Today we’d like to introduce you to Gal Bar El.
Hi Gal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started using cannabis at the end of my army service. Dealing with, and healing from, PTSD, I use hemp in my everyday life. I moved back to the US after spending five years abroad. Getting my medication was easier than ever. I finally got tons of educational information from people who wanted to help ease my pain. The plant that helps me so much is also so beautiful! Each nug is unique, like a snowflake. Kind of like people…
I had to find a way to capture that beauty. I started illustrating cannabis nugs and leaves, but it just wasn’t enough. I wanted the real deal, captured forever. I made the shape of a heart to clearly represent my love for cannabis. After a few weeks of experimenting with different designs and techniques, Nancy Chains was born. I hand make each stoner’s stone and sometimes include letters and glitter, as well. The stones cannot be opened, so the cannabis is not usable. In fact, I use hemp! Although some may think Nancy is my real name, it isn’t. It was inspired by Nancy Botwin, the lead character from the show Weeds. Nancy’s character on the show is based on a true wonder woman, Dr. Dina Browner. Dr. Dina was the first person in Southern California to start a medical cannabis doctor’s office and dispensary. The Mother Teresa of marijuana.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
On a personal level, I feel like I’m getting stronger and better every day. Of course, there are some setbacks, but the trend is definitely a positive one.
In terms of my business, I have all of the struggles of a small business which includes reaching markets and reinvesting while at the same time going to school and actually making the products. I learn something new everyday. Right now, I am focused on marketing and web design.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I really enjoy creating in different mediums, especially when I can mix a few together. I paint, illustrate, sculpt, 3D design, and code art. Right now, I’m known for creating the brand Nancy Chains. For me, a very exciting area to work in.
My Nancy Chains creations are items of jewelry, and personal products such as ashtrays, keychains, and figurines that I sculpt by hand or 3D design and print an object, then I make a mold out of it. I decide what my final design will look like and what materials I want to pour into the mold. I try to include a message and a meaning in my creations, with a central theme being the beauty and healing power of cannabis.
I photograph the final product, name it, and post it on my website, Etsy, Amazon, and Instagram.
I built my website to be an experience for visitors, with private fun pages for subscribers.
I see Nancy Chains Instagram account as an evolving work of digital art.
I hide many messages for my followers, whom I call Baked Goods (because they’re baked and they’re good). I also save every Instagram Story I post on my HIGHlights, so others can watch my growth.
My passion is to fuse my need to create with my love for and appreciation of cannabis. I am grateful for the healing effects it has had on my life and to all of the people who paved the way to understanding its powers, as well as legalizing it for many of us. I hope to continue to bring that message to others through my Nancy Chains creations.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Making others happy always makes me happy! I also can’t live without creating. Putting the two together is what makes me really happy. Making items that bring people joy and which communicate my opinions, pieces that spark conversations and debates between others.
Contact Info:
- Email: nancychains@gmail.com
- Website: NancyChains.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancychains/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancychains
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NancyChains
Image Credits:
Ariana Velazquez
