URBAN PIONEER/PRESERVATIONIST, HISTORIAN, ARTIST & MUSIC LUV-OR!
Moved back "home" to Flint from utopia (Ann Arbor) seven very long years ago to be a part of the most recent "renaissance" of the downtown scene... Four steps forward, six steps back.
Although... where I thought I'd be is not where I'm found- focused on my passions, I follow the blessed sound- of faith and promise, and what lies between- whether my desire is fulfilled, remains to be seen- the options are endless, but limited at best- the destination to my promise land, my patience is failing the test... My ode to Flint!
Anyway, I tend to be a thorn in the side of all of those who do not share my opinions and points of view in this wacky place (Folks bleedin' everywhere- it's crazy).
I scream from roof tops of my blight, the preservationist's holy gospel of the Secretary of Interior Standards, and experience frenquent nose bleeds from the height and consistancy of my political soapbox. I frequently feel that I have lost my mind, but have identified at least one additional perk of living in this irrational city, besides cheap real estate- the credible option of blaming your "insanity" on all of those around you! It's not easy being one of a VERY FEW who makes sense among thousands. I'm disturbed by "our" disposable society and cannot relate to those who do not charish their own heritage, let alone the tangible history that surrounds every one of us!
(SHAME ON THE FLINT CULTURAL CENTER CORPORATION, THE FLINT INSTITUTE OF MUSIC AND THE FIVE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS WHO MOCKED THEIR OATH AND ANCESTORS OF J. DALLAS FOR FOR CHOOSING A PARKING LOT OVER YOUR HERITAGE AND "OUR" FLINT CULTURE!!! MY ANGER and DISGUST IS BEYOND WORDS.... )
So, I am obsessed with the world ruled by my creative energy (that seems to be seeping from my pores and keeping my vampire hours going strong...) and regularly enjoy extended selfish moments of therapeutic bliss. Who would have thought that I would make my first million by the 'art' of cutting and pasting!!
I began sacrificing my collection of vintage goods- in the name of ART- a while back... Despite the fact that I obviously have a great appreciation for our past (special thanks to dad), I jumped over the taboo of purposely deconstructing my 'mint' vintage magazines with the justification that it's new life will be appreciated more by the masses (at least it helps me sleep at night). "Functional Art with Vintage Appeal". Check out a sample of my goods at http://www.myspace.com/dorabeancollection
The concept of 'dorabean' symbolizes the respect of our history and heritage- from the torn pages of a 1920’s life magazine made into a one-of-a-kind box purse or stash box, to an obviously once loved housedress, updated to a dorabean classic skirt.
The name comes from a combination of my grandmother’s first and middle name- Dora Jakebean. She was an unstoppable woman of tenderness and faith, whose talents, creativity and resourcefulness were simple and practical concepts, yet ingenious and beautiful in the same breath.
Over and above my love for history and the arts, my life has been filled with music. It has been not only a personal support system, but also what seems to be flowing through my veins. I don't play or sing (other than shower and car solos), but genuinely feel, appreciate, promote, collect, listen and groove to the rhythm that others graciously provide!!! I truly can't image life without it!
I got my layout at Cleanupmyspace.com
