Lionel Powell began his career as a costumed character over 20 years ago, where he would dress up as characters like Pluto and Eeyore at amusement parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.

Now 57, Powell has planted his roots in the Venice Beach soil, where he performs street theatre in his original-designed costumes.

You can catch (or easily miss) Powell around Venice Beach, as he’s most known for dressing up as a tree (with stilts on) and moving to surprise those who walk by.

“What I’m doing here is called a tree awakening,” he told the online film series 60 Second Docs. “People are so busy they don’t get to stop and smell the roses.”

“I get many different reactions, but 90 percent of people are awed. It doesn’t matter how big they are,” he mentioned to Argonaut News. “Mostly what I get is after the surprise is laughter.”