"I also had this artist friend who'd paint butterflies and things like that on my head"

In this quote, Persis Khambatta is reminiscing about a friend who was an artist. She mentions that this buddy would paint butterflies and other things on her head. This could imply that the friend would paint real butterflies on her head, or possibly utilize butterfly imagery in their art work. Using "things like that" recommends that the pal was innovative and would paint various styles on her head. This quote might also imply that the buddy was a complimentary spirit and not afraid to express themselves through art. Overall, it highlights the special bond in between Khambatta and her artist buddy and the distinct method which they connected through art.