— Creativity has always been a part of my path. It began when I was six as I tried to recreate my favorite comic book heroes. When I was 13 years old, I started spray painting, which caused me (and a few others) a little bit of trouble, but gave my creative output a new and thrilling direction.

After high school and finishing my apprenticeship as carpenter, I visited several art schools to hone my creative craft. In 2004 I started studying communication design.

While I was at University, I founded the „Peace Wall Project“. The concept was to paint murals around the world to spread the message of peace and at times collaborating with local artists.

After gaining my degree, I started a creative agency for visual design, but after a few years, I missed the smell of paint, getting to move my body, and working with my hands. So I made the decision to become a full-time artist, painting murals, canvases, and vehicles of any size.

— There is not that ONE source of inspiration. My ideas come from various sources, I am inspired by nature, society and different cultures, architecture, or design.

— The key was, that the motif works. No matter whether you are far away or close to it. But the closer
you get, the more details are visible. The motif is designed to melt into a natural environment. It
was also important to me that the colors are warm, friendly and optimistic.

J: To create a moving work of art.

Watch some behind the scenes moments and Tembo in action:

J: I’ve been spray painting for more than 25 years now. It is a lot of experience combined with curiosity as well as questioning the status quo. I was always a bit of an outsider in the scene as I preferred to paint buddhas instead of „style“ writing (spray pieces that are done with intricate letters). Being on the outside helped me to develop my own style of mural-art and technique.

J: I was fortunate enough to still have a lot of work throughout 2020, and as my work is often outdoors or done by myself, my professional life wasn’t really affected. On a personal level, my desire for freedom and closeness to nature in connection with a little anti-consumerism has become even stronger.

J: It all began in 2007 when I traveled to Iraq and I was overcome with the desire to leave something behind. This spontaneous urge took the form of a mural on the walls of one of Saddam Hussein’s former Palaces in Northern Iraq, or my first “World Peace Wall.” Since then, I’ve painted many more.

J: It all began in 2007 when I traveled to Iraq and I was overcome with the desire to leave something behind. This spontaneous urge took the form of a mural on the walls of one of Saddam Hussein’s former Palaces in Northern Iraq, or my first “World Peace Wall.” Since then, I’ve painted many more.

The idea is to use the local language for my murals as well as cultural symbols and elements to connect fully with the observer. If somebody thinks about peace, they will act more peacefully.

I try to change perspectives, thoughts, and attitudes with a silent revolution, through a painted message. Everything happening around us originates in our minds. What we think is our reality. Our thoughts become words, our words become actions, actions become habits and habits form our outlook and personality.

Since ancient times people have been influenced by this principle. Church paintings, propaganda, and advertising campaigns all require attention and channel thoughts into one direction. Peace can only be achieved by our attitude. The more human beings are at peace with themselves, the more they surrender fighting against themselves and the flow of life, the more they create a world of tolerance and love around them.

J: I have an atelier/workshop at home where I love to hang out and paint or do some woodwork. And like everyone else, I’ve spent a good bit of time behind the computer as well.

J: Everywhere! But of course, there are some highlights, like surrounding Africa, the Silk Road, or the Pan-American Highway.

Thank you, Julian - and now, meet Sina and learn a bit more about another third of the Tembo crew!

S: I am mainly Julian’s sparring partner when it comes to brainstorming visuals and visions as well as the spoilsports when it comes to his crazy ideas!

S: Fortunately, Wilma is a super easy dog in general and also when it comes to driving. She loves looking out of the window and chill. She is happy as long as she is who the pack.

S: Tembo means Elephant in Swahili. We have been to Kenia and really loved the country as well as the sound of the language. In the beginning, the truck was planned to be painted in gray as a base color. Now it is a yellow Elephant!

S: As last year was mainly focused on converting and expanding the vehicle and setting the course for the future it was not really influencing or destroying any plans made. But of course, we are hoping now that traveling becomes easier. On a professional level, as a yoga studio owner, the pandemic has hit us hard, but as creatives, we found ways to live and work with it as well as making the best out of it.

S: There are many places I would love to travel to and through, many roads to take, and the more you research, the more fascinating places you find. Lots of them I haven’t even thought of going before.

But the continent of Africa is fascinating to me a lot and I really want to travel through west Africa. Because of the Spirit, the Vibe, the music, the people, the food... everything!