international group of photographers, writers, artists, filmmakers, videographers and designers

Ybor City is one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida.  Cobblestone streets and very large, old cigar factory buildings make up this historic and legendary town.  Founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez Ybor, Ybor City became “the cigar capital of the world” by 1900.

The factories were worked by mostly Cuban cigar makers, and to a lesser degree by Italians and Spaniards.  By the early 1950’s the cigar factories were gone.

Ybor was revitalized in the late 1990’s and now attracts large numbers of visitors due to the wide variety of shops, restaurants, clubs,  and galleries; and of course having a hand-rolled cigar is a must while visiting.

Dawn Duffield, a painter, designer and photographer from Tampa, Florida, is the newest member of aamora. She tells us: “What I am most interested in is light and human nature. My work mostly comes from my subconscious in an emotional language that people seem to understand.” — You can enjoy more of Dawn’s photography at projectdawn.net.

For me, there is something romantic about items that existed long before I came along.  Things, like people, that have managed to survive decades, even centuries, often show their history in marks of endurance and occasional abuse. Individuals who have suffered through war, the loss of a loved one, loneliness and despair can be the most loyal, lifelong friends.

When I restore vintage and antique items, I know that one day long after I am gone, a story will be told, a story about love and endurance, and how they don’t make things the way they once did.

Dawn Duffield, a painter, designer and photographer from Tampa, Florida, is the newest member of aamora. She tells us: “What I am most interested in is light and human nature. My work mostly comes from my subconscious in an emotional language that people seem to understand.” — You can enjoy more of Dawn’s photography at projectdawn.net.