Ahead of an unexpected art exhibition (and a looming small town music tour) Hollie Smith talks to Kim Knight about the true cost of creativity. A confession: “I couldn’t do the tattoos. So it’s me, REALLY naked!” The pile of nudes waiting for wall space includes several self-portraits.
Musician Hollie Smith as the artist - and the artist’s muse. “Don’t look too closely . .
. I should really remember to rub out the lines!” Smith has always painted. “Depending on where I live and what I’ve got available, it’s just something I’ve dabbled in.
“And because music has been so quiet and my suitcases have been put away and I’m spending more than a week at a time in my house . . .
” Making art was something creative to do every day; turning it into an exhibition was an unexpected outcome. The suggestion came from friend Flox (aka Hayley King) whose Auckland gallery is hosting Smith’s debut show. Smith says the pair “had a little bit of a hui over a couple of wines” before deciding on the exhibition title - “It’s Not Music”.
“It makes the most sense, doesn’t it? No-one can get confused.” Smith is best known as a musician, songwriter, producer and collaborator. She is the voice of the Don McGlashan mega-hit Bathe in the River , has released four solo albums that all debuted at #1, is the recipient of multiple music awards and has opened for the likes of Bob Dylan and Coldplay.
Last year, she estimated she earned $180 in global music streamin.