#sparkchamber 012918 — Debbie Carroll
And now, in perfect harmony with last night’s spectacular Grammy extravaganza, welcome to the #sparkchamber Debbie Carroll. Debbie is the Senior Executive Director for MusiCares, a charitable arm of the Recording Academy, whose mission is to provide a broad range of health and wellness to music people nationwide.
MusiCares’ signature event, Person of the Year, honors a recording artist who has made important contributions to the world of music, and demonstrated extraordinary humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. To date, the gala has raised more than $90 million for MusiCares’ wide range of programs, while also drawing national attention to the foundation’s critical, life-changing work. If you wish to donate, here is the place!
In addition to her work at MusiCares, Debbie is the mother of twin girls, a passionate cook, and nature lover.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
My ideas come from a variety of places: the internet, nature, reading, coming across something that inspires me or fascinates me. People intrigue me and often my ideas simply come from interacting with others.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
My main form of creative expression is through cooking. It calms me after a long day and it provides immediate gratification. I love cooking and feeding my family and should the meal be less than perfect, I know that we all have another opportunity within the next few hours to create and consume something else. The creative process is one I can embark upon daily and typically do.
3.] Early bird or night owl, tortoise or hare?
I am without a doubt a morning person. I enjoy getting up before the rest of my family and having some quiet time with a cup of coffee before the day begins. I have found that I am most creative after thinking about and pondering an idea or concept for some time and then suddenly it will come to me. Often in the shower or another quiet moment when my mind is less full and more open to the process.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
Are we ever done? Actually, I am usually done when I realize my additional ideas are flat or no longer very interesting. I resign myself to the process being complete and enough, even if I’m insecure that it is. I can spend a significant amount of time trying to improve and perfect my creative process. One of the best gifts I have given myself over the past few decades is the ability to let something go and being ok with it being what it is ... and it is usually far from perfect. Far from perfect can add to the beauty of the creation.