"Van Life is a Way of Art" A Story about Freedom, Van Life and a special Paint Job

Interview with Julian Vogel – the creative Mastermind behind the Snowmads Truck Paint Job

Roof top chills in Morocco – Julian and Fabi hanging out on the Snowmads Truck

Julian Vogel, artist and van life lover. Famous for his World Peace Walls all around the globe. He’s the creative mastermind behind the paint job of our Snowmads Truck and Markus Aschers‘ van „Blacky“.
In our interview he’s talking about his connection to Snowmads, van life, freedom and his World Peace Walls.

Julian, how did you get in touch with the Snowmads?

Hey, Fabi contacted me a while ago, because he heard about my Project World Peace Walls where I travel to different areas around the World to paint Murals for Peace.

„He asked me if I could paint the Snowmads Truck from outside. Thats how it started.“

What is Snowmads for you?

Snowmads for me is a community of young people, who live their dream, they are curious and creative, openminded and conscious about their environment, cultures and nature.

Moggäs‘ Blacky and the Snowmads Truck – both painted by Julian Vogel

Do you think there is a connection between art, skiing and vanlife?

Sure, van live gives you the most freedom, you live simplicity and flexibility, it brings you to every place you want to go. On the way you find new mountains or inspirations, you meet people on the road with similar interests and you can always share your stories.

„Van Life is a way of art.“

You’ve built up your own camper van some time ago – inspired by the Snowmads?

Of course I am inspired by the Snowmads Truck and lifestyle and for me its the best way to travel. But my Truck is still under construction, but it will be finished soon.

The World Peace Wall is one of your projects that really impressed us – what’s the idea behind and how do you see the future of the project?

Good to hear, thanks so much!

It all began in 2007 when I traveled to Iraq and I was overcome with an idea to leave something behind. This spontaneous urge took the form of a mural on the walls of an old Hussein Palace in the North of Iraq, or my first “World Peace Wall.” Since then, I painted around 30 walls all around the globe.

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, he 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. The „World Peace Walls“ in prominent places of the world give an impulse to start a dialogue about peace – a message that, similarly to a spiritual mantra, is repeated over and over again and therefore slowly manifests itself in reality.“

Any travel plans for this summer?

Not yet, but sometimes wanderlust overwhelmes me and I go where the wind blows.

How to follow Julian

www.ju-li-an.com

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Check out our Home Story with Markus Ascher and spot Julian working on the Truck in the beginning of the video.