Arizona artists represent the majesty of the desert in life and art

If you’ve ever seen an Arizona sunset, the state motto is: God enriches no surprise. Arizona is a hub for breathtaking copper landscapes, the mystical sun you have no choice but to indulge in, and an art scene dedicated to depicting AZ in all its wondrous glory. As you stroll through Phoenix, Arizona’s largest subway, the murals reflect the vibrancy of the state’s culture and forego nothing, creating a feast for the eyes that will make you think of the Grand Canyon state for days.

The state legalized adult marijuana back in November 2020, a monumental victory for the people of Arizona. A whopping 60% of the state’s residents voted to end the ban and pave the way for the American Southwest. There is no doubt that the state’s strong cultural identity and the artists who bring it to life played a role in this historic moment.

Leafly had the opportunity to work with 3 of Arizona’s leading artists: Ashley Macias, Clay Halling and Nyla Lee to create rolling trays that are uniquely Arizona. Every artist brings his own style, which is out of this world, be it through the uncompromising use of color, limitless depth or surreal imagery. Here we meet with these 3 artists to talk about inspiration, Arizona and of course cannabis.

Q&A with the artists

Leafly Staff: What inspires your work?

Ashely Macias: Many things. Nature, people, emotional elements and experiences. Much of the work is meant to talk about more internal and metaphysical ideas. The idea of ​​connecting as a whole with everyone and nature. Closing the circle of life.

Sound Halling: I get a lot of inspiration from skateboard graphics from the early 90s.

Nyla Lee: So many things, unique faces, beautiful Arizona sunsets, the way light interacts with objects. Just fun lighting in general, neon colors, 70s aesthetics, synth wave. I am inspired by the moods that colors can create when they are together, that ambience feeling. I definitely want to convey that through my work.

Leafly Staff: When did you get into the arts?

Ashley Macias: As far as I can remember. I didn’t have a complete idea of ​​what that would mean, but I only ever imagined my true existence out of creation for those around me and out of sheer joy. The commitment to the arts has always been ingrained in my soul since an early baby bird.

Sound Halling: I have always made art all my life, but have been working as an illustrator professionally since 2015.

Nyla Lee: It has always been something that has been there all my life. Something I just have to do even if I want to give up. So I can say that I have dedicated myself to art since I was a child. but when i talk about it [a] professional commitment that was in 2017. I finally started taking it seriously enough to go full time.

Leafly Staff: What does it mean to be an Arizona artist?

AT THE: It means speaking for a community that not everyone knows or wants to experience when they come here. To be an artist here means telling a story about my community and the beauty that lives here. To be an artist from Arizona here means to appreciate the many experiences and the magic of these surreal landscapes. It means seeing the beautiful sunsets and sunrises and appreciating the good weather. Being an artist here means I can take in the amazing people here who represent the best of what it means to be an Arizonan. To be an artist here means to be a part of it [and] do something very special that people will understand in the future. I am part of the desert here

CH: If I grow and change and influence other places, I will always love the desert and still call it my home.

NL: It means cooking in 115-degree summers, warped canvases, sunburn and exploding spray cans. But what it really means is to be part of a story. We’re still a growing city and I love our community here. I am proud to be an Arizona artist.

“Cannabis has always been a source of healing and opening up our creative constructs.”

Ashley Macias

Leafly Staff: What role does art actually play in Arizona?

AT THE: It shows the growth of the community and represents a culture that exists here in the desert. Art is constantly developing its full potential and inspiring PHX residents and visitors to PHX. Art makes up culture and sings a powerful voice as the city grows. Art is inevitable and vital to our city and community. It makes voices audible.

CH: With all the constant new build, murals and public art are becoming increasingly important to maintain personality in cities like Phoenix as they grow and change.

NL: Art in Arizona represents our community, culture, voices, it brings people together. A basis of representation against the voices of the people.

Leafly Staff: What role does cannabis play in your artistic process?

AT THE: Cannabis takes me to a familiar place in the playground. Ease and silly playfulness. Cannabis really helps me immerse myself in my creative zone and enjoy laughing with my comrades. Just go with the flow and feel a process of creativity and healing in a room with those I love or in my own element.

CH: It is of great help in falling asleep.

NL: It’s something that allows me to really immerse myself in myself. Some days it’s hard to get out of my head so it slows me down just enough to get me into a flow state.

Leafly Staff: Art has an incredible social impact, how do you think art can further destigmatize cannabis use?

AT THE: I think cannabis has always been a source of healing and opening up our creative constructs. I think it speaks for itself to publish art and to be transparent, whether it’s creating art around cannabis or for yourself. Cannabis shouldn’t be kept a secret. It’s completely natural, beautiful, and has stood the test of time. It’s here to stay

CH: Art can be a powerful way to stimulate conversation. Works that address stigmatization or normalize cannabis use can initiate a dialogue about these things and affect people in ways they may not expect.

NL: I know cannabis really does help so many people in the world. It is a drug with so many healing properties. I believe art will help move that forward. Showing it doesn’t make you couch potato, it doesn’t make you lazy or crazy. It can make you creative, pain free, social, relieve anxiety, etc. I hope art can help rewrite this.

Ashley, Clay, and Nyla speak the truth to power, be it through their art or through their words, and all three artists don’t stop once they make waves at the national level. Everyone brings their own sensitivity to art and shows how best to portray the transcendental experience of being in the desert. Buy your work now to see how it increases in value as it brings warmth and life into your home. If you don’t want to buy a work of art right now, we can suggest lighting one and scrolling through their works for even a moment to be transported to the magical Arizona desert. Check out where to find Ashley, Clay, and Nyla below.

By submitting this form, you subscribe to Leafly news and promotional emails and agree to Leafly’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from Leafly email messages at any time.