Sea turtle in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Photograph by Mike Mezeul II, 2024.

The Navigator

The sea turtle behind the artwork.

Mo’orea, French Polynesia · 2024

The encounter

An encounter in Mo’orea.

Sea turtle in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Photograph by Mike Mezeul II, 2024.

The Navigator began with a sea turtle photographed by Mike Mezeul II in the waters of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, in 2024.

As Mike swam through the channel, a group of sea turtles moved effortlessly through the water, diving below him and rising again towards the surface. Watching them pass was a simple, quiet pleasure, a glimpse of life moving at its own pace.

From Lens to Line.

The turtle’s shape and diving pose drew us to this photograph. The geometric interpretation preserves that silhouette and downward movement, bringing a sense of motion into the arrangement of lines and shapes. The aim was to carry the ease of its movement into the finished artwork.

Photograph
Sea turtle reference photograph by Mike Mezeul II, Mo’orea, French Polynesia, 2024.
Artwork
The Navigator geometric design by Tembo Collection

This is the artwork on your piece. It began with this encounter, and now you know its origin.

The Navigator cap by Tembo Collection, navy quilted with gold sea turtle embroidery.
Sea turtle in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Photograph by Mike Mezeul II, 2024.

Protecting the ocean.

The connection to ocean life continues through The Navigator’s support for WildAid.

Tembo contributes 30% of profits from this piece directly to WildAid, supporting its marine conservation work.

Explore WildAid’s work ↗

Welcome to the Tembo Tribe.

Thank you for discovering the story behind The Navigator. The piece you carry connects you to this encounter, to the art it inspired, and to the work of WildAid.

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