Nashville Arts Magazine

Anything Goes | Douglas Regen

What characteristic do you most like about yourself?

My willingness to try anything…to be an explorer. I’m honest and fair and, of course, my creativity.

And what do you like least?

Starting too many projects at the same time and not being able to say no.

What was the last book you read?

Regrettably, I have not had much time to read.

Who would you most like to meet?

My ancestors…especially William Strickland, the builder of our state capitol.

What are you going to be when you grow up?

A well-rounded adult.

Who has most inspired you?

It’s more about what inspires me, and that would be finding ways to reuse materials in creative, unexpected ways.

Who is your favorite artist?

Mark Rothko. I love the scale of his work.

What are you most proud of?

My work and my family.

Why Nashville?

I grew up here and love how Nashville has grown and matured. We have a thriving art scene, great restaurants and an amazing diversity of cultures. It’s a great city to raise a family in.

What do you like most about the city?

I like the diversity of people, the awesome old neighborhoods and cool new revitalized areas of town. The mix of the old and the new is what makes Nashville the place to be.

What do you like least?

It’s too far from the Florida Keys.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would want perfect vision. Without glasses or contacts I’m blind as a bat.

An embarrassing moment you would most like to forget?

An awful interview at NBC in New York.

Are you happy with where you’re heading

Absolutely!

What’s your mantra?

You get what you give.

What’s it like being you these days?

Scattered. I’ve got a couple of furniture commissions underway, designing a series of music books for a client, and starting to teach a class in the fall. And, of course, still working at the farm in my spare time.

What talent would you most like to have?

The ability to help people see the world with unbiased eyes.

What is your most treasured possession?

A set of woodworking tools that belonged to my great-grandfather that was used during the construction of Union Station.

What is your greatest regret?

That I did not spend enough time with a friend before they passed away.

You have five minutes left to live; what are you going to do?

Change my Facebook status.