Kickstarter

I have been photographing the neighborhood and interviewing the inhabitants of East Phillips, located in Minneapolis, MN, since April of 2011. The photographs consist of portraits of mothers, children, business owners, workers, teenagers, father, grandparents--people that make up this community. They are of all different ethnicities and most are continually running into obstacles because of stereotypes. Along with the photographs, there will be multiple testimonies resulting from interviews I have conducted. With these testimonies, viewers will be able to see the truth of the community, rather than the stereotypes. 

"Who do you aspire to be? Who are your role models?"

"What do you see in your future & how will it be changed from your past?"

"If you could change anything, what would you change?"

"What makes you, you?"

"Where is home to you?"

These are the questions that I asked of almost everyone that I met throughout the project. Although photographs do reveal a lot, answers to these questions have revealed even more.

I walked into East Phillips the first time as a tourist. I didn't know anyone, and didn't even know the neighborhood existed. Today, I consider it a second home. 

This project has taught me about the stereotypes that I used to hold, without even knowing it, and quickly saw that those stereotypes proved to be untrue. 

To read more about why I began the project, and reflections upon the project, please read the Seeing Phillips & Seeking Understanding introduction.

One of the end results of this project is a book, which is completed in the design process. The next step is to have this book printed, which is where I need your help. By October 1st of 2011, I will need 25 copies of Seeing Phillips & Seeking Understanding.  Raised money will help in funding the process of making the book and eventually, the installation.

The installation will be in the neighborhood of East Phillips at the Phillips Horticulture Garden and will be on display in April of 2012. Money raised will also help with the costs of printing, mounting, space, and advertising. 

If you would like to see photographs taken for the project so far--please visit http://amandaspencer.wordpress.com/projects/east-phillips/.