Street Art Information
Do you like mural paintings?
My name is Jan Stel (1970), better known as Simbl, short for Symbol. Long before spray cans entered my life, I was already drawing, painting and fascinated by the way images can evoke emotion and stay with people.
I discovered graffiti in the late eighties. Illegal painting lasted only briefly. What truly captured me was creating complete, colorful worlds; work with atmosphere, depth and meaning. That passion never left.
Over the decades, my creative journey naturally expanded into photography, symbolic storytelling and large-scale mural painting. My photographic work has been exhibited and sold through galleries and international art fairs, becoming part of both private and corporate collections. Yet, no matter the medium, the intention remains the same: creating images that people feel connected to.
Nature, animals and human emotion often appear throughout my work. Not as decoration, but as symbols. They speak quietly. Sometimes about freedom, sometimes about resilience, identity, love or transformation. They invite people to pause, wonder and perhaps recognize something of themselves.
People often recognize my work by its subtle color transitions, refined details and the balance between realism and imagination. Every wall, canvas or panel is approached individually. I enjoy listening to the story behind a place, because no two environments are alike, and neither should the artwork be.
Over the years I have worked on commissions for businesses, public spaces and communities. I still feel most alive while creating. Whether it becomes a mural, a symbolic body of work or something completely unexpected, I believe art should bring life to a place and leave something behind that people remember.
Some projects start with a clear vision. Others simply start with curiosity.
If something in the work resonates with you, even if you only have an idea or a wall waiting for a story, feel free to reach out. Sometimes the best conversations become the most meaningful projects.
On request I'll send you my beautiful full color (PDF)brochure. A must have!
01: Classic Sparvar spraycans I 02: In action at, De Valk - Amsterdam North, realism in the old skool era I 03: The final result of Aladdin at De Valk - 1989
Startup and in action in Paris, painting at Spot-13 - 2024. After almost 20 years away, back to street art in 2020.
The professionalism of Simbl street art
Cleaning - Priming - UV-resistant, anti-graffiti coating
Our wall paintings or murals represents quality and professionalism — and a lasting impression you can enjoy for years. That’s why we work exclusively with skilled professionals. We advice our clients to our working way, by doing so you are guaranteed for maximum protection and long-lasting enjoying of your wall painting.
Step 1: Deep cleaning We begin with a thorough cleaning of the wall surface to ensure the paint adheres perfectly and lasts over time. Step 2: Targeted priming Next, we apply a carefully selected primer to optimize paint adhesion and enhance contrast and color vibrancy. Step 3: Durable protection Once the artwork is complete, we apply a long-lasting, UV-resistant, anti-graffiti coating for maximum protection.
