House Of Narrative and photographer Sabine van der Vooren teamed up to capture the vibrant essence of surf culture through a series of surf portraits created by Sabine. This collaboration started as a creative vision conceptualized by House Of Narrative, but evolved into a powerful community initiative led by Sabine over two surf seasons in the Netherlands. By inviting people from all walks of life to experience the exhilaration of surfing, the project produced a beautiful collection of authentic surf portraits. Now, these portraits hang in homes across the Netherlands, serving as reminders of the adventurous spirit within each individual.‍

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Sabine van der Vooren, Willem de Kooning Academy alumna and a member of the Huis van de Fotografie collective, brings a unique blend of aesthetic allure and narrative depth to her work. Employing both analog and digital techniques, she skillfully expresses and narrates stories through her photography. In 2019, House Of Narrative teamed up with Sabine, a Rotterdam-based photographer, for a project set in a surf town in Morocco. Inspired by Van Fleteren's evocative portraits, which captured communities united by their profound connection to the ocean rather than the fame of surfing locales, the duo felt compelled to explore the lifestyle deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the beach and the sea. Van Fleteren’s artistry highlighted not just the sport of surfing, but also a deep reverence for the ocean, portraying individuals for whom surfing was more than just an activity—it was a way of life.

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The duo missed the spirit and lifestyle that revolves entirely around a sport or passion, along with the dedication that comes with it, in their own country in the years to come. This longing drove them to artistically investigate the phenomenon in their homeland. This was particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as society collectively turned to nature and outdoor activities in search of solace and escape, this yearning became even more pronounced. This was a time that digital connections often surpass physical ones and the rhythm of daily life leaves little room for genuine experiences with nature. Surfing emerged as a symbol of this quest, encapsulating the raw, adventurous spirit many sought but felt disconnected from in the midst of global upheaval. The exploration of the duo led to the insight that this spirited, outdoor lifestyle is not only missed by them, but also by the entire society. The exploration revealed that this lifestyle can be perceived as a state of mind rather than something limited to those with the courage, space, or necessity to live it. In the Netherlands, where office work and indoor living are the norm for making a living, spending your days outdoors is something to be celebrated. It's not a given, especially if you need to earn a living.

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What unfolded was a narrative shift from the elite surfers, known for their dedication to the sport, to the everyday Dutch people. Individuals from all walks of life, navigating the routine of their daily existence —yet in search for how to tap into the raw and spirited mind state in daily life. The result of this was an artistic concept that evolved into a community project, embracing the shared spirit and love for the outdoors within the Dutch landscape. Aiming to redefine the narrative around the surfing community, this initiative sought to illustrate that surfing and its inherent lifestyle are not confined to professional athletes or the picturesque beaches of California and Hawaii. Instead, it proposed an inclusive vision: surfing as a state of being, accessible to all, regardless of physical appearance or geographical location. Also in the North Sea, on a soft top, and as absolute beginner. It actually became more than just about surfing: it was about discovering a spirited version of oneself, even in the most normal of circumstances.

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The concept found ground by the collaboration with Surfana Collective, a Netherlands-based group passionate about surfing, significantly bolstered the fundamental message of the project, at a time when House Of Narrative was closely involved with the team as brand and communications manager with focus on community marketing. Surfana Collective providing the vital link to an international community of individuals passionate about surfing and the outdoors. House Of Narrative helped in the initial phase of the project, aiming to use art to strengthen community bonds among this group. Sabine expanded on this concept in her photography. The goal was for these photos to allow individuals of all ages and surfing abilities to reconnect with their adventurous, outdoor-loving selves. The project came to life at two Surfana festival editions, where Sabine offered attendees the chance to be portrayed at the ocean, as a piece of that experience to take home.

The project resulted in a stunning series of portraits that resonated with people across the Netherlands, bringing them closer to a version of themselves connected to outdoor life and the supportive community that fosters it. Sabine's photography method focused on capturing people right after their ocean experience, highlighting genuine and unfiltered moments that conveyed the larger narrative: sun-kissed freckles, gazes toward the ocean, strong facial expressions. The project's success has since paved the way for further artistic exhibitions and collaborations, extending the reach of this vibrant surfer community ethos beyond its initial scope, for example at Huis Van de Fotografie and Surfana Festival. For more of this, take a look at Sabines website.