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SIRENS Sirens grew from a desire to understand a culture that I desperately wanted to be a part of as a land-locked surfer, riding the waves of Lake Michigan. When I moved to San Diego, it was both exciting and intimidating to see beaches full of people who shared my love for surfing. Popular surf media painted a picture of male-dominated world and I was surprised to see many other women in the water. In response to my own surf experiences, I set out to learn about these women and a side of surfing that is rarely exposed. Despite working full-time jobs, going to school, and/or having a family, I discovered a community of women who make time to surf daily, regardless of conditions, and are fearless against waves twice their size. They incorporate surfing into as many aspects of their lives as possible: through creating a serene surf shack to call home, winning surf competitions to earn a living, or starting their own surf school. In addition to dedicating the present moment to surfing, these women also share a keen awareness of their place in surf history- they are honored to follow in the footsteps of the ladies that came before them and paved the way for women in the water. The women I have photographed look back to the past knowing they are continuously influencing the future through their athleticism and dedication to the surf community. It is no accident that I've left out the iconic action surf shots. Through portraits, still lives and landscapes, I want to highlight the intensity of character these athletes possess and share with viewers the ways in which their passion manifests itself on land. My hope is that by introducing viewers to this little seen side of surfing, they will gain insight to a unique American sub-culture and the strength of the women who are contributing to its evolution. |
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