Of course I can’t birth every single idea, but I can select the ones that juice me up the most and make them a priority.

This is my daily practice, I go through all the ideas I have and I decide which ones will make it to full realization. Once I’ve decided I put things in motion for it to happen.

One of the themes I explore frequently is my relationship with birds and trees. Do you remember when I turned into a tree last year….

'Winter Tree' Laura Hollick as tree, costume and concept by Laura. Makeup by Rachel Duff. Photo by Kevin Thom.

This year I wanted to try another way to become a tree with birds.

I wondered if I could be painted as a tree?

I approached body painter and makeup artist Sue Upton and asked if she could body paint a tree and bird on and around me, and she enthusiastically said “Yes!”

Then I talked over the idea with my favourite collaborator photographer Kevin Thom and the idea appealed to him too.

So, with all the team players in place, we were ready to make it happen.

Here is a shot of the process of being body painted.

Laura Hollick being body painted by Sue Upton. Photo by Kevin Thom

Being half naked in the middle of November in Canada for hours isn’t exactly the most comfortable experience, but that is what it took to realize the vision.

Something I’ve learned from all the different creative projects I’ve been part of, birthing a dream isn’t always comfortable, in fact it can sometimes be out right uncomfortable. But when the vision is clear it is all worth it.

Here is the final image from this creative adventure…..

Laura Hollick as tree with bird. Body painting, hair, makeup by Sue Upton. Photo by Kevin Thom

Being an artist is all about dreaming it and doing it!

I’d love to hear what you think about this piece….