We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carter Quick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carter, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I was talking with a friend about this the other day and the first thing that came to mind is that I have an urgency for beauty. A large part of my creative process comes from the art I surround myself with and the music I listen to. Most of my time is spent reading or looking at art, either online or in physical spaces. I used to feel guilty about spending money on large art books and records but I think it is key to have these physical objects around as you create. They hold so much wisdom in those moments when you are seeking clarity. Scent is another important element in my process. I am always burning candles while working.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve recently entered a new space in my work that’s bringing me a lot of joy. I am currently working on stage design for a production slated in April at the Getty Villa. That’s about all I can say at the moment but hopefully more good news to come. I never say no to an opportunity to design, even if it is something I have never done. I think often times as artists we get so wrapped up in our heads about what that end result will look like. So much, that we can’t even find the tools to start because it is so overwhelming.
Sometimes inspiration comes in unlikely places.
I was recently reading this fantastic book by Dana Thomas called Gods and Kings. It’s the story of the rise and fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. Not long after I started reading, I was offered this job of set designer in April. I was thinking to myself; I have no idea how to do this job. I don’t know anything about set design or even any important set designers to investigate. It was at this moment, while reading, that Dana Thomas starts talking about Alexander McQueen’s main set designer, Simon Costin. It was that light bulb moment. I started researching all of Simon Costin’s career which sort of led me down this rabbit hole of other set designers and theatrical artists over the years. Now I’ve been compiling all sorts of inspiration to create my mood boards for this production and it feels like I have some rough outline on how to begin.
Since this interview The Theatre Roscius production of Medea was staged at The Getty Villa on April 29th and 30th.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say, trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to take creative risks, let go of perfection.
These are the same lessons I am still learning and would tell to anyone starting out in any creative field. More often than not, the joy comes from the process of creating. It’s not always in the end result. Let go of the idea of how something should look in it’s final conception. It never will. Always communicate with your client. From beginning to end. This can be as simple as brainstorming ideas in the beginning to delivery dates and times in the end.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Growing up, my parents always taught my brother and I that if we wanted something bad enough we had to go out and work for it. That meant getting a job as soon as I could. I worked all types of jobs; barista, book seller, museum membership, photographers assistant. Not having things handed to you will instill a strong sense of work ethic. I am still grateful to my parents for teaching me this lesson early on. There are days when I don’t want to wake up at 5 am to get to market to start my flower buy. I would love to sleep in and hang out with my dog but there is a point where you to look at the bigger picture, the long game. I want to have a list of clients that I take pride in working for and who feel just as honored to have me creating for them. The last note I have on that is, do the work and do it well.
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