Emily Eizen's Cannabis Art Revolution
Video courtesy of Civilized: Cannabis-Inspired Artist, Model, and Photographer Emily Eizen | Trailblazers
“I grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA which influenced my life in many ways. Growing up, I was always sort of a black sheep in a town which was filled with blonde volleyball players who all dressed in the same shorts, Vans, socks and sports T-shirts. I was always dressing up in crazy outfits, even wearing a Lady Gaga inspired tutu to school in 6th grade. As you can imagine, I was bullied quite a bit.”
I was always interested in the arts, which was my saving grace during those tough early teen years. Around 15 years old, I found another passion --roller skating. The roller skating culture became a huge part of my life. My friends and I would skate up and down The Strand, blasting Bikini Kill and Bratmobile. I even got into roller derby (my name was Betty Bangz). My love for the beach and the sunshine is something that still lives in me today. Of course, coming from a place which is now a yuppie town of super wealthy families, I realize my background is one of privilege. This inspires me to use my platform and my ability to infiltrate these spaces and advocate for social justice and start a dialogue of anti-racism, and even talk about cannabis policy.
Emily Eizen, Artist
“I lost my creative roots and became depressed. I started smoking cannabis in my dorm room and this re-ignited my creative soul and expanded my mind.”
After high school, I moved to Washington DC to pursue a career in politics which focused on social justice and activism. It was there where I actually developed a relationship with cannabis. Before, I had been around it, but did not care much about it. I felt stuck in the swamp of DC and the toxic environment of college campus culture. I lost my creative roots and became depressed. I started smoking cannabis in my dorm room and this re-ignited my creative soul and expanded my mind. I soon moved back home, unsure of where my path would lead. I started taking art classes at Santa Monica College, and worked as a budtender at dispensaries to make an income, because I was only passionate about cannabis and art.
“I draw inspiration from the aesthetics and ideas of the ‘60s and ‘70s revolutionaries. This free spirited, colorful, and most importantly, political aspect of this time period really pushes me to use my work for the collective good.”
While working at a dispensary in Santa Monica, I was given an opportunity to merge my passions and become their Social Media & Creative Director. The manager who hired me for this position truly opened the door to where I am now. I noticed a lack of creative and inspiring imagery in the industry, something that has always made cannabis culture unique. I’m grateful to the brands who are willing to hire me and make my visions a reality. I draw inspiration from the aesthetics and ideas of the ‘60s and ‘70s revolutionaries. This free spirited, colorful, and most importantly, political aspect of this time period really pushes me to use my work for the collective good.
Side Session:
Mass incarceration and elitism in the legal cannabis industry are both issues that need repair. The thought of people sitting in jail for something that is now making the rich even richer, and is even considered “essential,” infuriates me. I use this to fuel my mission of using my artwork as a vehicle for representation in the industry, and keeping the true spirit of the community alive.
Sexism in the cannabis industry, which mostly values women as sexual props for male consumption, is a huge challenge and distraction. The industry is making some progress in the representation of queer people, but has mostly forgotten it was queer people who fought and died for medical marijuana use during the AIDS crisis. I feel like I have the platform and ability to talk about sexism and representation in a creative way.
“The industry is making some progress in the representation of queer people, but has mostly forgotten it was queer people who fought and died for medical marijuana use during the AIDS crisis.”
In 2019, I designed the PRIDE campaign for Kush Queen, which starred all gender nonconforming folks of color. It was the first project I creative directed and executed. I know I have more moments to look forward to and once this pandemic is overI hope to have a big art show and involve cannabis brands, and members of our community from al walks of life.
Emily Eizen x LaGanja Estranja Poster by Emily Eizen
About Emily Eizen:
Emily Eizen is a queer multimedia artist working in the mediums of painting, sculpture, photography, modeling, and performance. Her ‘60s psychedelic inspired works showcase the beauty, freedom and diversity Eizen considers essential to establishing equity in the cannabis space and beyond. Emily’s portfolio and commissions highlight her ability to adapt to different styles and aesthetic across spectrums of gender and sexuality, defying convention. Welcome to the world of Emily Eizen, where the in-demand artist reflects the colorful and vibrant feelings she experiences while merging the cultures of cannabis and art.