Design Matters with Debbie Millman: Es Devlin Episode Summary
Title: Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Host/Author: Design Matters Media
Episode: Es Devlin
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, host Debbie engages in a deep and insightful conversation with renowned artist and stage designer Es Devlin. With over three decades of experience spanning theater, opera, concerts, and monumental public installations, Es Devlin shares her journey, creative philosophy, and reflections on the evolving landscape of design and technology.
Early Life and Influences
Es Devlin begins by recounting a vivid childhood memory that has profoundly influenced her artistic vision:
“I just remember seeing particles of light from a source of light above me... And that light is something I seek out now, I think in any form I can find.” – Es Devlin ([05:46])
This early experience of falling into the River Thames at the age of two left a lasting impression, instilling in her a lifelong fascination with light, space, and observation. Growing up in Kingston upon Thames, England, Es was influenced by her parents' dedication to education:
“They really impressed upon me the value of practice... If you were patient and played a violin scale every day, it might get a bit better.” – Es Devlin ([08:08])
Education and Career Beginnings
Es initially pursued English Literature at Bristol University, a decision driven by her desire to deepen her understanding before venturing into art. Reflecting on her academic choice, she notes:
“It gave me a way of understanding the world in ways I could not have otherwise been able to experience.” – Es Devlin ([20:55])
Her transition into the world of theater design was somewhat serendipitous. After receiving a wake-up call from her ex-boyfriend's father urging her to find a job, Es sought opportunities that aligned more closely with her evolving interests. Her persistence led her to Motley Theatre Design, where she won the Lynnberry Prize for stage design and secured her first professional commission for Harold Pinter's play, Edward II, in 1996.
Artistic Philosophy
Es Devlin's approach to design is deeply rooted in collaboration and the belief in the collective good. She emphasizes the unique and beautiful aspect of groups coming together to create:
“We all keep the balloon in the air, we all keep blowing the balloon up together, is a very beautiful human thing.” – Es Devlin ([00:49])
Her philosophy extends to viewing objects as protagonists in life, encouraging a mindful relationship with the things we bring into our spaces:
“I'm interested in the etymology of every object... What is the story of it? What are we really bringing to our house when we order an object?” – Es Devlin ([11:11])
Technology and Contemporary Work
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Es Devlin's pioneering work with large-scale installations and her collaboration on the Sphere in Las Vegas. She discusses the integration of technology and design to create immersive experiences:
“The Sphere has just simply in an iPhone way, combined the thing you need to do at a concert, which is to hear, and the thing you want to do at a concert, which is to see.” – Es Devlin ([27:21])
Es highlights the challenges and triumphs of blending sound and visuals seamlessly, aiming to enhance the audience's sensory experience without detracting from their engagement:
“The screen is permeable to sound. And that's brand new.” – Es Devlin ([28:09])
Challenges and Adaptations
Addressing the pervasive influence of technology on human behavior, Es expresses concern over our addiction to devices and the consequent impact on our ability to cultivate internal landscapes:
“We're in a liminal moment where we are all, as a species having to adjust... develop some resistance to this otherwise you're just going to long for it.” – Es Devlin ([23:54])
She shares strategies her family employs to foster resilience against constant digital stimulation, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the internal compass.
Publication: An Atlas of Es Devlin
Es Devlin's 900-page monograph, An Atlas of Es Devlin, accompanying her first monographic museum exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, represents a comprehensive survey of her three-decade-long practice. The process of creating the book was both challenging and transformative:
"It was like an implosion." – Es Devlin ([59:37])
Es describes the meticulous effort to balance aesthetic design with chronological storytelling, ultimately creating a sculptural object that encapsulates her diverse projects.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Reflecting on the ephemeral nature of much of her work, Es contemplates the enduring significance of her creations:
“It's a way to gather the threads of myself that I have... the book has become a bit of a lens to see what I've been doing.” – Es Devlin ([67:34])
She expresses hope that her work will continue to resonate and inspire future generations, despite many pieces only existing in ephemeral forms.
Conclusion
Debbie Millman's interview with Es Devlin provides an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of the world's most innovative designers. From her formative experiences and educational choices to her groundbreaking work in immersive environments, Es Devlin's journey underscores the profound impact of creativity and collaboration. Her dedication to meaningful design and her reflections on technology's role in our lives offer valuable insights for designers and creatives alike.
Additional Resources:
- Exhibition: An Atlas of Es Devlin at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
- Book: An Atlas of Es Devlin
- Website: esdevlin.com