Variations on a theme

“I think as you grow as a craftsman, as an artist, your gestures become stronger. Your conviction becomes stronger. You can actually get to a place where you can make an impact with a very minimal thing,” says Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the acclaimed chef about the intersection of minimalist art and fine dining. We also learn how Humm finds inspiration in Sol LeWitt’s systems and repetition — making the empty plate an opportunity to tell a unique story.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“We had to find what's that essential detail that really defines that garment as what it is and keep that, and all the other elements we were able to kind of strip away,” Jack McCollough says of the influence of Sol LeWitt’s approach to minimalism. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the designer and his partner Lazaro Hernandez, of fashion brand Proenza Schouler, about how they distill each garment down to its essence—and discard the rest.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“So many things can influence how the songs will just shift a little bit in each place, and I found that really interesting when I read that about his philosophy behind his wall drawings,” Julianna Barwick says of the influence of Sol LeWitt’s artistic process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the composer and performer about how she creates a choir of one — “loop by loop by loop, and shape by shape by shape.” We also take a closer look at the relationship between conceptual art and experimental music.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“A lot of people think that I was influenced to do conceptual art by looking at conceptual art, and that really wasn't the case. It was really a search for a certain sort of understanding of the self,” Charles Gaines says of his creative process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the pioneering visual artist about his radical approach to using systems and formulas as a critical language. We also learn how Gaines builds on Sol LeWitt’s foundations to tackle social constructs like racism and segregation.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

In a new podcast series, Variations on a theme, we explore the life and legacy of Sol LeWitt with host Dessane Lopez Cassell.  Meet some of the creative pioneers channeling his influence and pushing it forward in their own work. For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“This COVID pandemic closely resembles a diagnosis like ALS. When I choose to see the trial or adversity as an opportunity, I'm able to accept and acknowledge the reality of my situation rather than resist or deny reality,” says Steve Gleason. He’s fought tirelessly for policy changes that have transformed lives and made crucial technology accessible to others living with ALS.  In this episode, Steve reminds us what a gift it is to be alive, as he delves into finding purpose and strength in fatherhood. Listen on for his insight on our current state of social isolation, and learn more about Team Gleason, an organization developing innovative technological solutions that give back so much of what ALS takes away.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“I think right now in this COVID-19 pandemic, people with cognitive and social disabilities are really being overlooked. Because it's a really easy time to overlook them. We're all in isolation,” Delaney Foster shares.  Listen on, and learn more about how the Foster sisters are raising disability awareness and demonstrating that there’s not one-size-fits all when it comes to navigating the world. Kendall and Delaney are developing initiatives that embrace people with intellectual disabilities. They’re proving that when programs and technology include all people, everyone wins.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

“For a lot of days of this quarantine, I forget that I'm visually impaired. It's so little of an issue because I'm able to do everything that I need to and want to because I'm so familiar with everything,” shares Casey Harris of the X-Ambassadors. He’s found that community and inclusion are more important than ever during times of social isolation. Listen on and find out ways we can uplift each other and create a more connected and inclusive future.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast   

Katie Sowers lives and breathes football. As the second woman ever to coach in the NFL, she helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Hear from Katie about her groundbreaking journey to the top. From facing job rejection for being an openly LGBTQ person to dealing with social media trolls after her team’s devastating loss, Katie lets her guard down for a vulnerable conversation. Listen on, and get to know her off the field.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Meet Emily Adams Bode, the first female designer ever to show at New York Fashion Week: Men’s. In this episode, she opens up about breaking boundaries, the past that shaped her, and her innovative creative process. Discover the story behind Emily’s iconic and award-winning clothing line and hear her sage advice on how to turn your dreams into reality.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast