LELEN RUETE
THE BEAUTY OF CANNABIS THROUGH
THE EYES OF LELEN RUETE BY N E A S H A H O D G E
Cannabis, as we know, is used in many forms. However, have you ever taken a moment to really observe the plant in its natural form? Explore the beauty of the cannabis plant through the eyes of Argentine artist Lelen Ruete. Currently based in Uruguay, this 34-year-old mother, freelance photographer, producer and founder of The Rabbit Studio uses her passion for art and creative mind to bring exposure to the artistic side of cannabis to people around the world. Though Ruete comes from a background in the fashion and commercial industry, she became intrigued with the beauty and history of the cannabis plant after her first shoot in 2017. “I feel both a fascination toward the plant itself as a living being; how it works and lives as a system; the colors it develops; and the way it relates to the world,” she says. “Also, it being part of our same nature; the way it ‘looks’ at me and poses when I photograph it; and the passion and love the growers put into their job.” Ruete draws her inspiration for her art from various photographers, nature, fashion and stories. While, in many places, there is still a negative stigma around the cannabis plant, including Ruete’s home country of Argentina, it is widely accepted in Uruguay which was also the first country to legalize cannabis for recreational use.
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CA N N AC U R I O U S M AG.C O M
