bio

dorien blue is a gender expansive black and indonesian artist, healing practitioner, and storyteller who weaves multi-sensory threads together offering reflections of ecosystems of expansion, deepened embodiment, honesty, ancestral remembrance, imagination and connection. dorien’s work lives somewhere between a coming-of-age movie, mythology, afro-futurism, an intimate conversation over tarot cards and an open-mic cypher at the Well in Oakland.

swimming between the Bay and LA, dorien is currently based out of the Mojave Desert in Southern California. they are interested in creative healing/service opportunities that allow them to deepen their connection to the ancestral seeds that live within as well as nourishing those around them.

they are open to offering work within the realms of creative/artistic co-direction, community wellness/workshops, modeling, acting, DJ/sound design, dancing, writing, and personal/spiritual/creative growth and integration.

scholarship

Stanford University

B. A. African and African-American Literature
Minor in Psychology
Stanford, CA . . . 2013—2017

Developed a strong writing, research, and critical lens 
to explore the world as it is and what it could be. Studied across multiple disciplines and nourished an ability to weave together topics like science and physiology with social matters, identity and art.

Black Belt Red Dragon Karate Studio

Diamond Bar, CA . . . 2002—2010

Trained in the style of American Karate founded by Shihan Sensei Lou Casamassa. It is a practice born from a mix of seven different martial arts: Japanese (Judo, Aikido, Shotokan) and Chinese (Kung Fu, Wing Chung, Kun Tao, Kenpo). Studied primarily under Shihan Mohammad Jahan-Vash (9th degree black belt).

artists residencies

“Casa Na Ilha”

Artist in Residence
Såo Paulo, Brazil . . . 2019

Intimately experienced the Tupinambás people’s land, known as Ilhabela, Brazil. Reconnected to a deeper understanding of global ancestral roots and how that can ground creative practice. Opened up the channel for more waters to be explored through dance, sound, and writing.

“Real Time and Space”

Artist in Residence
Oakland . . . 2018

Built a multi-media/multi-layered installation (edited video, projected imagery, 11ft x 6ft spray-painted backdrop) and offered a live dance performance exploring themes of death, rebirth, illusion, darkness, and shedding.

modeling

Limitless Queer Fashion Show

San Francisco . . . 2019

Mx. Smith

Oakland . . . 2019

experience

Creative Healing Services and Productions

Co-Director
Here, Global . . . 2020—present

Serves as the Co-Director and Co-Founder of a growing family business offering multi-medium embodied workshops, and infrastructural and creative support for artists/healers.

Core tenants: Creation. Community. Care. Healing. Holistic. Service. School. Spirit. Production. Protection. Play. 

Inner space and Beyond.
Become and create the worlds we need and leave seeds along the path.

Institute for Diversity in the Arts 
at Stanford University

Resident DJ
Stanford, CA . . . 2016—2019

Regularly DJed, organized and hosted campus events and parties. Some of the featured artists included Snotty Nose Res Kids, Sasha Marie of Soulection, Ivy Sole, and Rudy Kalma.

Mural Music and Arts Project


Arts and Education Project Researcher
East Palo Alto, CA . . . 2014—2017

Worked closely with non-profit organization and intergenerational community MMAP where they deepened their understanding of the history and culture of hip-hop as well as its power in transforming lives, rewriting narratives and fostering connection across differences/similarities. Developed and supported programming that expanded on themes of power, identity, creation, and storytelling.

Institute for Diversity in the Arts 
at Stanford University


Co-Chair
Stanford University, CA . . . 2015—2017

Facilitated programming and organized 
community events where they invited artists, visionaries and community organizers to support the enrichment of student life and community wellness. Past visitors include adrienne maree brown, Walidah Imarisha, Mia Mingus, Joshua Mays, Noname, JunglePussy, Abdu Ali, and Jasmine Mans. Worked closely with the leadership and guidance of artists/scholars Jeff Chang, Samy E. Alim, A-lan Holt, Aleta Hayes, Amara T. Smith, and Adam Banks. Managed details of event planning and implementation including budgeting, fundraising, team development, delegation, clear communication, catering and marketing/publicity.

performances

ReVIVAL

Stanford, CA . . . 2019

Directed and choreographed by Oakland based performance maker and conjure artist Amara Tabor-Smith, dorien served as the Ceremonial DJ for the dance theater work exploring myth creation/revitalization. The communion also honored the 50th year founding anniversary of the Committee on Black Performance Arts (CBPA). ReVIVAL utilized stories of the Yoruba deities, dance, and multimedia to create an immersive non-linear narrative and multi-layered celebration/grieving and restorative ceremony.

Local Sirens

Bandcamp, CA . . . 2019

DJ set at Bandcamp in Oakland, CA featuring upcoming R&B artist Samaria and emcee Linda Sol hosted by Womxn’s Audio Mission, a non-profit dedicated to the diversification of the music industry and specifically centering womxn and gender non-conforming people in music production and recording arts.