Be sure to check out the project updates!

Summary

You can follow the project blog here.

This fall, I will be studying abroad at the University of Melbourne from July 13th, 2011 until November 25th, 2011. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, I am very excited to experience a unique culture in an area of our planet that I have yet to visit. While abroad, I will be working on coursework related to my Economics Undergraduate Major at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

In addition to my studies, I will be working on my photography passion as well. Having already displayed my work in numerous galleries, including one in New York City, my new project's goal is to display pieces that embody Australia, the Australian people, and their culture. I will be traveling throughout Australia to complete this project. A few areas I plan on visiting are Port Arthur, Ayer's Rock, Sydney, and Caines. The work I created from my time in Australia will be displayed at the JulieApple Studio in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States when I return.

JulieApple products are created from recycled materials and are also printed using an environmentally friendly air dye, minimizing impact on the planet we all love. Although JulieApple has generously allowed me to display my photography in the studio once I return, I will need funding to create the pieces themselves and then display them.

This is where you come in. Together, we will create a photographic display that is truly representative of Australia.

The event will be open to the public and the artwork will be viewed extensively.

All backers over $5 will automatically receive a postcard invitation to the show, featuring a photo that I took in Australia: a photo that could only have been created with the help of generous backers. All backers attending my show will also receive a 10% discount towards work purchased at my show.

In addition to that, high-end backers will have a choice of receiving a canvas print of a photo of their choice or a gift certificate towards the purchase of an environmentally friendly JulieApple bag (Please be sure to select the correct reward on the right. Seeing as there are two award choices for every price level, it can be a little confusing).

I will prepare all photographic rewards upon my return to the United States mid-December and they will ship to you by January. Any of you that choose to receive a reward with a JulieApple gift certificate will receive an email containing the coupon code within two weeks of the project's successful end. If you choose a reward with both a JulieApple certificate and a photographic reward, you will receive the JulieApple reward within two weeks of the project's successful end and the photographic rewards by January.

This project, if successful, could evolve into another project. I am currently exploring the idea of printing a small series of books using the photographs from the trip. However, this all depends on this first project's success!

There is a selection of some of my photographs at the bottom of this page. It is my hope that together we can create a wonderful display that truly represents Australia.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have through Kickstarter or by emailing me at vconstantinou@gmail.com.
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Answered Questions

Why should I back your project?

You'll be helping to create a display showcasing Australia, the Australian people, and their culture. With every increase in backer level, you will receive an increased reward. Best of all, you will help bring a small piece of Australia back to East Tennessee.

What does my contribution pay for?

Your contribution as a backer will pay for some of the printing costs of a selection of photographs taken in Australia. I currently plan on printing and framing approximately 18 photographs using traditional printing methods as well as new, unorthodox techniques as well.

How do you plan on meeting your goal of embodying Australia in your photography?

During my studies, I will be traveling to select locations throughout Australia, photographing both unique groups of people and distinct forms of nature.

Where and when will the photographs be displayed?

The photographs will be displayed at the JulieApple Studio during the month of February, 2012 at 121 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Have you displayed your work before?

Yes. I have displayed my work in numerous locations throughout Knoxville, Tennessee, such as the Emporium, select Stir Fry Cafes, and the JulieApple Studio. I have also had my work displayed at the APW Gallery in New York City.

Can I choose between a JulieApple bag or a photographic reward?

Yes. All higher-end backers will be able to choose between a photographic reward or a gift certificate towards the purchase of an environmentally friendly JulieApple bag. (Please be sure to select the correct reward on the right. Seeing as there are two award choices for every price level, it can be a little confusing)

When will my reward ship?

Your photographic rewards will ship by January. I will need time to prepare all of the rewards and get them ready for shipping as well.

All JulieApple gift certificates, however, will be sent to you electronically via email within two weeks after the project's successful close. This means that you may receive your JulieApple gift certificate prior to your photographic rewards (like the postcard, for example).

Where can I follow your project?

You may follow the project here on Kickstarter through the updates or through my project blog, linked at the top and bottom of this page. I will be posting photographs and stories to the blog regularly throughout my trip abroad.

Do I need to back your project at the high-end levels in order to receive a purchase discount towards work displayed at your show?

Nope! All backers attending my show are able to use the 10% discount towards purchasing work displayed at my show, regardless of backer level. Just make sure to bring some sort of proof that you are a backer.

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Photographs

Links
My website
Project Blog
JulieApple
email: vconstantinou@gmail.com