Tuesday, November 08, 2011
More about Patricia
As those of you who read this blog likely know, it was set up by my long time friend, Patricia Lay-Dorsey. Patricia is one of those people I admire most in the world. She is a woman of many talents, and in her time has participated in a wide range of activities, from long distance runner to social worker to teacher to political activist to artist--and now, in recent years, emerging photographer whose work is attracting notice and admiration from the highest quarters.
Patricia always seems to find the center of the action, whether that is political or artistic or something other. Although she is now confined to a scooter (MS), she still swims a half to three-quarters of a mile four days a week, and works out once a week with her trainer at the gym.
Patricia seems to move from one celebration to the next, as she continues to receive new honors for her photography. Here is where you can find some of her work: www.american-journal.org. During the debates about gays' right to marry, Patricia did a series of pictures called "Just Another Married Couple" depicting the day to day activities of a male gay couple who are her long time friends. She said that she wanted to show that gays truly were just like other people, not the horned creatures the opposition described. The accompanying interview is extremely perceptive and revelatory.
And to find Patricia today, you would need to go to the "Occupy Detroit" movement now taking place. She is there with her ever ready camera, recording these historic events for the present and future. She takes great pride in the fact that she is now "part of the community" (she has a remarkable knack for gaining acceptance with any group she enters).
She doesn't like to be called an "inspiration," but how could we not be inspired by her example as political activist, artist, and loving friend whose heart reaches out to others in need, whatever their background or social status. I have never seen Patricia refuse to offer a gift or speak words of encouragement to those on the street. She is precious, one among many, and, if she believed in angels, I would say she is one.
