VISIONS OF THE WORLD – HERO’S JOURNEY
“My dream, thus mission in life, is to travel the world and photograph beautiful, vibrant animals in all places and circumstances, free and confined.” Julian Starks, 2018
Julian Starks: From the Streets of New York to the Soul of the Wild
From the streets of New York City to the creative pulse of Los Angeles, Julian Starks has followed a journey shaped by art, purpose, and a deep love for the natural world. Once a working actor, now a filmmaker, fine art photographer, and conservation advocate, Julian is the founder of Visions of the World Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to using powerful imagery to raise awareness, change perceptions, and support wildlife protection.
His Hero’s Journey as a wildlife photographer began during a life-changing visit to Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve. What started as a simple photography tour became the spark for a much larger mission. There, Julian was deeply moved by Tippi’s lifelong dedication to protecting big cats and by Henson, Shambala’s majestic lion, whose powerful gaze would later become the cover image of Julian’s debut fine art photography book, Life Behind Bars Vol. 1.
That book has since been rebranded and rededicated to Tippi Hedren and Shambala Preserve, the very source of Julian’s inspiration. The project stands as both a visual study and a tribute to wild animals living in captivity.
But the journey did not end there.
Julian is now developing Life Behind Bars, Except if You’re Free Vol. 2, a continuation of the mission that will compare wild animals in captivity with their counterparts in the wild. This second volume will be dedicated to Dian Fossey, whose fearless protection of mountain gorillas continues to inspire generations.
At the Frankfurt Book Fair, Julian’s mission grew even clearer when a woman moved by his work encouraged him to complete the trilogy by honoring Dr. Jane Goodall. That moment revealed the deeper purpose behind the series: three books, three iconic women, and one mission to give voice to the voiceless.
Tippi Hedren. Dian Fossey. Dr. Jane Goodall.
Together, their legacies form the heart of Life Behind Bars.
Through fine art photography, books, exhibitions, NFTs, and future film projects, Julian’s work bridges beauty and truth. His images ask viewers to look deeper, feel more, and recognize the emotional lives of animals too often overlooked.
At the core of Julian’s journey is one clear mission: To tell the stories of the voiceless through art that not only sees but protects.