Christine Mason Miller (and a few words about the spirit of giving)
Marisa told me about Christine Mason Miller recently, a California-based artist that has more than talent, but a huge heart. Christine has the reputation of being supportive, kind, and extremely helpful to her peers, which gives fine testimony to the type of person she really is inside. Christine is known for not simply looking after herself, but identifying needs that exist, hurdles others face, and then stepping up and helping to find solutions so that all are impacted in a positive way. That's powerful! Life is really just a big circle and you get back what you put forth. I'm always encouraged to hear about those in business for themselves that take the time to support others running alongside them. You don't always see this in the corporate world, there is so much face stepping as the ladder is climbed, but I do see it more amongst crafters and artists. There's a real network, a sisterhood (or brotherhood), that is formed and with hands holding other hands, that chain isn't easily broken. The spirit of giving is so much better than constantly waiting to receive. If more people followed this, so much good could be accomplished in the world.
I recently heard that if you want something, that means you're lacking it. I never really gave much thought to that. Upon hearing it, you almost want to say, "Well, duh!", don't you? But once you've settled into the thought, giving it some time to sink in, it's a pretty weighty statement. If you're lacking, you aren't truly whole, which can easily mean you are never satisfied or happy. It also makes you appear as weak if you think about it, because if you walk around always wanting things, you obviously can't get them for yourself. If you want power, that must mean you don't really have it, and if you want praise, it's because you aren't perhaps getting it so you're in want of it. Try to look for ways to give what you do have, extend yourself, just like Christine has the reputation of doing. Good people respect and recognize good works. You want to attract positive people and experiences, do your best work and then, support others. Asking for help is one thing, constantly wanting, wanting, wanting, is another. You get back what you give out. People often want things that they aren't willing to give themselves. Power, praise, money. Those that are the most successful at anything in life are those that empower others first.
Here's a glimpse of some of Christine's work (above), her etsy store, and her website. Thank you Marisa for telling me about Christine, and thank you Christine for being a lady known for your good energy and supportive, giving personality. It's a joy to know you're out there helping your fellow artists to thrive alongside you. That's the sign of someone truly confident and secure in themselves and in their work, and that's so great to see put in action.
(images from christine miller)