One of the numerous narratives that arose from Taylor Swift’s amazing year was her unparalleled commitment to provide her fans with entertainment—often in the form of subtly conveyed messages interwoven within her songs, music videos, and live performances. We hired London-based artist Jane Perkins to paint a portrait of the singer that contained dozens of “Easter eggs” in order to convey the inventive spirit of TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year.

Typically, Perkins uses found objects whose form and color complement the particular idea for each piece to create his artwork. “As a’re-maker,’ I draw inspiration from found objects and transform them into something fresh,” declares the Devon, England-based artist, whose past subjects have included Adele, Princess Diana, and Frida Kahlo. “I work with materials that have a history; these are frequently items that have reached “the end of the line,” meaning even charity shops are unable to sell them—broken or outdated jewelry and long-unsold items.”

I was aware that each component used in the Swift picture has to have a purpose. We thus put together a comprehensive list of suggestions for Perkins to use, which included, but wasn’t limited to, a seagull, a mirrorball, a red scarf, the number 13, dice, Scrabble pieces, cats, friendship bracelets, and a champagne bottle.

“Obviously, I was aware of Taylor Swift and her music,” remarked Perkins, “but I required an introduction to her world.” I had never heard of swifties, friendship bracelets, or “meaningful things” from song lyrics before, so I exchanged 75 emails before I felt prepared to start.

Perkins took three weeks to gather information and find the supplies, and another four weeks to create the artwork, which has around thirty-five hidden objects. She used mixes of paper collage and paint beneath the items to create the final image, whose sparkling, colorful buttons and beads remind the song and video for “Bejeweled” as well as the outfits seen on concertgoers at the Eras Tour. “I create a composition that feels pleasing by working intuitively,” the woman stated. “It takes a lot of moving around before I am satisfied with the outcome. Making this piece was so much fun.

BRANDED CONTENTCongratulations to Syd Kitson, 2023 TIME Dreamer of the YearBY AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
A red scarf
Cowboy boots
Snake
Butterfly
Newspaper
Guitar pics
Heart
Mirrorball/disco ball
Champagne bottle/flute
Heart-shaped sunglasses
Cardigan
Thread/string
Clock set to midnight
Woods/trees
roses
The number 13 (2)
Stars
Cat
Glitter/sparkle
Red lipstick
Sunflower
Flowers
Snowflake
Red lips
A nod at NYC
Seagull
Puzzle piece
Dice (totaling 13),
Jewels
Diamonds
Friendship bracelets
Acoustic guitar
Scrabble pieces
Beads with secret message
Smile
Sneakers
Moon