Alex Grey: Cannabis and Creativity
Cannabis has been the unsung hero of America’s cultural revolutions for too long. This plant blossomed in the heart of improvisational jazz, inspired the birth of rock and roll, and now is cited as a staple inspiration for today’s luminaries. Presidents, popstars, and painters all partake in the sacred herb.
Praise of Cannabis By Legendary Artists
This is nothing new, but with cannabis becoming more widely accepted, it is finally getting the attention it deserves for its role in the creative process.Among these artists is long-time cannabis advocate, artist, and philosopher, Alex Grey. Perhaps best known as the father of today’s Visionary Art movement, his presence as a live painter and speaker inspires thousands of people at global festivals and events in the psychedelic underground. He speaks openly about his well-researched perspective & first-hand experience with the plant; and the role that it plays in inspiring his creativity.
Alex disproves the theory that to regularly smoke weed is to become a “lazy stoner” – demonstrating that cannabis can fuel great artistic achievements. Even though his name is most recognized in the counterculture, Alex’s artistic impact began in the mainstream. His art covers Tool’s grammy-winning & multi-platinum albums, as well as iconic 90s giants Nirvana (In Utero) & Beastie Boys (Ill Communications).
Time, Juxtapoz, Newsweek, and High Times magazine have all featured tributes to his work. Before joining the art world full time, Alex was a professor of anatomy at NYU. His mastery over the human form is conveyed through symbolic artworks that tell the story of our journey from birth to death – body, mind and soul. Alex sees cannabis as a sacramental connector between these aspects of self, and includes depictions of the plant regularly in his art. This sub-series of paintings includes “Higher Vision” an icon of this belief.
“The Higher Vision painting points to the uplifting power of the imagination that is stimulated when we take in cannabis.” – Alex Grey
“The Higher Vision painting points to the uplifting power of the imagination that is stimulated when we take in cannabis.” – Alex Grey
For his creative process, Alex will often take a puff in order to hit a flow state. Through altering consciousness, he cites that it becomes possible to open to a fresh perspective on a work that may otherwise be difficult to consider objectively. It can also bring relief from the inner critic that can be paralyzing to an artist if it is left unchecked.
The thought-provoking depth that one reaches through the ingestion of cannabis is reflected in Grey’s highly intentional work.
“Higher Vision through cannabis suspends negative judges that keeps us from doing our best. Analyzing choices, cannabis can open us to a new perspective.” – Alex Grey
High Times recognized Alex’s dedication to meaningful art and began collaborating with him in 1995.
The painting “Cannabia”, a green goddess portrayal of the spirit of cannabis became the poster for that year’s event. Describing this work, Grey states, “Her hair is lush female sensimilla buds, and her body is covered with the plant stalks, stems and green leaves.
Her two mundane eyes are closed, the third ‘divine’ eye on her forehead is open, revealing a world of fantastic and spiritual vision. To kiss her is to become intoxicated with her and turned on to one’s own fertile imagination.” Today, Grey’s intricate trophies are awarded to the winners of cannabis cup events.
Additionally, Alex lives by the Buddhist belief in dedicating the merit of his work towards the benefit and liberation of all beings. This spirit of freedom extends to his view that cannabis should be decriminalized, and that all those charged with crimes surrounding its possession should be freed.
He advocates for the cognitive liberty movement, the belief that consenting adults have the right to do whatever they deem fit in the exploration of their consciousness.
A free mind is more capable of inspired ideas, deeper philosophies, and a more altruistic approach towards life. When he’s not painting, he’s writing, speaking and teaching on his world view that empowers humanity to expand their consciousness and reconnect to the creator within.
“Sol-Invictus” – by Alex Grey
The best-selling books Sacred Mirrors, Transfigurations, and Net of Being featuring his art and philosophy can be found at major book retailers. Joe Rogan, Duncan Trussell and others have featured Alex on their podcast. In collaboration with his wife, Allyson Grey, they regularly teach art as a spiritual practice at their retreat center, CoSM, in the Hudson Valley of New York