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Cannabis-Inspired Artists Compete in “High Art” Contest

1 minute Read

We already know cannabis can spark your creativity — however, it can also be the artistic inspiration in and of itself.

This February, the Natural Cannabis Company, a northern California dispensary, will be hosting High Art 2018, the first cannabis-themed international art competition. This year’s theme is “Freedom” — selected not only because cannabis is now legal in California, but in response to current events around the world.

Johnie Thornton was born and raised in Southern California and is currently living & working as an #artist in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. Thorton's body of work is a mix of photorealistic oil painting and geometric/psychedelic abstract painting. His work is largely influenced by sociology, geometry, architecture, and their relationship to nature. As a self-taught artist, Thornton draws inspiration from experience and environment. Thornton has developed a unique painting style while experimenting with many different mediums both traditional and unconventional. He entered "Please Tell Me That I'm Pretty", "Do You Fear(For Your Child?)", and "Let The Infinite In" during #HighArt 2017. #cannabis #cannabisart #marijuana #marijuanaart #art #artist #artcontest #artwork #mmj #ganja #creative #beautiful #freedom #juxtapoz #amazing #naturalcannabis #cannabiscommunity #420 #instaart

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Every artist can relate to the theme of freedom, says Donna Frank, owner of The Natural Cannabis Company. “Yes, we want people to think about the freedom to grow and use cannabis legally, but it means more than that,” she says. “Freedom is a huge issue right now, both here and abroad. It’s the freedom to marry whom you choose, to express your true self, to resist, to practice freedom of speech. We know however the artists interpret it, it’s sure to inspire some truly passionate art.”

Frank created the High Art competition was in 2013. Today it is also co-sponsored by Juxtapoz Magazine. The idea behind the competition is to celebrate both the cannabis plant’s inspirational properties, as well as its contribution to fine art. High Art attracts professional and amateur artists from all over the world to compete for more than $45,000 in cash prizes (including a $15,000 grand prize), as well as to have their art featured in the Natural Cannabis Company’s marketing and exhibits.

A public vote determines the runners up, while an expert panel of judges chooses the final selection of winners.

Cannabis-Inspired Artists Compete in “High Art” Contest