Posted on May 1st, 2022 by Dan McCarthy

HOLYOKE ARTIST SHOWCASE WITH MASSART MIXED-MEDIUM ARTIST ETHAN DUPONT

Canna Provisions Holyoke for some is the end result of searching “dispensary near me” for legal adult-use cannabis at a dispensary near Albany NY, Saratoga Springs NY, Northampton MA, Springfield, Chicopee, and other points in Western Massachusetts.

Whatever the reason someone finds themselves at Canna Provisions Holyoke, about 10 minutes off the highway, once you are inside visitors are presented a feast for the eyes.

Amazing displays of actual product packaging and information to interact with. Immersive cannabis flower displays using up-cycled industrial equipment and gear from the Holyoke retail dispensary in its former life. And each month, you can find a different local Holyoke artists featured on the walls of Canna Provisions Holyoke with our new local arts spotlight series showcasing Pioneer Valley artists in an adult-use cannabis dispensary-meets-art gallery vibe.

Cannabis and the arts. A natural pairing of mutual support and respect at Canna Provisions.

MAY 2022 LOCAL-ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE:

ETHAN DUPONT

LOOKING AT THE FULL SCOPE OF YOUR PORTFOLIO SO FAR, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY INSPIRES YOU MOST WHILE CREATING?

The beautiful thing about my process is that I am able to pull across different spectrums and mediums for inspiration when I am creating. Whether it is an idea from the main plot of a movie, a lyric from a hip hop artist/poet that I think about, a string of an instrument, or a color or tone from a photo, I love learning from different artists and trying to embody these ideas through what I’m creating. In specific references, I am drawn to time periods of arts such as Dadaism or Bauhaus movements, 90s grunge editorials like David Carson, and modern hip hop artists like Kanye West, Earl Sweatshirt, and Boldy James. The things these different movements and artists have taught me through their work has given me decades worth of inspiration to draw from.

TAKE ME THROUGH YOUR ARTISTS JOURNEY. WHERE DO YOU THINK IT REALLY BEGAN AND WHEN DID YOU START TO REALIZE YOU COULD WORK IN IMAGES, DIGITAL ART/MIXED MEDIA?

My journey to becoming a graphic designer/ mixed media artist was entirely an accident actually. I originally was obsessed with photography and videography since I was younger, I loved capturing images. In my first year of college at Bridgewater State University, I broke my foot in the first week of the semester which rendered me to being on crutches and not as mobile to take photos or take videos. In this time, I really started to focus more on Instagram and take in different mediums, and from there I worked a lot in the Adobe Suites, specifically Photoshop and started to create images there (admittedly not good). But I became obsessed with it, I would create pieces everyday just to practice different things. By the time December/January came around I decided I wanted to chase this feeling and wanted to transfer to MassART and see how far I could get with graphic design, entirely on a whim. Eventually I started to push myself outside of the digital realm and really started to see what I could create with my hands, and from there I was able to create a union between my mixed medium and digital work. 

WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR ART TO TAKE YOU?

I want my art to take me to a place and position where I am able to use my craft to give back to the communities and people that have built me up.

I want to be able to pass on my love of what I do to others and create a sense of emotion and community through my work, and these last couple years have made me realize that if I am not contributing to my community, then what am I working for? I want to help tap the love of art I have into new generations so that they know this avenue is available to them. We did not have a strong arts program in Holyoke based on other people I have met from surrounding areas for a long time (I believe now we are fanning a flame within the city), I want to make sure these options are available to anyone who wishes to learn them. 

WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INFLUENCE?

I have three influences who stand tall for me. The first is Kobe Bryant, as my first real love was basketball, he taught me the important lesson of having the work ethic and passion that is necessary in any walk of life you go in, that you must devote yourself to being great if you truly wish to bring it into existence.

The second is Kevin Alves, who really taught me everything I know about graphic design. He introduced me to different historical periods and allowed me to work with him in 2019 which was the most important experience I have had so far. Watching him was like watching a magician on the keyboard with how he solved and formed his own creative style that I really hadn’t seen before.

The third inspiration is Kendrick Lamar. His ability to change people’s lives and tell stories through his work to me is super inspiring, how he can challenge complex ideas and standards and how he is so intricate with his words and how devoted he is to his community. I feel like with celebrity culture, we must keep a divide between our lives and theirs and not get too devoted to them, creating a god complex for most of them, but I believe that with someone like Kendrick people should really pay attention to how he is able to uplift a community through his art. He is not a savior, but a man that challenges you to think and can tell compelling stories which resonate with others.

WHAT HAS YOUR TIME AT MASSART TAUGHT YOU?

MassART has taught me to step outside of my comfort and not be afraid to take in different mediums for inspiration. They have taught me to really try my wildest ideas and concepts which I believe is important because part of being a designer is learning how to be forward thinking and problem solve for your ideas. The experience they have given me I will forever be grateful for.

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About Canna Provisions

Canna Provisions is a recreational cannabis dispensary in the Berkshires as well as a recreational cannabis dispensary in the Pioneer Valley focusing on a unique and thoughtful customer experience. We are here to guide you and towards the right provisions to fit your lifestyle, and provide knowledgeable support every step of the way. Founded by established industry pioneers with extensive cultivation, regulation and consumer sales experience, Canna Provisions stores provide a broad range of top-grade craft cannabis products that are locally sourced and thoughtfully produced. Life is a journey. No matter the path, trust Canna Provisions to better your journey. To learn more, visit CannaProvisionsGroup.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Please Consume Responsibly.  This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. 

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana used during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product.  KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. The effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

 

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