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THE VALLEY OF THE MOON MAIN STEM: The Valley of the Moon, sometimes called Sonoma Valley, was so named by General Vallejo, who probably mistranslated it from the Coast Miwok. Jack London, who lived there in the last years of his life (his ranch is now a wonderful California state park) used it for the title of a novel. Geothermal water was discovered (by Europeans. Native people surely used the waters previously) in the valley in the 1880’s. The area became a thriving resort spot, mainly for residents of summer-cold San Francisco, and continues to be to this day, although much has changed. Long before I moved to the Valley of the Moon I happened to take a drive down Highway 12 from Calistoga Road to the town of Sonoma. The setting, the buildings and the place names immediately and permanently enthralled me. (Agua Caliente!) After I moved here I became acquainted with the history of the place, which furthered my fascination. I started to make art with and about my new home. Finally, I came up with this project. I have photographed every building and lot on Highway 12
between Agua Caliente Road and Verano Avenue. I am creating a series of
photo collage/watercolor panoramas, each about 40”x8”. In addition
to recording what is there now, I am incorporating photographs of buildings
that are gone so that I can recreate the street as it would be if all
had survived. If a lot or building were once the site of other buildings,
the various layers would be presented above and below the panorama. I
also intend to collect oral history about the street, the buildings and
people who built them and used them, which will inform the visual work. The project will be part historical document and part personal
interpretation of images of the area in which I live, that I love, and
that fascinates me. I am always looking for photographs or postcards of Highway
12 in the Springs area, of any vintage. I can use photocopies and scans,
and I will buy or rent originals (if I can afford them!). I am also looking
for copies of The Valley of the Moon Review newspaper published in the
40’s and 50’sA note about the process: I take digital photographs
that I process, minimally, in Photoshop, then print out on 140lb Arches
watercolor paper. The images are collaged together, built up and painted
on. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Michael C. Acker |