Being a woman makes me an expert on the female form. Nudity is the natural state of the female form.
New York-based photographer Yana Toyber started her project Sacred Waters in 2015 in Hawaii. Inspired by nature and love, Toyber has been drawing a connection between the naked female form and the fresh water pools of the island.
« The idea came to me instantly when my friend took me to my first tide pool, » she said to I-D Vice. « We had to hike down lava rock to get to one, it wasn't easy, but when we finally arrived the beauty of the water took my breath away! Tide pools are often fresh water pools surrounded by the ocean. » Through a certain spirituality, women are captured as goddesses and mermaids communing with nature and water, swimming in the natural enchanted environment of serene rock pools. « My mind is clear when I am in nature, by the sea especially. It's like a blank canvas for my mind. And love is the driving force of everything. » The intimate look of the pictures alludes to the mythic connection women have with water in Hawaii. According to local history and legends, the water pools are sometimes called « birthing pools » or « queens' baths » as women used to give birth in the tide pools and used by royalty for bathing.
The photographer’s work has always been female-centric. Over the years, she’s been documenting sex workers, female surfers, photographers, models, brides… She explains: « I guess I like to capture what I know. Being a woman makes me an expert on the female form. Nudity is the natural state of the female form, it makes a connection between women and water, the truth and honesty of the female body and the earth. »
Discover Yana Toyber's work on her website.
