Everett Epstein

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD)

Everett grew up in Houston TX and Alexandria VA. He studied English Literature and Philosophy at Brown University, writing his thesis on Roberto Bolaño. After completing an MAT in Secondary English education, he worked as a high school English teacher outside Providence; while teaching, he took courses through RISD Continuing Education before eventually attending RISD full time. He likes NBA basketball, Jacques Rancière, and Basset Hounds.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I was born in Los Angeles and I’ve lived in Providence RI for the past 10 years.

STUDYING ON CAMPUS OR ONLINE?

I’m studying on campus.

MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?

Definitely a night owl.

FAVORITE MOVIE?

Jacques Rivette’s La Belle Noiseuse. There’s a languidness to the way it depicts the summer in France that feels soothing in this claustrophobic moment, and even though it’s at times a disturbing movie about art, I find the relationship at the heart of the movie to be so distinctive.

FAVORITE BINGE WATCH?

How To With John Wilson and Joe Pera Talks With You.

FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?

Alas…Twitter.

FAVORITE PODCAST?

I’ve been listening to “Indiecast” from two of my favorite music writers: Steven Hyden and Ian Cohen. I’m also a big fan of Tom Scharpling and Julie Klausner’s new podcast “Double Threat”

FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?

Probably Sol LeWitt.

FAVORITE BOOK?

Ben Lerner’s 10:04

FAVORITE CHARITY/CAUSE?

Feeding America

FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Playing with my shimmery foster cat, and Olympic weightlifting (until our local club had to close for the second lockdown).

HAVE THE CHALLENGES OF 2020 CHANGED HOW YOU THINK ABOUT THE ROLE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN AND DESIGNERS?

A bit. It’s important for designers to reckon with the precariousness of their jobs and to organize collectively. Entering an industry that encourages isolation and champions a kind of “auteurism” strikes me as unhealthy and economically disastrous. To make it through the next crisis, I need to hold myself to my leftist principles and actively support my community of arts laborers. 2020 has also taught me the value of design as a tool for local political campaigns; socialists need designers!

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