What does "support" mean? It's my belief that it can mean many things today, much more than just buying something. I'm trying to not get so caught up in the hustle of self promotion; sales for me is a job, not my obsession, and the more time I spend selling, the less I have to create. I am trying to simplify some of the basic things in my life, reducing my every day financial requirements to increase the time I can spend making things. The actual "making" doesn't take much money, only time, something more and more undervalued but more and more priceless.
If you are touched by anything I am doing, there are ways you can help support my continued education and journey, some rather creative and possibly inexpensive to you, but possibly priceless to me. The first is your comments - negative, positive or even confusing (I get all kinds), they really do help to remind me that there is someone out there. Besides the obvious cash (see below), here's a few ideas I have had recently that would help projects I am planning or am curently in the middle of:
Travel: My trip in 2003 to London and Paris reignited my passion for painting (see Art for my current painting projects). There are fantastic museums in Chicago, New York, Europe and Russia that I hope to go to (someday). Many people have Frequent Flyer Miles that can be used to purchase airline tickets and hotel rooms. I'll fly coach (I'll even fly baggage) if it will put me in front of some of the greatest works of mankind. And if you're looking for a point of view while travelling the museums and galleries of the world, and have an extra seat, let's talk!
Besides museums, there are wonderful music programs, orchestras, conductors and soloists throughout the world that I hope to hear in person (for example, a triple Stravinsky bill at the Met I missed out on in Feb 2004, not sufficiently translatable on the radio). There is even a world-class orchestra in a spendid new concert hall here in Los Angeles, and always empty subscription ticket seats. Need a companion for the symphony or opera? I would love to have someone to argue with between acts.
I also very much desire to have a piano lesson with Chicago-based composer/pianist Easley Blackwood, as well as my old teacher, professor Luiz DeMoura Castro in Hartford, CT, in preparation for a film I am developing about a retired concert pianist (I have a LOT of practicing to do to get there).
Along with a request for tickets, places to stay in any of these major cities - a couch, spare bed, etc. - could make it possible for me to buy the ticket myself (they're fairly cheap these days) if the potential financial nightmare of housing is resolved in this way.
Equipment: I am hoping to start shooting movies in the next year or so, and believe I can shoot a full-length dramatic film with an original script, quality Los Angeles actors and original music for between $20-30,000. The $$ would cover the cost of (2) Panasonic 24p DV cameras and HD moniors, an upgraded Apple G5 system (for editing in Final Cut Pro 4), a full score recorded by an Eastern European or Russian orchestra, and other misc. costs for equipment, locations, super market runs, etc. No shoot-em, screw-em blockbusters, but films that explore what art and artists are or hope to be today, small scale "Art" films that deal with (to me) some of the BIGGEST issues NOT explored in what is the most complete and inclusive (and, up until now, expensive) art form. Ever see films about artists and musicians, with actors pretending to create and play? What if the "actors" WERE artists and musicians? What is the writer and director was? Perhaps THATt film would be interesting...
If you have access to any of this gear, and can afford to "pass it on" or "loan it out," I'd love to hear from you. If you are interested in investing in a film like that described above, let's talk...
Professional Services: I make my living as a professional feelance website designer and graphic artist. Whether they are aware of it or not, my clients all help to support my art by allowing me to make a living without a boss and a fixed schedule. Need some deisgn or website services? Go to my company site, the Way Home media, and see if there is something you need done.
Portraits: I paint people with faces. If you'de like to see yours in paint on canvas, something unique with a brain behind it, rather than a poster or snapshot enlargement on your wall, you might want to call me (go to Art to see if my style of painting appeals to you). But beware: I don't fill orders from a menu; I'm more of an eccentric chef, not a short order cook. If you appreciate fine cuisine, and like my cooking, I can paint you something unique and delicious (well, perhaps to look at anyway)!
Financial Donations: Based on an older "benefactor" model, I do not currently sell anything related to my music and art. What I offer is an opportunity to sponsor my future work - in appreciation I will send you something I have done in the past. Your $$ support goes directly to this goal, not to music industry pimps, middle-men or corporate pirates. If enough people like it, maybe they'll ask me to come out and play in their town/city/country/whatever. If not, I'll just keep painting, writing and making more music for myself, and for the few that enjoy it. I will continue to make my music whether or not you pay for it, and welcome your comments regardless.
How to make an online donation to Joel:
I prefer that you mail $$, checks or money orders. Simply send any amount you wish (along with a nice letter) to:
Joel Pelletier, Box 2663, Los Angeles, CA 91601
Any donation of $10 or more, and as a thank you I will send an autographed copy of my CHAMBER POP CD, along with a CD EP of my 4 latest recorded songs. Any donation of $20 or more receives a CD and a video. I also have a poster of the Chamber Pop cover (featuring my self-portrait at the piano), and wil have posters of my large painting hopefully by Summer 2004!
If you prefer to make an online payment, I am experimenting with donations through Paypal. If you are already a member, use the buttons below to proceed. I use different accounts for Paypal payments made through your bank account vs. through your credit card (Paypal charges fees if I accept credit card payments). If you are not yet a Paypal member, but still wish to makea donation electronically, you can join Paypal for free and get $5 to join. It's fast and easy, and I use it all the time to make eBay purchases (for music gear, etc.).
PLEASE NOTE the difference between online CREDIT CARD and BANK ACCOUNT links!
