Nature of Surf Women
An interview with Ivana Bajic and Gabriella Tellez by Glenn Sakamoto
Nature of Surf Women is a Kickstarter project focused on the women who surf in Nosara, Costa Rica. Co-created by Ivana Bajic and Gabriella Tellez, it is an elegant multimedia art book designed to showcase the stories amd photographs of these women – all set against the sights and sounds of the natural beauty of Nosara. We spoke with them to learn more.
Please tell us a bit about yourselves…
Ivana: I am a film and event producer based in LA. I discovered surf in my mid-30s and fell in love so passionately that it led to my complete transformation from a night owl to a morning person, from brunches and shopping to where are we surfing next weekend, from pescatarian to vegetarian, getting more involved in local beach events, and spending more time in nature. Last year I had a big gap between jobs, and I got a chance to dedicate my time and use my knowledge and experience working with big productions and artists into a project that can be beneficial to so many women encouraging them to be curious, playful, and rejuvenate in the water. We created Nature of Surf Women - a project that unveils women surfers' beauty, compassion, and friendship.
Gabi: I am a documentary photographer based in France. I met Ivana during my family visit to Costa Rica. At that time, I was looking for a new challenge, and Ivana's idea to approach women surfers from an unconventional perspective and create "storytelling" photography was very interesting to me. I was very excited to make an interactive book - where photography is in symbioses with sounds or stories.
What inspired you to make a book about women who surf in Nosara?
Ivana: Nosara is a very special place. It's a Blue Zone, a wildlife refuge, a jungle with vegan restaurants, and a famous yoga and surf destination. A friendly and open-minded community of people live there and the lineup has an equal number of men and women surfers, which is exceptional. Spending days surfing, I started noticing that women around me have a special glow. I could feel the joy and self-confidence in them. Also, there is a strong circle of support – they give tips to each other, cheer loudly when a girl catches a wave, and help each other in everyday life. This is the core of female fellowship, and I decided to capture their life and ocean stories through photo and audio journeys that we want and need to share globally.
Gabi: Like many of the women in this book, I found that the ocean became both an embodiment of and a metaphor for my struggles. And over time, it guided me to a place of greater peace and acceptance.
Why is this book important? What do you hope to communicate to the community about this project?
Ivana: Nature of Surf Women challenges the mainstream representation of female surfers putting into focus our body and soul exactly as it is. We have photographed 30 women from 12 to 67 years old of all ethnicities, body types, and skill levels. There are 22 visual stories that represent the beauty and strength of the female body and our connection with nature and water. Each story will have a QR code that will take the audience onto the waves and into the lives and hearts of these extraordinary female surfers.
Also, we have worked with audio naturalist Martin Stewart who created a collection of sounds of Costa Rica, such as rain, crashing waves, and morning birds, that are also implemented in some of the stories. Nature of Surf Women will take you on a mindful journey offering confidence and appreciation of our bodies, life experiences, and friendships.
Gabriela: Through this artwork, we have displayed the distinctive interaction between woman and nature to show how we can recreate the relationship with the world in which we live.
How did you make the choice to do an interactive print book instead of an online or video experience?
Ivana: Art books are beautiful because they are big and heavy. They give you a better perception of the images and stories behind them. Also, the book is always available, waiting for you on your coffee table or bookshelf. It allows you to reconnect with your memories or daydream. You can share it, borrow it or have a group of people enjoy it at the same time. There is no distraction with messages or calls, and the battery will never die.
Do you both have backgrounds in book design or in photography?
Gabi: I have studied Photography at Arles School of Photography and hold a Contemporary Art in Creation and Studies Masters Degree. I have been a documentary photographer for the last 15+ years, and many of my photographs are part of art books, magazines, newspapers, and exhibitions.
Ivana: We have a great team of experienced designers and editors working with us because Nature of Surf Women is a technology-enhanced photography book that combines visual storytelling with the sounds of the ocean, songs, and audio interviews.
What were some of the challenges in doing this project?
Ivana: Oh, so many challenges! The weather was mostly unpredictable and we were always ready for last-minute changes. We wanted to shoot on the wild beaches and we had to start our day at 2 am only to arrive at the location by 4 am, praying that we would have good surfing conditions. During our shooting in Pavones, we actually saved a baby octopus!
Gabi: We were always chasing golden hour – the first two hours in the morning and the two hours before sunset. We had so many obstacles in our way: rain, cloudy days, bad waves. It was ongoing stress... but seeing the happiness of the girls catching the waves inspired me us to capture this powerful dance between surfer and ocean.
How did you decide which women were going to be included in the book?
Ivana: This is such a difficult question. I wish we had photographed all the women of Nosara for the book. However, it was an organic flow. My best friend Tati, who lives in Nosara and who knows all these mermaids made the first few suggestions. We started scheduling interviews, and each girl had a girlfriend who had an incredible life journey. You will meet Ellen, who made a 30 days surf challenge with her family, and a year later, her daughters became competitive surfers; Anne, who started surfing only to overcome her fear of sharks; Jeanne, who started surfing in her late 60s; Natalie who is a mother of Surf Therapy – and many others inspiring ladies.
What did you discover about yourselves in the making of the Nature of Surf Women book?
Ivana: As a woman and a mother, I am so grateful that I finally belong to an ocean-minded community of women. This was a very hard project, produced with a small team and limited budget, yet the amount of help and support we got along the way was beyond any expectation. The stories in the book are not only motivation and inspiration for others but also the pride of the women of Nosara.
Gabi: In creating these photos, I overcame my fear of big waves and recognized that I can exceed my own expectations!
How can readers contribute to the project and/or purchase a copy of your book?
Ivana: Our project is on Kickstarter, and you can get your copy of the book here: Nature of Surf Women on Kickstarter. We have less than 20 days to raise funds and share the book with the world. With your contribution, we can show the world that women are strong, beautiful, and united on the ocean.
Is there anything else we should know about Nature of Surf Women?
Ivana: Among rewards on the Kickstarter, you can find beneficial workshops like Ocean and Surf Therapy or Seminar with Marcelina Pina, surf shaper, and a photography workshop with Gabi. We also have magnificent fine art prints that you can decorate your home with.
Any shoutouts to friends/allies/family?
Ivana: It's summer, embrace your inner child and play in the water. Water is a natural healer, and surfing is a tool for uplifting self-confidence and having fun with friends or family.
To learn more about Nature of Surf Women and to contribute to the project, please go to their Kickstarter page here.