73: Carol Roque

When we last put the spotlight on 100 creative forces in Phoenix, it was no secret there were more than 100 individuals who were making waves in the local arts community. So as we count down to our annual Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome (back) to 100 Creatives

Carol Roque's a first-generation Mexican American who was born in Los Angeles and moved to Phoenix to study art.

"A lot of my memories growing up are of me with a notebook of blank paper in front of me, sitting somewhere drawing and making people up, passing the time," she says.

"This was my form of fun and entertainment ... I've now evolved into a self taught painter who makes oil paintings, handmade art dolls, and prints of my artwork for a living. When I'm not painting I try to balance out my introverted ways by leaving the house and being in the world, before becoming 'too weird.'"

I came to Phoenix with . . . Intentions of attending a technical school to study a major which I was told would have me drawing all day, it sounded easy and potentially fun! But I discovered animation was not my passion. I later met my closest friend (Aldo Jeffrey) there, who introduced me to First Fridays, nearly six years ago! He offered me a small section of his table and I sold 9 $5 hand cut 5X5inch prints of my acrylic and ink drawings from my sketchbook the first month doing it. I finally realized people actually liked and purchased art! I decided then, this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life, I would sell my artwork. I moved to Phoenix in 2008 and have been working on art full time ever since.

I make art because . . . It's the only thing I am willing to work hard at! I cannot make myself work at jobs I don't like; I instantly become the worst employee ever. But when I work for myself I can work easily! I love painting and creating art. I would do this even if I was the only one who would ever see the art I make.

I'm most productive when . . . I've made a fresh cup of tea, have done my daily writing, have everything around me that I need, and I sit for a chunk of time focusing solely on my work. No distractions.

My inspiration wall is full of . . . Sketches for my own paintings, art postcards, quotes, thrift store art, paintings from my little easel box, etc. It might not exactly be an inspiration wall, but I have a wall where hang up things I think look nice together. I also hang up all my own art, everywhere where there is wall space throughout my house.

I've learned the most from . . . Just giving things a try! You have to start somewhere, and you can't be afraid of failure. You have to just go for it; You can become amazing at anything you want, you're heart must be in it and you never quit.

Good work should always . . . Make you think or feel something, and impress you.

The Phoenix creative scene could use more . . . Good thought-provoking skillfully made art, and exciting art openings!

The Creatives, so far ... (And while you're here, check out 100 Tastemakers on Chow Bella.)

100:Lara Plecas 99. Isaac Caruso 98. Brandon Gore 97. Kelsey Dake 96. Hector Ruiz 95. Caroline Battle 94: Jennifer Campbell 93. Jeff Chabot 92. Tiffiney Yazzie 91. Daniel Germani 90. Irma Sanchez 89. Daniel m. Davis 88. Kirstin Van Cleef 87. Emmett Potter 86. Sarah Hurwitz 85. Christine Cassano 84. Fred Tieken 83. Lindsay Kinkade 82. Ruben Galicia 81. Robert Uribe 80. Heidi Abrahamson 79. Josephine Davis 78. Travis Ladue 77. Taz Loomans 76. Mikey Jackson 75. Alex Empty 74. Joe Ray