As VOLUME embraces the ephemeral nature of cannabis, we look to artists to translate their cannabis experiences into works of art. For VOLUME 1 we teamed up with Laurel Cleveland, an artist that’s been leaving a trail of art through Seattle for years. 

Laurel ventured from the Olympic Peninsula to Seattle almost a decade ago to pursue a degree in Industrial Design and Technology. She completed school in late 2014. After studying a subject that leaves little room for unplanned & unmanicured works of art, Laurel turned to creating and gifting her illustrations to the streets of Seattle.

Laurel discovered boxes of large price tags at her local thrift store and began to sketch on them indiscriminately - ugly doodles, pretty sketches, it didn’t matter. With a pocket full of “Tags” she began to walk all around the Seattle area leaving gifts. Her favorite spots? Metal corrugated sign posts!

As time progressed, so did Laurel’s style. She began to hone in on a variety of themes in her imagery. Through the depiction of emotions, botany, and symbols of the universe she came into her own unique practice. It became a way to express her own feelings and to record her dreams and experiences. From this, her alias Moody Orbit was born.

In Mid 2015, Laurel created a secret Instagram (not-so-secret anymore) documenting some of her creations before they disappeared into the city, lost forever.. until they were found. As Laurel’s art found its way to friends and strangers, they started to be coined “Moody Ladies.” 

Today, you’ll only find one of these Moody Ladies if you know where to look. In recent years Laurel has focused on spending more time and energy on each piece of art, like the one she created for VOLUME.

Fueled by our extract, Laurel has this to say about her cannabis experience with VOLUME 1 - “It’s like an orchestra, one that’s playing just for you. I feel grounded, rooted and strong. I am engulfed in a dreamy sensation that creeps over my eyelids and into my brain. The lightbulb is on.”

When asked what inspired her creation, she said -
“My goal for this piece was to represent the divine feminine that is cannabis. She provides us with many experiences and can show us many facets of ourselves. This illustration is about growing with love and finding strength in our roots.”

To see more of Laurel’s artwork follow her on Instagram (@moodyorbit) or visit her website (laurelcleveland.com).