Shortly after completing my degree in Fine Art and Art History, I began infusing my visions and creativity with my collection of vintage goods and great appreciation for our past. Dorabean symbolizes the respect of our history and heritage- from the torn pages of a 1950’s magazine images made into a one-of-a-kind 'stash box', to bangles and dog tag necklaces showcasing Flint's rich history to an o
bviously once loved house-dress, torn and crocheted into a purse or rug. The name Dorabean is derived from a combination of my grandmother’s first and middle name- Dora Jakabean. 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. A product of the depression and a mother of four by 1930, my grandmother learned to adapt to this difficult time by salvaging and recycling by all means possible. One of my fondest memories of this incredible woman was watching her work on her treadle sewing machine with a rhythm un-match by any drummer I've ever seen. Carefully inspecting clothing worn beyond wear, a once beloved dress would be stripped of all buttons, zippers, snaps and ornamentation. The fabric was then torn into strips, sewn together, then crocheted into the most amazing 'rag rugs', which are still in existence 30 years later… a true example of Dorabean. I inherited her sewing machine after she passed and often marveled over the four side drawers full of buttons, zippers, snaps and ornamentation- all waiting for a new life. I also inherited her unwavering practice of collecting, saving and recycling- without the understandable excuse of living through a devastated economy. The concept of Dorabean has allowed me to make use of my pack-rat awe of what 'once was' within a creative outlet, while sharing my visions and creativity with others.
