a vibrant celebration of cannabis consumption
This project is a personal exploration into cannabis consumption, expressed through my favorite artistic style: vibrant colors and bold, dramatic shadows. Initially planned as a trio of images, the series evolved into a broader celebration of the tools and moments that accompany my personal cannabis experience. Each photo showcases a unique aspect of consumption while adhering to strict cannabis marketing regulations, creatively working around restrictions like not showing active consumption.
Series Breakdown
pipe image
This shot allowed me to experiment with set-building—a skill I’ve been eager to refine. Featuring my cherished Chiefs pipe, I wanted to juxtapose its utilitarian purpose with an air of elegance. The hand reaching from above evokes a celestial vibe, transforming the mundane into something divine. This image encapsulates both personal and artistic significance, a perfect entry into this series
Bong stop motion
Stop motion has been a long-standing passion of mine, and this piece merges that with a challenge in cannabis marketing: depicting consumption without people actively consuming. The concept of a “bong that hits itself” became an obsession and led to this kinetic centerpiece of the series. The vibrant backdrop and motion add energy to the otherwise static nature of glassware
joint roll
Simple, clean, and focused—this image pays homage to the art of rolling. Shot with bright, punchy hues, it celebrates the tactile pleasure of creating a joint. For me, this image reflects the meditative process behind cannabis consumption.
ash tray
This shot was an unexpected addition inspired by a moment of office cleaning. I looked at the ashtray and thought, "This captures the essence of this series." Transforming a typically overlooked object into an artistic statement was a challenge but ultimately became one of my favorite parts of the project. The McDonald’s wrapper adds a personal, humorous touch.
grav stop motion
While this image diverges from the series' central theme, it’s a nostalgic nod to my younger self. Capturing the Grav in a highly stylized way turned into the most difficult but rewarding challenge. The outcome is a playful tribute that contrasts yet complements the other images in the series.
challenges and creative growth
restrictive regulations
Working within cannabis marketing regulations pushed me to explore creative solutions like using stop motion and focusing on the tools rather than the act of consumption.
color and shadow play
This series was an opportunity to push my use of bold colors and harsh shadows, a style I deeply resonate with.
evolving ideas
Allowing the project to evolve organically resulted in a series that feels authentic and diverse, with each piece contributing something unique.