Hey Shillington — Pick me, Olivia B!
Video credits:
Photos — 1:35 & 1:43 M. Rath; 4:00 C. Seifert; 4:04 K. Kamal; 4:08 C. Seifert; 4:12 J. Henning; 5:24-5:38 D. Morrison
All other photos by Olivia Blinn
Music — “Peace Finds Breath” by Dear Gravity
Infrequently Asked Questions
Olivia breaks her baby toe in a war zone, May 2017.
What’s the most absurd situation you’ve had happened to you in your work?
In Iraq, I broke my baby toe while giving a tour of our hospital compound to a foreign correspondent. Not wanting to disrupt the media visit, I walked on it for eight hours, while I watched my foot get more and more purple. I eventually got it x-rayed in our trauma bay, where they most severe patients would go, much to the confusion and concern of my local colleagues but to the delight of my expat colleagues who were taking photos of me throughout this process.
What’s a creative project that you’ve completed recently?
In order to better process my time in Iraq, I created a project called ‘Beyond the Blast Walls: Stories from Bartella, Iraq.” At the end of my time in Iraq, I photographed a number of items that I was bringing home with me. Months later, I edited the photos and wrote up the stories behind each of the items.
What’s an accomplishment that you’re proud of?
Helping to create the largest mural of a sriracha bottle in the Middle East (accolade being self-awarded and unverified).
Any interesting skills?
I’m only good at sports that don’t matter — badminton, darts and bowling. I’m really good at bowling. I can break 200. Oh, and I shoot a bow and arrow for fun.
What’s the most interesting food you’ve eaten in your travels?
Sea turtle. Before you get outraged, though, it was with good reason. I promise.
What are some of your favorite corners of the world?
Joshua Tree National Park in California. The sleepy little river town in Cambodia where I got my first tattoo. A Syrian restaurant in Kathmandu, Nepal. The hidden coffee shop on my favorite Greek isle. My old apartment in Micronesia that looked out over the water.
What’s your favorite poem?
“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.
What’s been one of the biggest things that’s helped you advance in humanitarian aid?
Baked goods. I’m not kidding.
Are you really as ridiculous about coffee as you seem?
Yes.
