As you know Dash Snow was pronounced dead last week which is considered a great loss to both the New York arts community as well as the world art community as he was considered one of the next big things. I discovered Dash only last week here on Art + Culture. My knowledge of him and his work is very limited. I do know this though his death was totally avoidable as it was drug induced.

 Through out the centuries we have heard of the Mad Artist breaking boundaries and destroying norms as they carved their path. It is a rich tradition that we encourage to some extent and greatly ignore to another. I believe now it is time for us to stop accepting this as norm. We as a community must stand together and say there is another way. I have been to the other side and back (I habitually smoked marijuana for years and took many other drugs) and can tell you creating great art is possible without the use of Drugs. There are many techniques which can be learned to break the repression barrier. (read Carl Jung).

We can not afford to lose any more great artists before they hit their prime. We will never know the work he could have created, as well of the works of many, many artists who died unnecessary tragic deaths. What is the use of making brilliant art if you can not be around to enjoy it?

    So I suggest to you, in paying last respects to Dash Snow , if you regularly spark one up and make a piece, put the drugs aside, close your eyes and count back words from ten, ten times, then do a piece sober, and say thanks for the lesson Dash. May You Rest in Piece and may your daughter have the peace in life you could not find.