Inspired by record breaking swimmer, Gertrude Ederle
Gertrude Ederle was an American competition swimmer, record breaker and Olympic medalist. Earning her nickname Queen of The Waves, Ederle’s defiant spirit shattered centuries of stereotypes and opened the doors for generations of women to come when she became the first woman to swim the English Channel in 1926.

At the age of 19, Ederle took on the formidable challenge of swimming across the English Channel, a feat previously considered impossible for a woman. Battling fierce currents, frigid waters, and exhaustion, she defied the odds and successfully completed the grueling 21-mile swim. Her accomplishment not only made her an instant global sensation but also redefined the possibilities for female athletes.

Gertrude Ederle's legacy extends far beyond her athletic triumph. She became an inspiration for generations of women, a living testament to the idea that with grit, determination, and the unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. Her historic swim became a beacon of hope for women aspiring to break through societal norms and excel in any field they chose.

Technique
Queen Of The Waves was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, hand-embellished swimsuits, a repeated photogram of preserved sea urchin shells and an antique specimen tag from a dolphins spine.