public release in late 2022, there has been a growing reliance on the artificially intelligent chatbot in people’s everyday lives. ... Show More
43m 21s
Today
Outward | Archiving the Spirit of Ballroom with Michael Roberson
This week, Bryan is joined by theologian, activist, and ballroom historian Michael Roberson to discuss his new book, Ballroom: A History, A Movement, A Celebration. Roberson traces the rich legacy of the ballroom scene—from its origins in resistance and survival, to its role in s ... Show More
44m 32s
Today
Culture Gabfest: Sorry, Straight White Male Novelist Edition
On this week’s show, Julia and Dana are joined by June Thomas for a decidedly feminist discussion. They start with Sorry, Baby, the debut feature from writer, director, and actor Eva Victor, about a young academic’s life after a terrible trauma. The panel debates whether the film ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
May 2019
'UglyDolls' - Kelly Asbury
On this weeks episode Carolyn meets with Kelly Asbury, the Director on the new animated film 'UglyDolls'. Asbury tells us how he came up with the funny and endearing story for his characters that delivers an uplifting message on individuality. In this podcast series, Carolyn Giar ... Show More
29m 51s
Feb 2024
Too Much of A Good Thing with Marina Granger
In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Marina Granger to talk about adapting in an ever-changing market. Learn about staying on trend and pivoting your art career when you tune into this lovely episode.Guest: Marina Granger has nearly 15 years of experience ... Show More
31m 12s
Jul 2020
#270 Julia Cameron: Creativity, Criticism & The Artist's Way
Julia Cameron is the bestselling author of The Artists' Way. She is a poet, playwright, fiction writer and essayist, she also has extensive credits in film, television and theatre, and is an award-winning journalist. Her groundbreaking books on creativity have become internationa ... Show More
33m 53s
Nov 2023
Nicolas Cage is Your Nightmare
This week, Dana and Stephen are joined by Supreme Friend of the Pod, Isaac Butler, who co-hosts Slate’s Working podcast and is the author of The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act (which is now available in paperback!). The panel begins by pondering Dream Scenario, ... Show More
59m 31s
Jan 2023
Abstract Surrealism with Mariya Nakova
In this episode of the Artist Business Plan we sit down with Mariya Nakova, to discuss the intersection of her drawings, photography, and painting. Learn about the way she allows mediums to influence each other when you tune into this lovely episode.Guest: Mariya Nakova is a Bulg ... Show More
43m 28s
Nov 2023
Author Interview: Joanna Moorhead's "Surreal Spaces: The Life and Art of Leonora Carrington"
Hello, listeners! I’ve got a special surprise for you this week. I’ve been waiting to share this amazing conversation that I enjoyed recently with expat and author Joanna Moorhead about her fantastic new biography, Surreal Spaces: The Life and Art of Leonora Carrington. The Briti ... Show More
39m 9s
Dec 2021
The Power of creativity in Art and Business featuring Maria Brito
The Power of creativity in Art and Business– Publish. Promote. Profit. with Rob Kosberg Episode 100 Maria BritoA Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, her first monograph “Out There” published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2013, was the recipient of the Best Book Awards in both ... Show More
40m 10s
Apr 2022
How Artist and Writer Lauren Redniss Creates Visual Nonfiction
This week, host Isaac Butler talks to artist and writer Lauren Redniss, whose latest piece of visual nonfiction is Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West. In the interview, Lauren first explains why she uses both art and text together in her work. Then she shares ... Show More
50m 33s
Mar 2022
Working Overtime: Is Boredom Essential to the Creative Process?
For this edition of Working Overtime, hosts Isaac Butler and Karen Han reply to an email from a listener named Jeffrey, who points out how rare it is to see an accurate depiction of creativity in movies and on TV. One reason for this, Jeffrey asserts, is that creative work requir ... Show More
22m 37s
Mar 2022
Author Julia Cameron on Morning Pages and Overcoming Perfectionism
This week, host June Thomas talks to Julia Cameron, author of the classic book The Artist's Way and dozens of other books about creativity, including her most recent, Seeking Wisdom: A Spiritual Path to Creative Connection. In the interview, Julia discusses the role of spirituali ... Show More
50m 4s