FLOSS-SIDE CHAT WITH ARTIST MARIJKE BUURLAGE

Cocofloss collaborated with Dutch artist Marijke Buurlage to create an original, limited-edition Cocofloss Party accessories bag. 

Learn more about Marijke's inspiration behind the Cocofloss Party!

Who is one of your favorite artists and why? 

I’ve got many, but one of my favorite Dutch painters is Kees van Dongen. He was a painter in the beginning of the 20th century and was his style was Fauvism, which is a painting style I totally love. It’s a wild and bright painting style and the painters used ‘simple’ subject matters such as landscapes and portraits to express themselves with. A feast for the eyes!
 

What is one of the biggest sources of inspiration behind your art? 

I am completely inspired by nature, especially botanicals. I am so fascinated by all the colors, shapes and patterns you find in plants, they inspire me greatly! I don’t think there is any illustration I ever made that doesn’t have a botanical element in it. 

What was your favorite part about this design process?

The character design for sure! I loved creating Mr. Cocofloss, Mr. Surftooth and the hula girl. It’s always the best part when the characters in the illustrations come to life. Although the coloring part is lots of fun as well 😉
 

Who is the Cocofloss guy? How would you describe him?

Mr. Cocofloss is the coolest dude in town. He surfs, plays the ukulele and loves to floss. Everyone loves him!
 

Do you floss? Why or why not?

This is actually a funny story. I started flossing (again, after many years of neglect) since my collaboration with Cocofloss! I realized how important it is to take good care of your teeth, they need to last a lifetime.
 

What's one habit that you're working on building?

I work from home, and it’s difficult for me to take the time to get out and take a walk, go for a swim or grab my mountainbike and go cycling. I should definitely be exercising more!
 

Why do you love Cocofloss?

Cocofloss to me is a tropical experience of course, how can it not be? Working on this illustration made me compare Cocofloss to visiting a tropical island, drinking coconut milk and dancing with your feet in the sand! 
 

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why?

I visited Brittany, France last summer and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! Beautiful beaches, cute old villages with castles and ruins, adventurous hiking trails and lots of wildlife. I would definitely go back there again!