„I like your shots, they get across the atmosphere you are talking about nicely. Still, I have somewhat of a small problem with the accompanying text. I understand what atmosphere you are talking about, but you are painting a very narrow and one dimensional picture of Smoking. Some really enjoy the act of Smoking nevertheless many are addicted and have difficulties to quit. Smoking may bring people together, but it surely separates them to the same degree: thresholds of communication, disease, death. All the aforementioned can be caused by the act of Smoking. In this context, it really seems that aside from all beautiful aspects you are also over-romanticizing to a great extent.
This is the critique uttered by a fellow and dear friend of mine when asked about the first draft of this project. Taking into account her remarks, I set out to improve the totality of the topic of smoking.
The art of smoking. What does this even mean? Whilst we go on a photographic journey, I will try to bring you my personal and treasured definition a bit closer.
"On deck" - March of 2020 - Southern Germany
One might wonder, what this project is about. The answer buries different elements. First of all, cigarettes & Co. Secondly, us and thirdly music, friends and a great scenery. The setting or scenery consists of more than just the location or the light and weather. There is much more to it. In March, the sun already resembles those beloved summer vibes but sets a lot earlier and in a more steep angle. It is therefore a mixture between winter/ fall and summer/ spring light. It might be fairly warm throughout the day, but the nights remain icy.
Smoking for me personally, is pure enjoyment. Every moment can be experienced differently. You simply enjoy the taste of cigarettes and cigars or other, the company of your friends, the vibes and beautiful setting. This moment defines itself through your very focus on smoking and enjoying everything around you.
"On deck" - March of 2020 - Southern Germany
By simply closing your eyes or blinking straight into the sunlight, you enter a special state of tranquillity. Every breath marks a unique moment and experience in of itself.
While you enjoy the scenery, sunlight is stroking your skin and face. You slowly start to recognize the disappearance of direct warmth. The sun starts to hide behind the horizon and you start to realize, how magnificent the light was and still is. You prepare yourself for the setting darkness and cold. But in the end, you still look forward to seeing all the stars.
At the beginning of this journey, we talked about music. Music as a whole, surely can´t be defined to a final extent. Still, we will try to do so in regards to the art and act of smoking. As you feel the air and smoke pumping through your lungs, your mind and ears open up - you have the impression of really sensing the music. You imagine slipping with your hands through it.
As we nearly all enjoy music from times to times, it is no question whether you know how amazing the emphasis of an experience can be, if it is being combined with the enjoyment of your favorite music. Double the brilliant outcome if you and your friends love to listen to the same music.
The smiles on our faces are the best indicator of how joyous the combination of a beautiful setting, smoking, music and friends really can be.
This very project might well be a homage to all the fantastic summer nights yet to come.
Still, our journey isn't over yet.
As beautiful, chill and comforting smoking has been described before, there is also a flip side.
According to the WHO 1.3 billion people smoked tobacco in 2015. In Europe, 16 % of all deaths can be directly linked to the damage caused by smoking. Smoking alone is the death sentence for 8 million people every year. 7 million dying as result of their tobacco consumption and about 1 million dying of second-hand exposure.
"On the rooftop" - July of 2020 - Southern Germany
Realistically, the story of the photo above is as true as the one below.
"Smoking alone" - May of 2020 - Cologne, Germany
As with everything concerning addiction and drug abuse, the issues and subjects have to be treated with care and respect. One mustn't close the eyes in regards to huge death rates and mustn't over-simplify. There is a long history of pushing out groups associated with addiction and disease in general. This doesn't have to be the case anymore. This shouldn't be the case anymore. Tobacco consumption, smoking is to present in overall society to be ignored. The health implications are to grave. Only with enough evidence and information at hands, one can rightly judge the implications.
I myself enjoy many qualities of valuing the instant moment. Sometimes using the act of smoking as a placeholder to fully appreciate it. But it would be a lie - stating, that cigarettes are the only way to do so. As long as tobacco brings people together and causes "healthy joy", I will continue having a smoke. But there exist many ways leading to trouble. Tobacco mustn't kill people, divide families or destroy friendships. It is up to us to handle it appropriately.
