Viva Baja

By Orange & Park

Asymmetric Magazine: Tell us about your contribution.
John McCauley: David and I first met walking to and from Coronado Middle School in 1995. A small beach community in southern San Diego, Coronado is one-fourth military and three-fourths tourists, best known for its expansive family friendly beach with a view that is both beautiful and contrasting. To the north, a long list of affluent Southern California cities nears its end on the peninsula of Point Loma, as it curls around the mouth of the San Diego Bay. To the South, less than 30 minutes away, a whole new world emerges in the developing Playas de Tijuana. 
       Growing up, we spent a lot of time traveling north; we knew the exits and cities off Interstate 5 between San Diego and Los Angeles well. Mexico, on the other hand, was an enigma. Tijuana was just a neighborhood away, constantly staring at us yet completely closed off and untouchable, guarded by a huge wall and assault rifles. It shared the same climate and ocean views enjoyed mostly by the wealthy stateside, yet most people in Baja, especially those who lived closest to San Diego, lived in severe poverty. It was a constant source of intrigue.  
       About 6 years ago, intrigue turned to infatuation when a group of friends invited me on an annual Baja surf trip. I was hooked from day one, blown away by the wide expanse of the desert roads and untouched beaches. Baja is a trip back in time to a simpler California with less people, development and money. Development in Baja has been cursed–which ironically is a blessing–by a corrupt government, a related but exaggerated crime problem, and a lack of fresh water. Major developers have come, and with the exception of Cabo San Lucas, failed miserably, leaving the natural desert and beach habitats of Baja to flourish.
       Orange and Park's Viva Baja print is a homage to Baja. A reminder of good times and a slower, simpler place.

AM: What inspires you most?
JM: Inspiration comes from so many places, but we're mostly homebodies–focusing on what we know best–the places and icons of California (and Baja). We love the beauty of simplicity; the best designs look easy and effortless, but in reality are well thought-out and fairly complex. There is a long list of luminaries that inspire us: Charles Eames, Dieter Rams, Wes Andersen, Leroy Grannis, Bruce Brown, the list is diverse and goes on and on.

AM: What else can we expect to see from you?
JM: More of the same, a steady stream of new designs, photos and exploring the Pacific coast, with a special focus on Baja. #vivabaja

Orange & Park is Southern California-based David Klinker and John McCauley. Orange & Park combines a bit of clever typography, a tad of love for geography, and a whole bunch of screen printing to create unique products inspired by the things they love. Stay in touch on Instagram.