I can't be sure, but I suspect that Detroit has more abandoned buildings per square mile than any other city in the world, apart from those in war zones. Most people see these buildings as embarrassing eyesores, reminders that Detroit is no longer the kingpin of the industrial and cultural world, but Lowell Bolieau has managed to expose their beauty, their history and their worth in his epic websites.

A brilliant historian, Lowell told me: "A lot of people don't 'get' Detroit and that's okay. It is like exotic food they are afraid to taste or maybe like coffee, that they hate at first and then can't get enough of." I was really thrilled when he agreed to be interviewed about his work, and I hope that you're inspired and enthused enough by him to check out this magnificent city for yourselves sometime soon.

By the way, before you read his interview, I strongly urge you to visit Lowell's websites, in particular The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit. Go on! It's okay, we'll be waiting for you right here when you return.

Please introduce yourself.
I am a self learned fine art painter and computerist. I have a bioresume here.

How accessible are the fabulous ruins of Detroit? Can you just walk in?
They used to be more accessible, but now that they are more recognised and Detroit is rebounding, there are very few that are "wide open". Because I have a lot of recognition due to the site, I have many contacts that can get me access.

How do you feel about demolition and regeneration?
Many of these buildings were built when Detroit was the richest city in the world due to its budding auto wealth. Little was spared in terms of materials or craftsmanship in the creation of these beauties. The auto factories were even beautiful and their designs were revolutionary and innovative. All together, they constitute giant works of art that had come to be despised and rejected. Current business models based on short business lives means that nothing like this will be created again. Imagine seeing an overgrown sculpture garden with rusting Rodin's, crumbling Michaelangelo's, and decaying Bernini's being disregarded and scavenged. Then you can understand my feelings toward them. Fortunately the tide is turning a bit. The Cadillac Hotel is being restored and plans are now in the works to restore the Queen of the ruins, The Michigan Central Railroad Station. So there is hope that some of our incredible architectural heritage will survive.

How do people live amongst the ruins? What's the general attitude towards them?
Some of that I answered above, but there are two minds. Some say, either do something with them or get rid of them because they pose a danger. The City of Detroit has to carry the burden of the poor, disabled, felons and other troubled peoples of the entire metropolis. It is very unfair. If the ruins are removed and a job producing enterprise can take their place, well what can one say... Because the City of Detroit [pop. Just under one million] is now 85% Afro American contrasted to the surrounding metropolis [four million and 90% Euro American], racial pasts play a role. Afro Americans often do not have warm and fuzzy feelings for buildings where they or their parents were often not permitted to enter or were suspiciously followed when allowed.

Have you ever abandoned a building?
No. But I have restored a beautiful arts and crafts era home in Highland Park that I bought at the height of the white flight for next to nothing. I lived there for 27 years and finally sold it for a handsome profit.

What's your current favourite part of Detroit?
Belle Isle, a magnificent island park in the straits of Detroit. I play handball there three times a week in the summer and swim at the beach with its grand view of the Detroit Skyline. It is the ~the~ crown jewel of Detroit in my book. And it has some ruins too.

How are you regarded in the city?
I have a tiny bit of celebrity as a fine art painter, but I am now better known for the DetroitYES and SoulfulDetroit websites, which combined attract over a million and a half visitors a year. I am continually amazed how many people who, when introduced, have visited and appreciate the websites and say, oh you're Lowell.

How do the official bodies feel about you drawing attention to things that they might want to hide?
I don't think official people are uncomfortable with what I present, because anyone who reads it deeply understands that I do it out of love for the city and am very sympathetic with the great burdens the city the faces, burdens that are due to outside forces and racist legacies.

Will there ever be a statue of you on Hart Plaza?
No, there will not be a statue of me in Hart Plaza or anywhere else. In the vast sweep of history and Detroit, I am really just a little mouse.

All images courtesy Lowell Bolieau