He’e Nalu
He’e Nalu is a project that focuses on highlighting the beautiful sport of surfing and its value throughout history and people. This project aims to create multiple collections that tell the story through different lenses, reflecting on the past, the present, and the future of surfing.
Part 1
The first part of He’e Nalu explores the value of surfing through the lens of the surf community and non-surfers by asking four questions about surfing. With the data collected, I created abstract paintings representing the value of surfing through colors, shapes, and textures.
Q&A for word library
If surfing was a color, what color would it be?
If the feeling that you get when you're surfing was a color which one would it be?
If you could describe surfing in one word, which one would it be?
If you could describe how you feel when you surf in one word, which one would it be?
Word Library
Thrilling
Fulfilling
Vibing
Fun
Exhilarating
Liberating
Exciting
Themostbeautifulsportintheworld
Fenomenal (Phenomenal)
Diverción
Smooth
Escape
Gentle
Stressing
Fast
Adrenaline
Happy magic
Cool
Peaceful/ peace
Happiness/ happiest/ happy
Flow
Freedom/ freeing/ free
Joy
Adventurous
Powerful
Relaxing/ relaxed
Energy/ Energetic
Flying
Proud
Complete
Despejado
Calm
Unstoppable
Ethereal
Outstanding
Giddy
Content
EVERYTHING
Whole
Alive
Awesome
Vulnerable in the best way
Cleansed
Wet
Amazing
He’e Nalu
Gouache Paintings
For me, surfing is a one-of-a-kind experience. A connection to nature that can not be compared to being in a park or in the mountains. Riding waves feels so much grander than that. The first time I was out in the water and caught my first wave, it felt amazing. I almost felt like the ocean was pushing me to do great things and telling me “you're doing amazing. KEEP Going!” It was exhilarating and rewarding. Surfing feels like a rush of happiness, gratification, freedom, the color orange and gold glitter, excitement, and just pure everything. You're one with the ocean.
— Keren Encarnación
He’e Nalu
Digital Designs
He’e Nalu
Gripies
Printed designs add an extra level of design/ personalization to your board while still keeping that grip.
Embroidered designs are feet-friendly patches to customize your deck while protecting your bare feet.
Part 2
Expanding on the idea of part one from He’e Nalu, I interviewed three surfers Fabo (Puerto Rican Longboarder), Mia (Puerto Rican Pro Surfer), and Eryn (Californian Longboarder). The interview surrounded their relationship with surfing and the sport’s value in their lives.
Mia
Eryn
Fabo
