"Art is not living. It is a use of living.
The artist has the ability to take that living
and use it in a certain way, and produce art."
- Audre Lorde

I fondly recall my first experience with henna. I was at a festival, passing by some of the informal vendors sitting on the grass. I paused to watch an older Indian woman wearing a brilliantly-coloured sari apply "icing" onto peoples hands. Next thing I know, she took hold of my wrist and pulled me towards her. She began draping cool, lace-like lines on my bare skin. I asked her questions but she merely smiled at me. Her daughter came over and translated my questions into Hindi for her mother. She explained that it stained the skin "like a tattoo". I was enthralled! I left after profusely thanking them, smiling widely, staring at my decorated hand. I spent the next 2 weeks mesmerized with the design and the ever-changing tones. I *had* to learn about this art.

Since that day, I kept my eye out for books, vendors, ANYTHING henna. It was a few years before we crossed paths again. I was fortunate to find the Henna Page online, watching it blossom with an influx of history, traditions and scientific information. I can't rightly say I was "self taught" -- without Henna Page, I would not have gathered as much knowledge as I have. A few years ago I launched 'Henna by Holly', and for a while I was the only Canadian natural henna supplier. I hosted Workshops teaching others how to henna, the traditions, the science. I have been incredibly lucky to get so many wonderful people started in the world of henna! As a show of support, I launched 'Monster Mehndi' to showcase their work... and hopefully get them more work!

If there's one thing I can say about henna, it makes you insatiable... You always want more and more henna. Thank goodness the dye is temporary!

Website: Henna by Holly