Melissa Fair aka Bloody Head of Medusa's Page

If you live in Tampa Bay, Why are you here?

I'm a native. I have family here, employment here. I'm doing art and poetry here. Lived other places and this still feels like home, no matter how weird.

How long have you lived here?

altogether over 20 years

What neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose it and what do you like about it?

i didn't choose this neighborhood. the one i chose but moved away from was seminole heights. when it was still a little funky and off the beaten path. moved to be closer to work and calm down a bit.

If you were to move to a different neighborhood, what would it be and why?

back to seminole heights, probably. not sure why. nostalgia?

What is your favorite thing about Tampa?

how everyone hates it and can't wait to leave and then never leave or come back! it has potential... just lacks the real sincere community(without snarky elitism- over what i don't know!)

What kinds of things are you involved in?

art. poetry. music. sleeping when i can. anything a bit off. i try not to be involved in other people's business.

Tell us about what you do.

for a living, admin work. for everything else, mixed media art/collage/assemblage/what not. i also write contemporary free verse poetry, and perform sometimes with the irritable tribe of poets. i've done voice over work. most days, i work and make art.

If you live in Tampa, Why do you stay?

it's hard to pick up and move. and, usually, why? there is no magic land where everything is wonderful. just different people doing the same things, for the most part. you have to make the city where you live great. it doesn't just happen.

Where else have you lived?

alabama. tennessee. louisiana. virginia. montana.
in florida, jax, and orlando.

What kinds of things are you interested in seeing on Brand Tampa?

true community support without the bashing and exclusion that occur, ironically enough, in groups that are already marginalized - i.e. arts, music, etc.