In The Spotlight: Meet Mila

I’ve written about Focusmate a few times, not least putting together a playlist that I use to help when I’m in a session. But what I love about the platform, aside from getting work done, is that I get to meet amazing people all over the world – one of them being Dutch mixed media artist, Rafaelle.

I couldn’t help but notice the art she had on the wall, and after a brief discussion ended up on her website and learned more about her Imaginary Friends Series. The idea of imaginary friends resonates deeply with me – to have a way to express a story – to create a duality – from one’s own imagination that can then be shared and developed by someone else’s – well – it’s brilliant and I’m so here for it.

I asked Rafaelle if she could tell me more about Trumpet playing Mila and that perhaps Mila might be up for answering some questions and maybe even make a playlist. Below is Rafaelle’s description of her connection with Mila – and under that – a series of questions and answers that allow us to know Mila a little more. Thank You Mila – this has been a great experience (and the list is just perfect!)

Meet Mila

I imagine we crossed paths when she placed an ad for an extra ticket to the North Sea Jazz Festival, feeling a bit lost without a companion to share the experience. I happily joined her,  and afterwards we spent fun afternoons jamming together—Mila on the trumpet and me on the piano. Our connection also extends to nature walks, where we challenge ourselves to recognize birds by the sounds they make, enjoying the intellectual challenge of sound and listening.

Mila, what inspired you to place that ad for an extra ticket to the North Sea Jazz Festival?

I originally had tickets for my boyfriend and me, but we broke up just before the festival. I’d been looking forward to sharing the experience so much that, instead of letting the ticket go to waste, I thought, “Why not see if someone else would be fun to go with?” I’m so glad Rafaelle replied.

Can you share some of your favorite memories from jamming with Rafaelle—maybe a moment when the trumpet and piano just clicked?

Jamming together is always inspiring, but one of my favorite moments was when Rafaelle sang Fly Me to the Moon. She usually sticks to the piano, but this time she started singing one of her favorite Ella Fitzgerald songs. It was mesmerizing. Don’t tell her I mentioned it, but there’s an old YouTube video of her singing that song…😉

How do your nature walks with Rafaelle influence your creativity? Do the sounds of birds and nature find their way into your music?

Our walks speak to that part of us that loves learning and paying attention. Picking out bird sounds and identifying them keeps us grounded in the moment and reminds us to stay curious. It’s nice to be able to share that quirk with someone who gets it, and afterward, I notice I bring more mindfulness and precision into my music, almost as if I’m following those natural rhythms we listened to together.

How do you help Rafaelle explore themes like identity and belonging?

Through me, I think she can bring to life questions that are hard to put into words, like “What kind of friendships am I drawn to?” or “What face or color feels comforting to me?” She’s exploring those questions as the painting takes shape.

What piece of music has changed you, and why?

There was a time I was dealing with a lot of anger, and then I heard Jean Pierre by Miles Davis. That song helped me process everything; I played it over and over until I felt whole again. That’s when I knew I wanted to make music that could help people cope with life. And though my mother named me after my grandmother, I like to think of “Mila” as a female version of Miles 😉.

How does your connection with Rafaelle reflect the importance of shared experiences and finding common ground with others?

Going to the North Sea Jazz Festival together and seeing so many incredible artists added so much to the experience—especially being able to share it with someone who truly gets it. We both dream of helping people appreciate life through art: she through her paintings and stories, and me through music. We bounce ideas off each other and push each other to grow in that way.

What are you curious about these days, and how does that curiosity shape your adventures with Rafaelle?

Right now, I’m drawn to the idea of mindfulness and how it affects creativity. It’s been fascinating to notice how simple things—like our nature walks or even a shared silence—bring us into the moment. I think that curiosity has shifted how we spend time together, like pausing to notice small details around us or appreciating the quiet sounds in each other’s art.

If you could choose one song that encapsulates your journey with Rafaelle, what would it be and why?

Well, it’s not on the playlist, and it’s a bit cheesy, but I’d say You’ve Got a Friend. 🙂

What would you say to someone looking to tap into their own imagination or connect with a friend like you? Any tips on unlocking that creativity?

I’m a big believer in Joseph Campbell’s advice to “follow your bliss.” Follow what comes naturally. Rafaelle thought she was a writer but was mostly blocked—then she discovered painting, and it came easily. She enjoyed the process, didn’t worry about the outcome, and poured her longings into her paintings. The stories followed effortlessly. So, I’d say the key to unlocking creativity is to let go of the inner critic and simply find something you love to do.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of Rafaelle’s world, and how do you think you contribute to her artistic process?

I love that she really looks at me, imagining someone she’d want to spend time with. She went over my mouth, for instance, again and again until it felt like it fit with the person she saw coming to life in her imagination. And through me, she’s discovered new artists—she never listened to female trumpet players before! Did you know only about 3% of trumpet players are female? I hope we’ll help others discover more of them, too.

You can learn more about Mila and Rafaelle’s work here:

Instagram: @rafaelleartworks

Website: www.rafaelleartworks.com