Short Summary

I have long been fascinated by Europe in general, and Eastern Europe in particular, and have spent a large portion of my adult life studying and travelling in this area.  The richness of history and culture here stands in great contrast to the complete lack of same that I see in my suburban American home, and I believe that a large portion of the discontent and disconnectedness endemic to modern society could be resolved by a better appreciation for and understanding of our cultural roots and place in history.

I am asking for contributions in order to fund a photographic exploration and print the resulting images as a book.  Although travel is a necessary component of this project, this is not to be a book of travel photography.  It is intended to be a visual essay of a personal exploration of our history and cultural identity, seen through the lens of mystery and nostalgia.

What I Need & What You Get

I need a little money to supplement funds I already have to cover some travel expenses and to help get the images into a published book.  I travel cheaply, using frequent-flyer discount tickets and staying in hostels, and I intend to publish the book as cheaply as possible, without sacrificing quality, so rest assured your contributions won't be wasted on expensive hotels, etc.

In return, I am offering backers signed copies of the finished book and signed archival-quality pigment ink prints from the images in the book.

The Impact

The story of European history can be seen as a microcosm of humanity and all of its triumphs and failures.  My subject matter is the living museum of the streets and interior spaces of Old Europe, photographed not with the intention of depiction but rather the conveyance of a mood.  The images are to be presented to the viewer as subjective captures of the beauty, mysteriousness, and transcendence of our collective memory and identity.  Although they will ostensibly be pictures based on interpretation of European history, these images are intended to speak to the greater human issues of religion, isolation, identity, and cultural tradition.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you like this project but can't contribute financially, any help you give spreading the word, such as posting this on Facebook, etc., would also be greatly appreciated!