We first saw Debbie Carroll’s incredible paintings at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar in Austin. Ohhhh the colors and the sheer beauty of the Southwest that shine out of her work make her a perfect addition to our market. Anyone who sees one of Debbie’s pieces will feel immediately transported to whatever scene is depicted — that’s the gift in her work! We are thrilled that she will be bringing all sorts of pieces to our show from originals to cards to bags…you’ll definitely find a “must-have” at her booth!!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being at peace with oneself, surrounded by those I love and still have time to create!
Which living person do you most admire?
Tough question. In general? Women who help in their communities to make changes for the greater good.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes and art supplies.
What is your current state of mind?
In limbo. Remodeling our house to put on the market at the end of March, and no decision on where we are moving — gravitating towards small Texas towns like Brenham, or perhaps a mid-size city like San Angelo.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Another tough question. Maybe courage? We all have fears, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, even fear of success. Working through the fear teaches us it’s okay to fail (as long as we learn from it), and often times we learn that what we fear isn’t as catastrophic as we imagine.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My ears, they stick out.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Empathy.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
You know....
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My family, my husband Mike, and my sons Carson and Cooper. Also our beloved pet Cutter, recently deceased after a good long life.
When and where were you happiest?
Happiest on road trips to New Mexico with my guys!
Which talent would you most like to have?
Would love to be able to sing (well).
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
I would clone myself so I could be in two places at once!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My biggest achievement is raising two wonderful young men.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?
Another tough question. I often joke that I’d like to be reincarnated as someone’s beloved pet and be spoiled and take naps in the sun all day.
Where would you most like to live?
New Mexico or West Texas - love the high desert! The South of France or Italy wouldn’t be too bad either!
What is your most treasured possession?
I treasure my old photographs of family and friends and the memories they provide.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Crooked smile.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty and mutual support
Who are your favorite artists?
So many. Maynard Dixon, Howard Post, Barbara Clark, Alice Leese, Jim Jennings, Danika Ostrowski, Gustave Baumann, Angie Coleman, Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Hart Benton, Vincent Van Gogh, my list could go on for a while!!
Which local artists or makers most inspire you?
Denise Elliott Jones, Danika Ostrowski, Whitney Avra, Catherine Massaro, Janet Haynes, Jo Petersen, Gwen Plunkett, Rebecca Bennett, Greg Barton, again too many to mention!
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I identify with those who struggle to make their art and persist in the face of rejection.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My heroes are the people who are brave enough to put themselves and their work out there. The art business is not for the faint of heart.
What are your favorite names?
Carson, Cooper, Claire, Caitlin - I have a thing for “c” names.
What is your motto?
Better late than never.
From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Check out the series to see how they all answered.
