Christine Mason Miller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good Morning, Christine! I think our readers will love hearing about some of your most potent memories and inspirations, and how that has influenced the way you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in…
When was the last time you felt true joy?
It was a few nights ago. I was in Chicago, and happened upon a Fleetwood Mac cover band playing at an outdoor bar on Chicago’s River Walk. I was above, at street level, looking down at the entire scene. It was early evening and the sun was starting to set on a perfect mid-August evening, casting a golden glow on everything. The music was great; the crowd was lively and singing and happy. Boats were passing by with passengers waving and clapping and taking in the scene as I was.
With so much heavy talk of “the state of the world”, I found this entire scene incredibly uplifting and life-affirming. For those moments, in this tiny part of the world, there was light and music, beauty and joy—proof that the world isn’t entirely without hope.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you and your work unique?
I’m now three decades into my career as an Artist and Writer, one that has been anything but linear. I have created numerous brands, bodies of work, books, courses, and gatherings in a variety of media, all of which exist along a meandering path that has had significant breaks and interruptions.
After all these years and experiences, my title as Artist is one that encompasses every aspect of my life. It isn’t merely my job or my work; it is the way I move through the world. It is the way I create a home, solve a problem, and write a thank you note. My creative endeavors have been served by my personal life experiences and vice versa. It is a constant flow of inspirations and ideas that move in, around, and through each other.
My work with textiles began a few years ago, and it has a spirit and energy that is unique in all of my years as an Artist. I couldn’t have come to this work, or these methods, any sooner. They required years of practice, study, and exploration. And life. It is a wonderful thing to know I’ve arrived here—to this medium, and all the stories it wants to tell—right on time.
Let’s talk about your life—about what impacted you growing up and the lessons you took away from those experiences. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Until now, this is a memory that I would have filed under “Charming” or “Funny”, but when I read this question it was one of the first things that came to mind, and that was unexpected. But as I sit here thinking about it, it actually makes sense.
My parents divorced when I was twelve years old. The years that led up to this were marked by arguments, fighting, and tension. Most of the time I dealt with this by spending as much time as possible outside. This was the late 1970s, when kids were free to roam unencumbered by cell phones and the only rule was “home before dark.” I played all manner of street games with my friends—kick the can, tag, red rover. I rode my bike for hours and wandered all over the woods near our house. The freedom to explore and play provided an escape from warring parents.
While the amount of time I spent outside was certainly in response to the turbulence at home, I don’t know that I would call it willfully rebellious. But there was one thing I liked to do from time to time that was specifically intended to send a message to my parents, which was playing Billy Joel’s My Life as loud as I could on my portable record player. The refrain of “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is MY LIFE” was my anthem. I played it loud in the hopes that my parents would not just hear the song but understand it was my siren call to independence.
When I think about my ten-year old self gently placing the needle on the 45 record and turning the volume dial all the way up, I do, indeed, see her feeling powerful. She was just a kid, obsessed with Nadia Comǎneci, whales, and roller skating. She wasn’t miserable, but she wasn’t entirely happy with the way her parents were treating each other. There wasn’t much she could do about that, but she found ways to resist. With the help of Billy Joel, she found a way to feel powerful—record needle down, volume up.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Anytime I struggle or suffer, I try to see it as an opportunity to be the person I want to be. I have written a great deal about integrity, creating a meaningful life, and living with intention. It is something I think about on a daily basis. When I am confronted with disappointment, trauma, or even just minor inconveniences, I am well aware those are the moments that matter most when it comes to living with integrity. It’s easy to be my best self when life is swimming along. It is the challenges that enable me to sink more fully into my spiritual practice. This isn’t like flipping a switch; it requires determination and devotion—to hold fast to my values and stand solid in my center. Struggling and suffering deepen that practice like nothing else.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life, work, relationships, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My husband. He is true to his word, devoted to his family, and the most generous person I know.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. If I only do things in the hopes of praise, then I’m not doing it freely. Also this: what I do when no one else is looking matters just as much, if not more, as what I do that others can see. That is where integrity really lives—in the actions and choices that aren’t seen and/or won’t likely get acknowledged or praised.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.christinemasonmiller.com
- Instagram: @christinemasonmiller
Image Credits
Photo credits: Christine Mason Miller and Larry Davanzo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
