Mossoki House Welcomes Eric & Christopher: From High School Hobby to Thriving Creative Collective!
We're thrilled to welcome Eric & Christopher to the Mossoki House family! Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of creativity, reminding us that sometimes the most inspiring journeys begin with a spark in high school.
From 80s Skate Culture to Screen Printing Obsession
Back in 1988, amidst the vibrant energy of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," a young Chris Kline witnessed a life-changing moment. Watching a friend screen print his own t-shirts ignited a spark in Chris. His love for skateboarding, drawing, and airbrushing found a new outlet – the ability to replicate designs through screen printing. Despite not being a bookworm, Chris devoured a library book on the subject, teaching himself the intricacies of the craft through pictures and sheer determination.
A Lifelong Love of Screen Printing is Born
This pivotal moment launched Chris's lifelong passion for screen printing. He started by creating t-shirts for friends, which blossomed into a successful full-time business spanning over two decades.
The Power of Collaboration: Push, Pull, Print!
The economic downturn of 2008-2009 forced Chris to adapt. While taking on side jobs, he continued his love of screen printing. In 2011, a brilliant idea struck: an art show called "Push, Pull, Print" focused on collaborative screen printing with other artists.
The goal? To "PUSH" creative boundaries by "PULLING" ideas out of each other through collaboration and then, of course, "PRINT"! Chris invited 20 local artists, new to screen printing, to explore the medium with him.
One fateful collaboration led to a unique request: screen printing a farm animal photo onto fabric for a pillow. This seemingly simple project sparked the beginning of Eric & Christopher, the company we know today!
A Creative Collective Flourishes
Fast forward to 2024, and Eric & Christopher has evolved into a vibrant team of talented artists, sewists, screen printers, and creative minds. This "small but mighty" collective produces thousands of beautiful pillows, totes, and tea towels each week, all designed by a curated community of artists!
A Touch of History: From Military Fatigues to Playful Designs
Adding a touch of charm to the story, their workshop resides in a 100-year-old sewing factory. These very walls once echoed with the industry of men and women crafting military fatigues. Today, they resound with the creative energy of Eric & Christopher's team, transforming fabrics into delightful home goods.
We're so excited to feature Eric & Christopher's unique and collaborative creations at Mossoki House. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we'll delve deeper into their design process, showcase their beautiful products, and celebrate the power of community and artistic exploration!