“Cannabis allows my full creativity to flow”, an interview with the artist, Dunkees

We discover the art of Dunkees in the documentary The Legend of 420. “I’m an artist, a creator. Cannabis allows me to kind of melt away all the distractions.”

The forcefulness and confidence of his words in front of the camera caught our attention. And the knowledge that he showed with the plant when it came to working inspired us to write to him. His answers come from across the pond, from California.

Daniel Miltonian, aka Dunkees, is a Californian, who became an artist because he realised as a young child that drawing was his passion. “I draw because when I do, nothing else exists. I draw because I love to see the expression on people’s faces when they see my art for the first time. I see my work as innovative inkblots triggering the right parts of the brain to inspire positive thoughts.”  He is clear that he has found the objective of his life and plans to do it until he has no strength left. “I am very lucky to have found my true calling. I will draw until the day I die and I will continue pushing my talent as far as I can, to see what’s possible at the very far limit of imagination.”

Laura Rueda- How would you describe your art?

Dunkees- I see my work as innovative inkblots triggering the right parts of the brain to inspire positive thoughts.

Laura Rueda- What is your main inspiration when it comes to creating?

Dunkees- I just really like drawing. It don’t need to be inspired to draw, it’s more like an on/off switch. I have been drawing for so long and so much that it’s just part of who I am at this point.

Laura Rueda- What role does cannabis play in your life/art?

Dunkees– I want to combine these, because my art is my life and my life is my art.

Growing up I was always told drugs are bad, so I didn’t get drunk for the 1st time until I was 22 and didn’t smoke weed until 26. When I did smoke, I knew it was made for my brain. Cannabis allows me to see something from a different perspective. It also clears the mind of any unwanted noise to allow for creativity to really come through.

Laura Rueda- In the documentary ‚The legend of 420′ you say that you express emotions through your art. How is your creative process? What role does cannabis play in it?

Dunkees- Everything I draw is a feeling. The lines feel right. Most of the time I know exactly what feelings I want to express, but I also like to just free style and flow from the heart and see the meaning when done. Cannabis, at least for me, opens the connection between your subconscious and conscious mind.

Laura Rueda- What is your personal dream? And your artistic dream?

Dunkees- My personal dream has always been to be free. To be able to do anything I want at anytime I want, without causing any kind of negative effect on to anyone else. My artistic dream is to leave a mark with my art on history.

Laura Rueda- What is the status of the plant in your state? Do you think there is freedom?

Dunkees- California has always been one of the leaders in setting an example to everyone else that Cannabis is OK. I am lucky/blessed to live in place that is not only very cool with cannabis, but also has arguably the best selection in the world.

Laura Rueda- How can people buy your art? Do you do international shipments?

Dunkees- People can buy all my art in my gallery in Venice Beach or online at dunkees.com. I also distribute my rolling trays and smaller prints all over the US.