Arts

Noodled: Hair & Waves

by Elisa Routa

Noodled tends to explore the delicate parallels between the many forms created by nature and the similar shapes and movements created by hair.

Inspired by the move of the waves, hair stylist James Precis signs a series of hair interpretations full of intensity and poetry. In collaboration with  art director Kimberley Norcott and photographers Paul Wetherell and Ben Budgen, the series of pictures highlight the analogy between black and white portraitures and wave photography. 

 

Gathered in a distinctive new photography book meant to explore the similarities and differences between the beauty of the ocean and the beauty of ourselves, the pictures of Noodled tends to explore “the delicate parallels between the many forms created by nature and the similar shapes and movements created by hair."

 

 

While on a surfing trip in Costa Rica, the legendary hairstylist James Precis faced ocean pollution, one of the most serious ecological threats we face today. “The storms were washing all this trash out to sea," he said. "You don’t realize how bad it is unless you’re right by the water.” As an amateur surfer and influential hairstylist, Precis decided to combine his talents with his longtime art director collaborator Kimberley Norcott, as well as portrait photographer Paul Wetherell  and photographer Ben Bugden, known for being a creative mind with saltwater in his veins.

 

Waves, curls, and frizz with spray seem to have a natural connection with particular moments in water. "I looked at Ben's pictures ten million times — water and hair both move in fluid ways, so connecting the two made sense," Precis said to Allure“It was easy to look at tube shots and see flips of hair. I could have done a whole book of barrel waves.” And that's almost what they did. As a collective action, they transformed the pollution into art and created a book inpired by nature, able to connect elements found in nature with those found in beauty. "Nature impacts us directly and indirectly. It may put you in the right mental state to focus or it may help you see things in a different way," James Precis said in an interview with Vice. "Most importantly it connects us with something bigger than ourselves and that inspires in many ways."

 

 

It all became so clear — why don’t I do a charity project?”  Inspired by nature, the creative collective created a photographic study of beauty for ocean conversation that will raise funds for Mission Blue. "Mission Blue was founded by the most inspiring person, Silvia Earle. She is one of the world's leading marine biologists," Precis explained. "If you spend any time in the ocean, you know that it is the life force of the Earth and it is in extreme danger. It is our responsibility as humans to use whatever talents we have to create awareness, action, and change. Challenging times encourage the creative passion. We all have a voice and it is about finding where and how to use it."

 

 

 

In support of ocean preservation, all proceeds of the 2,000 self-published limited edition books will go to Mission Blue, known for inspiring action to explore and protect the ocean. Founded by Sylvia Earle, a National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence, called Her Deepness by the New Yorker and the New York Times, Mission Blue's projects include designating legal open ocean national parks and working with smaller organisations also helping to preserve sea life. 

 

 



 

 

Pre-order the book online.

Learn more about Mission Blue's action to take care of our oceans.

 

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