Christine Powell
San Juan Capistrano, California / Christchurch, New Zealand / McMurdo Station, Antarctica

I love pattern and texture and creating something beautiful and useful.

I was born in Virginia, but grew up in Orange County, California. From a very early age, I guess you could say I had a creative streak. My Mom encouraged me as much as she could. She wouldn't buy me candy, but she would buy me crayons. I actually learned to knit from my dear Grandmother, Frances. She was very creative and crafty too. Her father knitted socks in the trenches in WWI. His wooden needles are one of my treasured possessions. I guess you can say I came from a long line of creative folks. Gramma taught me the basics, how to make a scarf. Doesn't everyone start out this way?

I put down the needles for the escapades of youth, but then at 30, my life changed forever. In 1997, on a whim, I accepted a job in Antarctica. I knew nothing about this frozen continent except there was a barber shop pole somewhere 'down there.' At McMurdo Station, my first job was to wash dishes and mop floors, but I soon discovered a whole community of creative people working alongside me.

What is it about knitting I love? Probably the same thing as lots of other knitters. For me mostly, it's about color. I have a passion for color and like to experiment with different combinations. I also love pattern and texture and creating something beautiful and useful. It's also portable. And yarn! Don't get me started. I would eat it if I could!

Antarctica has been a big inspiration for me, not only the incredible scenery there, but my creativity and love of color seems to ramp up when I spend time in such a cold and stark landscape. 

Since my first season, I have continued to work and live on the coldest continent. Currently I have spent five summer and eight winter seasons, down 'on the Ice.' I'm excited to share our creative lives with the rest of the world.

I picked up the needles again, and started learning. At some point, something clicked, and I found I understood knitting in a way I previously did not and at the same time, discovered camaraderie with a like-minded people. I met my dear friend and Antarctica Knitters partner, Lynn Hamann there.

Since then, I've done other jobs on the ice including Logistics and Finance. I also met my husband, Anthony, there. The Love of my Life. I like to say I had to go to the ends of the Earth to find a husband! 

Anthony and I at South Pole Station.