The Proust Questionnaire with Susan Gisleson

This now-legendary questionnaire was inspired by French writer Marcel Proust, and for our second volume TheBoothbyReview sat down with Susan Gisleson. Susan is the Country Day Creative Arts Director and an artist who is inspired by the Muses.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Loving where I am at the moment. Noticing the light through the elm tree coming through the back window while the wind blows, casting shadows like goldfish swimming on the heart of pine floor.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness

Which living person do you most admire? Jimmy Carter

What is your greatest extravagance? Wigs

What is your current state of mind? Bliss

On what occasion do you lie? My driver's license

What do you most dislike about your appearance? I've grown into my insecurities.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindness

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Kindness

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Art - embodied by my husband - how he makes things, experiences, and places

When and where were you happiest? Immersed in thinking, making, or looking at art.

Which talent would you most like to have? I'd love to be able to sing - really belt out a song.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? That I can still be a happy person after witnessing so many tragedies.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? A cloud. NOT The Cloud.

What is your most treasured possession? I use tools for storytelling. In my studio I have rooms of treasures - like Smaug. They are things that most people would think are worthless, but each one is important in its own way - a talisman. But the thing I treasure the most is on my left hand.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Addiction

What is your favorite occupation? Artist

What is your most marked characteristic? Optimism

What do you most value in your friends? Trust

Who are your favorite writers? Homer - but he was a storyteller not writer - but so much comes from there - he is the wellspring.

Who is your hero of fiction? Scout

Who are your heroes in real life? Women

What are your favorite names? Geronimo and Jedediah

What is it that you most dislike? Greed

How would you like to die? I wouldn't.

What is your motto? I make therefore I am.