Behind the Scenes – Bricks & Bikes

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, ‘Where did you come up with that idea?’, to which we usually reply, ‘It’s complicated.’ Sometimes though, design has a simple origin, and is easily explainable. That is exactly the case with our most recent set of screen prints, a series based on our travels to Europe in 2010, where there was no shortage of daily inspiration to pull from. And because it’s always fun to bring back positive experiences from the past, we thought we would start the week off with a little behind-the-scenes look at the story behind the first of our 3 prints — The Netherlands!Amsterdam, our place of arrival, captured our hearts from the very first step we took on it’s beautiful cobble-stoned streets. Ornately detailed architecture, magnificent lamp posts and fine brickwork were signs of a highly meticulous and capable culture, and the first hints that we were really, really going to enjoy ourselves.

The second, and perhaps most glaring thing we noticed, was the sheer number of bicycles whizzing by. The Dutch, it seems, really enjoy life on two wheels. Luckily, so do we. But not content with simply seeing the city view, we rented ours (with our host Brigitte) in Zevenhuisen, and took a little ride into the country, thereby confirming our allegations that the Dutch are a neat and orderly bunch.

At the end of the day, or more specifically the end of that leg of the trip, our sketchbooks were bubbling with ideas. An now, just like then, we’re happy to have had the opportunity to witness such a beautiful country, and to have taken a permanent piece with us.  – Tyler