Jay DeFeo papers, circa 1940s-1979

Series consists of DeFeo's correspondence with friends, colleagues, art curators, museums, and galleries. Letters and cards to and from friends include discussions of life in San Francisco, personal challenges, and references to DeFeo's artwork.

Of note is correspondence with Bruce Conner documenting his assistance in helping to oversee conservation of The Rose, and other logistical and financial matters related to the work. DeFeo's exchanges with Conner document in some detail her feelings about the showing of the painting in Pasadena, and indicate the extent to which she was drained by the experience. They also reveal her complex feelings about the restoration of the work, and how it represents for her an attempt to "perpetuate the myth of the Rose." One letter from October 1972 refers to what may be lost archival material: "all documentary material prior to last year...however coloful in this comedy of errors, has been simply to [sic] painful to save." She also mentions how her teaching job brings much needed income, and how satisfying she is finding her explorations in photography. The correspondence with Conner is complemented by correspondence with the San Francisco Museum of Art and the Pasadena Art Museum which further document restoration and exhibition of The Rose.

Also found are scattered letters and photo collage postcards from Wallace Berman and Dean Stockwell to DeFeo. Other artists, galleries, and art curators represented in the collection include Frank Lobdell, Fred Martin, Michael McClure, Dorothy Miller, Margaret Peterson, Deborah Remington, Eleanor (Nell) Sinton, and Ruth Terrill. One letter to Irving Blum of Ferus Gallery expresses DeFeo's frustration that her inquiries to Blum have being ignored, and references her precarious financial situation and her hope that her work could represent a source of income. One letter to David Simpson provides insight into DeFeo's separation from Hedrick, her attempts to build a new life for herself, and reflections on their relationship.

Some of the letters are missing pages. There are also some empty envelopes with no clear indication of which letters, if any, the envelopes belong to. Names of many of the correspondentes have been provided in the container list to facilitate access, but in many cases there are 3-5 or less items per correspondent.

Series has been digitized in entirety.