FAQ

WHAT IS BARTERING?

In the simplest terms, bartering is the exchange of goods and services for other goods and services, instead of for cash. It has been around since the dawn of mankind.

Picasso and Modigliani were famous for trading paintings for meals, the Chelsea Hotel accepted art as rent, and Andy Warhol traded his talent for a video camera.  In my case, I am looking to trade my skills as a photographer as well as my art pieces and postcards for things I will need to continue my travels. Basic items like food, water and the occasional power hookup.

 

WHY WOULD I CHOOSE TO BE HOMELESS AND JOBLESS?

For the past 7 years I have been asking myself what I want to do with my life and the answer kept coming back; travel and make art. Well, like most people I would take that desire and toss it aside as trivial and irresponsible. I told myself at 37 years of age I should be going back to school and get a 'real job'. Maybe buy a house and settle down. I drove myself crazy deciding I wanted to be an archivist, a personal organizer, a wedding/product/portrait/fashion photographer, a graphic designer and the list goes on. I even applied to school and got accepted but woke up panicked everyday thinking I would be giving up my art. I dropped out before I even started.

I felt lost without a clear answer about what to do next and I was creatively stunted. So, In May of 2011 I went on my first solo road trip. I pulled out a map and asked myself what I've always wanted to see (and wouldn't cost me a fortune to do). I chose to drive on Route 66 in Arizona and photograph what inspired me along the way. Although I've traveled a lot by myself this was the first trip where I had a vehicle to drive wherever I desired. I lived carefree on the road for 11 days. It proved to be a turning point for me both creatively and emotionally.

Upon returning home I found myself sitting in a doctors waiting room for some boring reason I don't recall now. As I sat there I was reminded of my own mortality when an elderly couple joined the room. He was barely able to walk and she was gasping for breath while struggling to keep him upright. Anyone who knows me well understands that my fear of getting old and having regrets for not taking chances are major motivating factor in my life.

I made a decision then and there, in that office, to listen to what my heart has been telling me all along; follow your passion no matter how scary or silly it sounds.

I made a plan. In one year I would quit my job, sell my things and hit the road for an undetermined amount of time. I promptly took on a second job, made up a strict budget and became a relative hermit. I figured missing out on some things for a year would be well worth achieving my goal and now that it's arrived I can attest to how fast a year goes by. I am now debt free and able to go with some money in the bank! It's not a lot by any stretch but it will get me started.

I won't lie and say it isn't  a scary move but when I think of the alternative, not doing it, it feels even scarier to me. So, with my camper van bought and my dog adopted the departure date is almost upon me and I am both excited an nervous to embark on my new life.

You can follow my travels by clicking on the ‘where am i now?’ page.

See you on the road!