Until I began this project I had not met anyone outside my family with the name Ballesteros (and my family is small). When I moved to New york, I was thrilled to find many more Ballesteros' from all over the world. I became interested in the idea of complete strangers having something as significant as a last name in common; something that so strongly influences a family's identity.

The Ballesteros Project shows the beauty of diversity in all of the Ballesteros histories and cultures, and the surprising commonality we find among each other. From Spain to the Americas to Asia and the Pacific Islands, Ballesteros' have a rich and storied past, which I hope to portray through portraits that also list their countries of origin.

My first effort was a letter sent to all 50 Ballesteros' listed in the New York City phone book. After receiving a few positive replies (and several 'return to sender' envelopes) I expanded my search to the internet - where I found 33 more listed in the area. There is now a Ballesteros Project facebook page for communication among all interested parties, and updates on the project's progress.

In the future this project will travel to many parts of the world; wherever there are Ballesteros'. My intention is to explore the dimensionality of a single name, and share my findings with others.

If you would like to recommend a Ballesteros for this project, please feel free to contact me at deballesteros@gmail.com.

Donato Ballesteros (1912-1997)

Native Country: Philippines