Dope Design

Some people ask me if this is a self portrait. Let me explain to you who she really is...

I knew that this painting would be dope from the moment I began. This is where the inspiration started. In the background, behind the woman in the foreground, in stylistic graffiti-like text, is the word “DOPE”. Dope is a term often heard in cities by youth culture to indicate something is cool, commonly used in a city like Toronto, Ontario for example.

Dope is also a term that can be used to describe marijuana. In Canada, on October 17 of 2018, we experienced the historical nationwide legalization of marijuana, both for medical and recreational purposes. With this shift, opened an entire new culture, industry and interest in research. Marijuana was already significantly present in youth culture, and coincidentally, I found myself working with this brand new industry. I needed to learn about marijuana, its history, properties, uses, and discovered how many incorrect and damaging preconceptions were prevalent, despite its usage by humans for millennia. What was once negatively propagandized is rapidly becoming legal and accepted, the negative and misleading assumptions uncovered and replaced with information of its usefulness; for example, in opening your mind to new ways of thinking, or treating a vast range of mild and serious health issues. The idea of what is right or wrong, what is beautiful or ugly, what is good or bad differ simply by the perceptions of particular social groups.

Historically, there is a lot of negative stigma that surrounds the expression of female sexuality, marijuana, graffiti and tattooing. These have often been considered taboo. Stigmas can be debilitating, and many people are not deserving of the negativity or consequences of stigma, which can be traumatic or even life-threatening. It is valid that there can be negative associations or actions made among these things, such as vandalism and illegal trade. I do not endorse any disrespectful or illegal behaviour. However, I also do not endorse negative stigma towards people that engage with these things peacefully and for personal reasons. Where there is bad there is good, and this concept of dualism applies to female sexuality, marijuana, tattooing and graffiti. Each category has its own rich history filled with darkness and pain, but also purpose and beauty. Varieties of people find virtue, comfort, validation, understanding, or even a sense of belonging within these expressions.

I consider myself to be a well-raised, well-mannered young woman, who is considerate of others. I am a trained professional, a good citizen, and a loving daughter. However, I am also a young woman full of passion and a proud wearer of several tattoos. I have consumed marijuana to work through creative blocks or reduce stress. I walk through beautiful Graffiti Alley here in Toronto, a staple feature of the city of Toronto filled with legalized street art, admiring the fantastic splashes of colour and creativity that was sanctioned by the city on otherwise grey or brown buildings. The normalization of street art gave birth to art collectives and revitalization projects. There is so much potential and beauty to be appreciated in these creative forms of expression. Another example of how graffiti is a very important part of culture, and strong creative communication tool, is the Berlin wall, which became a canvas for graffiti, a perfect place for people to express their opinions and tell their story.

This painting is a self-reflection, and simultaneously a confrontation. It is revealing and vulnerable, but purposefully, she is an exigent woman. I selected bold colours to create a pop, brazenly being passionate and spirited. It is a representation of being able to face judgement fearlessly, or rejecting shame and embracing beauty. The bright selection of colours and movement is a play on the effects of psychedelics, and also makes the image almost impossible to ignore. She will be seen for all that she is, for her fighting spirit and courage.

She has a large skull on her back. This concept originated from a tattoo, and the experience it provides. A tattoo is a painful experience, but it proves that we can withstand and survive pain. As another form of art, I respect it. As an experience, it reminds me that I can withstand pain, and I will survive. It reminds me that I am a warrior, and I am strong. It also has the benefit of physically transforming you, so that when you look in the mirror their is newness in your reflection.

This painting encourages strength, bravery, rebellion, and resilience. Her face is half covered, as she is in the process of emerging out of the darkness of fear and embracing the light of being. The skull also serves as a reminder that we have one life, and the one thing that is guaranteed is that we will all die one day. As such, live life in the way you choose. Graffiti, tattooing, female sexuality, marijuana and I have this in common - it can be beautiful, and it does not need to be authorized to exist or be validated in its value. Although others may judge, what others think is hardly important. It is how you embrace yourself and life that matters. This is why you see the woman smiling. She is not afraid anymore. She is a work of art to behold.

10% of the proceeds of this purchase will be donated to The Women’s Art Association of Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting and encouraging Canadian artists.

Photos of me taken by various people with graffiti artwork across Canada, first and second photos specifically taken in Graffiti Alley in Toronto

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