Joy McCallister
Artist Interview
Explain to us what type of art you do?
My professional art career has been as a muralist, Trompe l’ Oeil Painter and Faux Finisher. I love making ceramics and printmaking, but decided about 20 years ago to concentrate on painting for my Fine Art. I have always played music and for 10 years I have been a member of Sugar Mountain Mama Serenade and play bass, harmonica and sing. My goal is to have my Fine Art become my profession full time.
What is your favorite time to be creative?
It all depends on what the medium is I am creating. With my painting I love the sunlight streaming through my sky light . If I have a whole day to work, the juices are allowed to flow. With my music, I try to practice in the morning before I paint. Then I have band rehearsals every Friday night and we also perform mostly in the evening.
Have you drawn inspiration from the Downtown if so where?
I have been renting studio space in the downtown since 1986. My inspiration started at that time with the availability of studio space. I met Chris Toovey and became involved with the dA, which afforded me a place to show my work.
I have lived in my current loft for 17 years, which is in the Union Building. It is a beautiful and perfect place to live and work. I have a 28’painting wall with a 14’ceiling height and a large skylight above for illumination. Since we have 1,800 sq. ft., we have plenty of room for studio and living space. This also affords us to have our music equipment set up at all times.
I have been involved with the dA Center for the Arts since it’s inception 26 years ago. I have served on the Board of Directors for 13 years. The dA is a non profit gallery allowing all artists a voice. I also serve as a Commissioner on the Pomona Cultural Arts Commission.
What tips can you give other artists who are thinking about moving to the Arts Colony?
Becoming involved with the art community is a valuable tip I would give to a new artist. There is a wealth of knowledge from the diverse artists and their range of mediums and ideas. There are number of galleries that have group shows and also rental space to show their work.
What are your favorite places to hang out or eat in the Downtown?
My favorite places to hang out are the dA, Main St. Gallery and Bunny Gunner. For drinks I like DBA and Acerogami. Our favorite restaurants are 2nd St. Bistro, Sakura Ichi, Joey’s BBQ, New York Deli and we do take out from El Merendero.
Do you collect other artists work and whose?
My art collection pales to my admiration of most of my artists friends and colleagues. Since most of my funds go to creating my own art, I hope to do more trading in the future. Our collection at this time consists of: Tom Pathe, Gratz Arias, William Waters, Cheryl Bookout, Chris Toovey, Dierdre Coopedge and Gina Lawson.
Do you have any shows currently or coming up?
My work is currently hanging in Tutti Mangia in Claremont. The work has been there since May and will be there till December. We had a reception on July 8th and I was pleased to have over 70 people attend and I sold a painting! In the late 80’s the Blue Moon Café held this location. I worked there as a server, played harmonica with the bands and hung my art on the walls, selling four paintings.
I will have 2 paintings in the November “Rose” show at the Main St. Gallery. George Cuttress is currently representing me at the Main St. Gallery. In October and November of 2011 I had my first solo show of my new Abstract Expressionist work. We sold 8 paintings, which was an exceptional start for my Fine Art. I am scheduled to show again in 2014 as the rotation of artists for Main St. Gallery.
How is life in the Art Colony?
We have a bird’s eye view from our loft overlooking Thomas Plaza. 17 years ago, this was a parking lot and the colony was just beginning. From the development of the Plaza, the City improvements and the TLC of the DPOA, life is pretty good.
Every 2nd Saturday and on any given night that the Glass House is in use, there are hundreds of people milling around. We have adjusted to the activity and often join in when there is a good band playing in the Plaza and shows we want to see.
