Mia Macfarlane
As editor-in-chief, Mia Macfarlane @french_cowboy defines the visual and editorial lines of IRK Magazine to make the strongest positive impact possible. Her goal is to inspire creatives to push their limits to make something new and mind-blowing. The IRK team is made up of amazing caring individuals who make a difference in this world. She is also involved in 3 foundations (FLARE, FORE, and LDS) that support children in need. We provide educational resources, help impoverished families, support children with addiction, and much more. Finally, she is a fashion and art photographer with Julien Crouigneau under the name French Cowboy.
IRK: Tell us your “Why”
My driving force is creativity! I believe that artists make a difference in this world and that through art we can inspire change, happiness, and a better world. I started IRK with my husband Julien to provide an outlet for artists to be seen and heard. IRK has grown with every contributing editor so our charter has grown to encompass each editor’s goals and vision. I love seeing where my team is leading IRK and thanks to them we are doing so much good.
IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
I believe in hope! I think that we need to keep believing that our actions can make a real difference. I am not ready to give up and just enjoy life or live in fear either. I want to wake up every day thinking my children and their children have a future worth living on a planet that will still be healthy and beautiful for hundreds of years.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
I make conscious efforts every day. When I am in the grocery store I try to buy products using less plastic, I recycle, I love vintage clothing and furniture, and use public transport more and more. I used to go to Paris from the suburbs by car 90% of the time now it’s more like 10% of the time. I volunteer every day! It’s a part of my life to give back to the world. I also smile at strangers and try to be kind to everyone. Kindness is very important to me.
IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet?
We will clean her up, cherish her and be good to her. I hope that scientists will find ways to prevent global warming and that we will even reverse CO2 emissions. Through education and example, I hope that all people will take responsibility for her well-being. I am not giving up on humanity or the planet.
What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
That is a very hard decision as all 17 goals are important! Maybe I would choose SDG 4 quality education: as our youth is our hope but without prosperity then how can we ask people to recycle or be sustainable so #8; decent work and economic growth are also important. However, without sustainable goals improving the economy will lead us to destruction so #7 affordable and clean energy or #11 sustainable cities and communities is needed too. If I had to choose one that inspires me at this moment in time it would be #7 as it would help the planet, global warming, the economy, and quality of life.
