The Story About My Move to Sonoma County

I've been trying to spend more time down south in Sonoma County where my mother and sister live.

And where the weather is warmer and sunnier than here. And there is a new art market waiting to be tapped. I've been trying to move or live somewhere else for several years.

I tell people I'm moving. I haven't been able to pull it off so far. There are lots of reasons why I can't quite seem to up and leave. In the meantime my friends keep on hearing that I'm moving, and asking about it. I'm starting to feel like the girl that cried "wolf." Or like one of those bargain stores that has all kinds of drastic sales - "Everything Must Go!, Big Clearance Sale!, Fire Sale! Going Out of Business! Moving Sale!" My friends should rightly think, "I'll believe it when I see it." It was even in the newspaper that I'm moving - having my last show here. It's just not that simple.

First of all, I've been here since 1978 in the same house. That's nearly 40 years in one place! I turned 21 here and obtained a bachelor's and master's degree here and raised a boy to adulthood here. I'm on the fast track to turning 60. I'd really like to see new vistas, explore new territory, experience change, try something new.

Over all these years in one place, I've accumulated a lot of "stuff". This was probably due to to an innate sense of scarcity from living life as an artist on the peninsula, six miles from town. Other reasons for all that stuff include my values and world view and sense of practicality - too many people just go out and buy shit and more shit just to create landfill with all their discarded junk which is a big part of the huge problem that we're facing as a planet. So I have sort of created my own personal landfill - and supply storage for my over-reaching capacity as an artist to turn materials into art. I have enough supplies to create for the next 50 years, full time. Now I'm trying to change, relearn, rethink the way I relate to stuff and engineer a process of getting rid of most of what I have without too much emotional distress.

 Last summer I wrested my mobile home rental from a son of the devil grower who completely trashed the place and squatted there for months before finally leaving. The place was so devastated that I had to do some serious thought about whether to rescue the mobile home or whether to tear it down. After all the horror stories I've heard about dealing with county planning and the coastal commission, I decided to try to rehab the 600+ square foot single wide.

Did your grower live here? You'll never know. But you wouldn't knowingly smoke something that was grown here in this rat warren.

A 35 year old guy who moved back to Ohio lived here. And when he left he owed PG&E over $8000. More photos at   Know Your Grower

That's been taking a HUGE chunk of energy, time and cash. I've had to replace the electrical system as it was completely fried and it was necessary to rip everything down to the frame and insulate, replace subfloor and walls, ceilings, electrical and plumbing. Really everything. I've had a lot of trouble finding guys that I can afford and work with to move forward with the job. Most of the workers I can afford have serious life issues with addiction and other problems that make it nearly impossible to rely on them for more than a few days/weeks at a time. Despite that, I am slowly moving towards a uniquely restored space which is about the size of three tiny houses. I am learning so much on youtube and other sites about building concepts and how-to-do what needs doing.

I first started the process of "moving" 3 or 4 years ago. I have a house down there. But it is rented out till the end of this summer. I decided renting it out was best as I still had too many commitments here - getting my son through high school (accomplished this month), finishing up my term on the Manila Community Services District board (happening soon) and determining my future with Arcata Artisans Cooperative - of which I'm a charter member and have been with for 12 years. I'll be staying on as a half member there, and providing remote tech support and financial duties - which is a perfect arrangement for both of us, I think.

Wine Country Villa awaits touch of charm.

There's some other details but most of them are inconsequential compared to the tasks of dealing with my property and my stuff. And a sort of ennui that both keeps me here and makes me want to leave. Possibly the biggest hurdle is my personal transformation from borderline hoarder to minimalist. I've been joking lately (jokes are usually based on uncomfortable truths, aren't they?) that whenever my life is too overwhelming, I deal with it by taking on another big project.

Another interesting detail to add to the mix is that after nearly 40 years, changes are taking place in Manila that might make it a nicer place to live. I'd like to see some of that.

Manila looks forward to a hub of commerce and socialization (photo by Jack Durham/Mad River Union)

Here's my best scenario: I will live in Santa Rosa and I will have a space here (totally doable). When I want a change from either place I'll head north or south, depending. I will continue to have my studio here and establish a studio in Santa Rosa. I'll continue being represented as an artist in Humboldt County and I'll seek representation in Sonoma County and surrounding regions. Then I have to figure out where I'm going to vote, have my driver's license, doctor, dentist, tax preparer etc. In other words, where I am going to spend more than half of my time. I plan to try to do this in Sonoma County, thus the word "move" comes into play. Only time will tell whether I enjoy spending more than half my time there.

That seems like a difficult achievement to pull off at this end of the journey, but I'm working towards it. Often I feel nearly paralyzed with fear and apprehension and doubt that I have the efficacy to do this on my own. At the same time, I feel so fortunate and thankful that I'm in a place in my life where I can actually make this happen.

I do love my garden here. And I relish the idea of starting another garden in wine country. The house there could really use some beautification. Gardening is one of my biggest pleasures. So, whether I am here or there, up or down - I'll be in the garden or in my studio. And you can always find me on facebook!

Years and years of love and devotion is rooted here in my Manila garden.

Northcoast Open Studios - 2015

It's been a busy week for me. I woke up on Monday with a cold, that's still lingering almost a week later. I spent most of the week pulling the yard and garden together for Open Studios. Mowing, weed-eating, trimming, pruning and general organizing. At the end of the week I realized I hadn't really spent much time getting my studio in shape for the event.

Well, yesterday, the first day of Open Studios went well. Folks navigated their way around and found lots of things they were interested in. It was a regular stream of traffic with a few lulls in between. Not heavy traffic, about a maximum of 4 in my studio at once, which is good. That way I get to spend more time talking with and meeting my visitors.

Here are some of the things that my visitors left with:

____________________________________________________________________________

Big Sale at Northcoast Open Studios this year!

I am planning a move to Santa Rosa in the nextyear, so I am avidly shedding possessions - including most of
my paintings, after over 30 years
of living and working in the same space.
I see the move and the load lightening as clearing the
way for new creative and life explorations.

I'm going to have a box of $10 each or 3 for $20.
and another box of $5 each or 3 for $10 plus more
surprises.

Feel free to call for a studio visit if you'd like to
see more of my work, or stop by Arcata Artisans Cooperative,
where I am a member and regularly exhibit my art.

Raven-haired Angel

This is a mixed media angel on paper.
I'm listing it on etsy. She is a bit timid, but
also right at home in nature. She is standing
in the winter with a sleeveless shift.

I like to do angels because they are sort
of like self portraits of my better self.
They are also ally/helper spirits that get
me through difficult times or commemorate
events in my life.

The Changing Face of America

Buy JOY DELLAS ART on PAYPAL

Enter price in the blank and the item will be
added to your shopping card so you can pay
with a credit card.

Garden Gate - February 2011

Arcata Artisans Cooperative Art Gallery

Don't forget that tonight is Arts! Arcata.
The second Friday of each month Arcata merchants
hold an art walk. This is a great social activity if
you are looking for something to do.

Arcata Artisans Cooperative Art Gallery: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

My Upcoming Show (July) at Arcata Artisans

I'm getting ready for another show at Arcata Artisans. As a member, I get to have a show with two other members in the Featured Artist Gallery every year.

It's been 8 years now, and each time I try to come up with something "new" to display. I've created a lot of different bodies of work to do this. Among them "the Art of Food" - pictures about food and eating, "Maps" -
 a series exploring the journey of the heart, mind and what regions look like from the perspective of my vision; "Early Botanicals" - a series of drawings and paintings based upon very early scientific drawings and "Ordinary Angels and Goddesses" and "the Lost Family" - pictures painted on fence boards that depict
young men and women with a background of stars and stripes.

This time it is "Alchemical Diagrams" - based upon very early drawings about chemistry. Alchemy is the transformation of base materials to precious materials.It is a metaphor for transformation - the process of becoming wise.

It's awkward coming up with new work. I know I can always rely on the old tried and true Dog and Cat painting. But it is also rewarding and challenging to try new things. The more I push myself, the more I learn about myself, and art, and the world.

Arcata Artisans Gives Big Art Donation to KEET Auction

Altogether Arcata Artisans members donated around  $1800. worth of art
including a custom portrait by Joyce Jonte, to be
auctioned off at KEET's annual online auction fund drive on
May 25, 26, 27 and June 1, 2  and  3.

It is very rewarding to be a member of such a conscientious and
generous group as Arcata Artisans. Through my being a member of
the co-op I am able to pool my donations when giving and
see total of contributions grow as we all pitch in.

Tips for Starting an Art Collection

Tips for New Art Collectors

by Joy Dellas

Buying art is a truly subjective activity. Chances are, you have a space in your home in mind, and you like certain colors, and if you are a little more advanced, you know what type of object or imagery you are looking for. Landscapes? Pottery? Portraits? Sculpture? Contemporary expressionism? Representational art?

Your friends are unlikely to appreciate the same pieces you do and that's okay. You should explore your own creative taste! Have some confidence in what you like and trust your judgment. You are not making a crucial life decision. Your intelligence will not be measured by what you select. The culture police won't be waiting at your door when you get home. The waiter is not going to snub you as if you were trying to buy a bottle of wine in an expensive restaurant when you've never ordered anything but the house wine. If you feel drawn toward a piece of art, don't doubt your taste. Accept it! Embrace it!

Fair Warning
Don't be overwhelmed by an artist's studio. Frequently you are seeing lots of artwork in its raw state. It can be chaotic and a strain to focus on one particular piece. The work looks much less valuable when it is not presented in a gallery environment.

Getting Started
To begin your Open Studios extravaganza, if you can attend the central show or at one of the hot spot shows, you can get a preview of the work of many of the artists. Alternatively the pictures in the published guide or the Artists' Directory on this web site may help you determine which studios you most want to visit. Second, decide how much you are willing to spend during your open studios experience—this will keep you from having buyer's remorse or regret if you decide to leave a piece of artwork behind.

When you visit a studio, introduce yourself to the artist. They want to meet you—and by all means, sign their guest list. Look around the studio. Are you in the right place?

For those on a shoestring budget, ask the artists if they have seconds, studies, or smaller works that they are offering at a price you can afford. When you see something you like, tell the artist. This will help create an opportunity for conversation. Most artists will accept checks or cash and would be glad to wrap up the piece right then. But please remember, its okay to tour studios and just look at the art. Open Studios is a great opportunity to learn more about art and to meet your artist neighbors. Go with a friend and talk about art you see. At the very least, you will have an interesting cultural experience.

What to Bring and How to Prepare
Look around your house. Measure walls or spaces that you might like to decorate with artwork. Note any details about the space you are shopping for. Is it in direct sunlight? Is it directly above a screaming yellow sofa? Is it in the middle of a room or in a more protected corner? If you have a space for a piece in a cabinet, make sure you know the dimensions available for the work. Are you drawn toward particular colors, images, or styles — i.e. formal, classical, contemporary, abstract, whimsical, or eclectic?

You may want to use a digital camera at your home to record the space and then at the artist's studio both to discuss possibilities with the artist, and to take a picture of the work you are interested in, especially if you are not ready to buy. Please remember to ask the artist for permission to take a photo of the artwork in question.

Bring a pencil and a piece of paper so you can jot down any details about a studio or particular piece of art that you are interested in. An artist might give you a series of prices of work that you are deliberating over. Some will give you a price break if you buy several pieces. It is helpful to write down details like which paintings, sculptures, etc. you are interested in and the prices. If you are not planning on buying work on the spot you might want to verify whether the prices quoted will remain the same. In some cases an artist will let you put work aside if you want to think about your decision overnight. If you are allowed this option be sure to call the artist within the time agreed upon to arrange for payment or to have the art taken off hold.
Cash, Checks, Charge
All artists will accept cash and most will accept checks. Only a handful of Open Studios artists can accept credit cards at this time. If you need to know in advance, please call the artist. Many artists will set up a payment schedule with you though most will want to retain the art until the purchase is paid off.
Negotiating Price
Some artists are open to negotiating prices; others are not, and may feel insulted at the suggestion. If an artist is willing to negotiate, the artist will tell you without your having to ask. Some artists are more likely to offer a discount if you buy several pieces, but this is not common practice.
Trial Basis
Occasionally an artist will let you take the artwork on a trial basis (on approval) for a certain amount of time and return payment if you are not satisfied with it in your environment. Of course the work will have to be returned in its original condition.
Framing
If the work you decide on requires framing but is unframed ask the artist what they recommend. Some artists can point you to framers that are experienced in handling their work. Others might tell you about a frame source that will allow you to economically frame the work yourself. If you choose small artwork it will often fit in a readily available store bought frame.
Start Small and Work Your Way Up
Many artists have small inexpensive work for well under $100. It should be a fun decision and not break your bank account. Your taste may change as you collect more art—but you will always have the record of what your tastes are at this point in your life. Buying art for your home is like buying a pair of earrings, or an accessory. It is an adornment. You don't have to buy just one. You don't have to live with it or love it forever. You don't have to be right or justify your purchase. All you need to do is enjoy it for as long as you like.
Commissions
While some artists hate doing commissions and won't do them, others make their living on commissions. If you are intent on commissioning artwork know as much as you can before you visit the artist. How much are you willing to pay? What size piece are you looking for? Provide photographs, examples, etc. if possible. You should expect to pay more for a commission than for "ready-made" art. You might even see a painting, sketch, print, sculpture, etc. in the studio that you would like to have one similar to, though larger or smaller, or in a different color range or on canvas instead of paper. Be willing to wait, but try to get an agreement from the artist for the date of completion. Most artists require at least half the payment up front. Offer an e-mail address from which to view rough drafts of the commission if that is an option. It can save time and can help to avoid surprises. Many artists will do a few rough "thumbnail" sketches from which you can choose.

Raven - the art of recycling

This Raven is mixed media on recycled redwood fence board. Bidding starts at $14. including shipping. click here to bid

Bowl of plums - matted pastel painting

This is a pretty little oil pastel painting to brighten up your kitchen or dining room. Starting bid $14. includes shipping! click here to bid "the darker the world gets the more art shines" attributed to I can't remember Contact Me --- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

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www.artstreetgallery.com www.arcataartisans.com

Rethinking websites and domain names, and online sales

I've spent the day working on website stuff.
This is not because I had planned to. It is a crisis, as usual. I clicked the link for my website - artstreetgallery.com yesterday and got nothing. So I had to rewind my life to figure out what happened.

My former website provider - Valueweb, was bought out by Hostway and I was emailed several times starting in September of 09 that the change was going to occur.
And it did, uneventfully.

But when I tried to log into the new provider's site hosting service it was nearly impossible. I actually had to call tech support and I finally figured out how to log in.

At any rate, it was determined that my domain name had expired. Five years (that's how many years I had purchased) sure went fast! Originally I bought the domain name through Tucows, and their affiliate that was called Domain Direct. Now I was
told that Hover (think little hummingbird) had purchased the that service. So I went about finding out how to log into the Hover service. Hover likes to take days off, like Good Friday. And weekends.

So they are pretty much unreachable. They don't even seem to have
an autoresponder - to tell me, "Thank you for your email. Our reps are
spending precious time with their families right now. Just as soon as they
return to their desks they will answer your email..." And besides that their domain registration fee is a whopping $15. a year! With no discounts. I tried to sign up for 10 years in the shopping cart and it was $150. Everyplace else is around half that price.
I did find an email in a super old aol account that I had when I paid the $29. for 5 years registration. It told me my domain name would expire soon and if I acted now I could save 15%. Boy! What savings. That's $2.25 I think.

So. I'm thinking about not having a website even though I put artstreetgallery.com
on about the last 200 pieces of art that I have sold. Did I mention I've been paying $15. a month for website hosting? Let's see, over the past 5 years I've spent $900. on
website hosting. This might have generated about $50. worth of sales. I can and do much better than that on eBay.

Maybe if I have a blog that says artstreetgallery.com all over it I will still come out high in google searches. That seems logical. Maybe no one has ever even logged on to artstreetgallery.com. If anyone was looking for my art they could always use my name, Joy Dellas.