“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 bustling streets of New York City to the cinematic spirit of Los Angeles, Julian Starks has followed a creative calling as dynamic as it is purposeful. Once a working actor, now an acclaimed filmmaker, fine art photographer, and conservationist, Julian is the founder of Visions of the World Inc., a nonprofit organization that fuses powerful imagery with advocacy to inspire global empathy for wildlife.
His transformation from artist to activist was sparked during a fateful photography tour of Shambala Preserve five years ago. There, a life-changing conversation with Tippi Hedren—the legendary actress and founder of Shambala—lit the fire for a project that would grow into a movement. Julian was captivated by both Hedren’s passion and Shambala’s majestic lion Henson, who would later grace the cover of his debut book: Life Behind Bars Vol. 1.
That book has now been rebranded and rededicated to Tippi Hedren and Shambala, the very source of Julian’s inspiration. The refined edition not only features a heartfelt tribute but pledges 20% of all lifetime proceeds—from book sales, apparel, NFTs, and related products—directly to Shambala Preserve.
The story doesn’t stop there.
Julian is currently completing Life Behind Bars…Except if You’re Free Vol. 2, capturing animals in the wild during expeditions through Africa, Yellowstone, Alaska, and Kodiak Island. This volume will be dedicated to Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas she fought to protect, with a striking silverback on the cover and proceeds benefiting gorilla conservation organizations.
This growing body of work expands into the digital frontier with The Kings of Beasts NFT Collection, a Web3-powered campaign that blends storytelling, community, and philanthropy. Three lucky NFT collectors will be selected to join Julian on safari and contribute to the creation of the next volume.
All of this comes together for an international debut at the Clio Art Fair (Sept. 18–21, NYC), where Julian will showcase fine art prints, multimedia presentations, and an immersive vision that connects art to action.
This leads into a Gala Pop-Up Exhibition in January 2026, cementing Visions of the World as both an artistic force and a conservation platform.
At the core of Julian’s journey is a singular mission:
To tell the stories of the voiceless—through art that not only sees but protects.
Julian Starks: From the Streets of New York to the Soul of the Wild
From the bustling streets of New York City to the cinematic spirit of Los Angeles, Julian Starks has followed a creative calling as dynamic as it is purposeful. Once a working actor, now an acclaimed filmmaker, fine art photographer, and conservationist, Julian is the founder of Visions of the World Inc., a nonprofit organization that fuses powerful imagery with advocacy to inspire global empathy for wildlife.
His transformation from artist to activist was sparked during a fateful photography tour of Shambala Preserve five years ago. There, a life-changing conversation with Tippi Hedren—the legendary actress and founder of Shambala—lit the fire for a project that would grow into a movement. Julian was captivated by both Hedren’s passion and Shambala’s majestic lion Henson, who would later grace the cover of his debut book: Life Behind Bars Vol. 1.
That book has now been rebranded and rededicated to Tippi Hedren and Shambala, the very source of Julian’s inspiration. The refined edition not only features a heartfelt tribute but pledges 20% of all lifetime proceeds—from book sales, apparel, NFTs, and related products—directly to Shambala Preserve.
The story doesn’t stop there.
Julian is currently completing Life Behind Bars…Except if You’re Free Vol. 2, capturing animals in the wild during expeditions through Africa, Yellowstone, Alaska, and Kodiak Island. This volume will be dedicated to Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas she fought to protect, with a striking silverback on the cover and proceeds benefiting gorilla conservation organizations.
This growing body of work expands into the digital frontier with The Kings of Beasts NFT Collection, a Web3-powered campaign that blends storytelling, community, and philanthropy. Three lucky NFT collectors will be selected to join Julian on safari and contribute to the creation of the next volume.
All of this comes together for an international debut at the Clio Art Fair (Sept. 18–21, NYC), where Julian will showcase fine art prints, multimedia presentations, and an immersive vision that connects art to action.
This leads into a Gala Pop-Up Exhibition in January 2026, cementing Visions of the World as both an artistic force and a conservation platform.
At the core of Julian’s journey is a singular mission:
To tell the stories of the voiceless—through art that not only sees but protects.
