CHEF - A SLOW-COOKED VISUAL PORTRAIT OF SURFING

The word CHEF comes from the surfing term ‘kook,’ which refers to a beginner. Therefore, CHEF could be seen as a 'professional beginner,' if the analogy fits.

This represents the courage to open new doors, to take up space, and to have less self-doubt. "Initially, I wasn't sure if I was the right person to create this book, as I haven't been surfing since I was five or am not the best surfer out there." - Says Amber.

"But if I want this space, I have to claim it. While claiming the space I wanted to take, the responsibility grew to make it a more inclusive place. Since, let’s be honest, surfing isn’t always super inclusive."

"For me, the sea is a playground, a place of joy, and a source of learning. For others, the definition might be very different. To refugees, the sea might be a place of trauma, to indigenous people, it might be the source of life. Given these diverse perspectives, I sought out artists who could represent these differences through their creative work. By combining these varied viewpoints, we aim to create a more inclusive, collective definition of surfing."

All of this is expressed primarily through visual art, keeping it accessible and open to interpretation, allowing you to form your own opinion. And also, because we try to not take ourselves too seriously.