Freeborn aims to travel free from the constraints of conventional economics and tourism, forming instant spontaneous human relationships in an exciting and very real positive way.
Inspired by travelling artists of old journeying urban and rural environments, including the Irish countryside, as recently as the 1950s, exchanging/bartering painted portraits, poems or artisan crafts for food, lodging and other goods/services.
Freeborn modernised this concept.
Creating a Freeborn exchange, bARTering his skills in digital photographic portraiture/documentary and promotion through social media and word of mouth, he trades for goods and services such as accommodation, food, personal items and learning other crafts.
The portraits and objects Freeborn collects tell the stories of people he has experienced and exchanged with through traveling to over 20 countries worldwide. Β The project continues whilst living and working in London.
Fantastic! Very much looking forward to following your travels and to hanging one your portraits on my wall very soon. Viva your Melbourne visit!x
Awe thanks Liz…very much looking forward to spending some quality time with you and James and of course your portrait will be very special :o)
WOW Gavin!!!! I am well impressed!!!
Well done lovely Irish busy boy π xxxx
Thanks Anna…it’s coming along nicely! More posts today :o)
Whenever we are in the same town again I want a portrait! Hope the travels continue to treat you well!
You will be very welcome to one Ali…maybe my project will make it all the way to Hawaii one day! What do you reckon they’d make of Irishwonderboy there?
You seem to make friend where ever you go. So I’m sure you will be fine. Although, I have a feeling I will be seeing you in Europe first π
Hey GBo! Sounds and looks like you are having an amazing trip – wasn’t a doubt that you would though π Life in the ‘factory’ is certainly more dull without you around. PS Ariana is finally in Melbourne but only just if you’ve reached there? xx
Hey Vikster π lovely to hear from you! I am certainly having an absolutely amazing time the Freeborn Travelling Portrait Project is going down a treat! I’ll be in Melbourne to shoot the Laneways festival this weekend and then take my project to NZ for a month before coming back to Sydney to shoot the Mardi Gras Parade, but I’ll be back in Melb on March so hope to see Ariana then π I miss you guys but not the “factory” love to everyone! Gavin π xo
Sent from my iPhone
Irishwonderboy.
Its one of the lovely three muscateers you photographed at laneway, and as promised I am harassing you for the photos. Better book us in for March, we’re busy girls π
Jac (hybrid asian)
I second that
Adrienne (half Dutch half awesome)
The baby would third that if she wasn’t so bad at life, so I will do it on behalf of her.
Jac on behalf of Ash (baby stuck with that dousche with spikey hair and glasses)
I hope that wasn’t too below the belt 1/2 Dutch 1/2 Awesome….
You two are hilarious! Is it even safe to return to Melbourne with you around?!
Slight agression, she’s alright and they politely stayed in your peripherals all day π
Rove u xx
Was a pleasure meeting you at the barbers dude! Peace
Great to meet you too Sam…and your words were wise!Β
Thanks
Gavin Freeborn