FACE BEHIND

Hi! I’m Sanne Brandsma, a 28 years old creative soul and the owner of Meraki Art. Meraki means to do something  with soul, creativity and love -to put something of yourself in your work- and that’s exactly what I’m doing:

Leaving a creative trace and spreading my art like breadcrumbs all over the world.

I’ve always been a creative kid, constantly drawing, painting, and turning experiences into art. After graduating in Psychomotor Therapy, I decided to follow my curiosity and creativity wherever it would take me. That leap of faith became Meraki Art.

Over the years, my partner and I have lived, worked, and traveled on the road: from exploring Asia to building our first rolling home, from years on the road with our oldtimer bus to working and traveling in Australia in our 4x4 Landcruiser, from working as a Psychomotor Therapist back in the Netherlands to building our second oldtimer bus @endlesstrace. Life on the move has become a big part of who I am. It fuels my work, keeps me curious, and teaches me to embrace both freedom and challenge.

I think many people appreciate feeling connected with nature, whether it’s watching the sun go down from a surfboard or hiking through quiet woods. In those moments, you’re fully present, guided by an intuitive feeling that’s hard to describe. With my designs I try to capture that essence: a fleeting moment, a feeling, or even a simple daily experience.

For me, that essence comes alive through simplistic design and earthy tones. Less is more. It’s an ode to nature and a quiet invitation to slow down. In a way, I hope my work sparks both appreciation for, and responsibility towards, the environment we’re all part of.

Today, I balance my two passions: creating with Meraki Art and working as a Psychomotor Therapist. Whether I’m sketching on the road, designing from a little desk in the Netherlands, or dreaming up the next adventure, Meraki Art is my space to grow, explore, share, and step outside of my comfort zone.

My artwork is heavily inspired by the elements of nature, such as the patterns in rock formations, the structures in sand and waves, as well as the surf scene and outdoor lifestyle. I combine warm earthy tones with minimalistic fine lines and don’t follow any rules when creating, other than what feels right to me in the moment.

Sometimes, I use different materials to keep my creativity flowing and my inspiration alive, such as woodburning on wood slices and plates, or painting on shells and stones. I then leave these behind wherever I go as little pieces of myself.

Through my art, I aim to express the elements of nature, along with my own experiences and growth while traveling and living slowly. The identity of my work is rooted in themes such as nature, surf, spirituality, and self-love.

To see more of my work, inspiration and travels you can find me on: 
Instagram: Meraki Art  | Pinterest: Meraki Art