Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 12/30/08
Q: Why don't you guys take credit cards yet?
A: We do, VIA PAYPAL ONLY, but rarely do at shows.
Q: Where is your manufacturing facility? Can I tour it?
A: The Catalyst Studios main office and public gallery are in Tacoma, Washington, USA, at 2367 Tacoma Avenue S, Unit 1, Tacoma WA 98402. The open hours are 3 pm - 8 pm Tues - Sat *unless Ann Koi is at an out of state trade show* (check here for details.)
Q: Do you guys have a real store?
A: Many of our more popular items can be purchased along with original art at the gallery. It is recommended that if you are after a specific item, you contact us in advance of showing up, especially if you are planning to come from a long way off. Some items need to be made to order or brought from the private home of a member in another town. We also strongly recommend you bring cash in the form of American dollars.
Q: Can I have a print catalog?
A: Not right now.
Q: Can you do custom props for my independent film/nightclub event?
A: Sure. Fees are negotiable but not negligible. Our time costs us money if nothing else; we do sometimes barter but there are more than one of us and some overhead to running the studio itself. Among other things, we have built some props used at a Death in June show, for the film "The Resurrectionist", and built a complex backdrop for Murder of Crows when they were still together Email ann at moritorium dot com for more information/proposals/availability.
Q: I want to buy something out of Jason Soles' gallery. Can I use a credit card over the internet?
A: Yes, you can, but you have to email ann at moritorium dot com, the owner of this website and agent to all artists therein, Jason or otherwise, and discuss shipping rates and payment methods with her.
Q: What do you use to recover the books?
A: Plastics, caseins, and patience. It takes hours and can be vastly destructive. You should see the carpet. Oh wait. THAT'S NOT A CARPET. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr- *gargle*
Q: Will you cover my book?
A: Yes, but it has to be a hardcover book, and you have to be willing to cover the shipping both ways as well as our fee - its usually about 30-40 US $ for a largish (RPG Book sized) cover; this varies by complexity and size. Send serious inquiries on this topic to ann at moritorium dot com.
Q: Are those REAL fetus skulls?
A: Real bone is too brittle and light for production work. We cast everything in resin or plaster. REAL fetus skulls are astronomically expensive. The fetus, much like the fox, the birds, and many other critters we use, was originally cast from something that at one time unknown and unexperienced by us, had a heartbeat.
Q: Do you guys ever use real bone?
A: Yes. We all have and will probably continue to use real animal bones, and other animal items, in our original pieces. Fimbulwinter's frame, for example, is composed almost entirely of teeth from roadkill. We are firm believers in recycling; we do NOT believe in killing or injuring any living being other than ourselves for the sake of art.
Q: I heard this rumor Ann Koi uses blood in her paintings. Is that true?
A: Yes. Usually her own. See "Recognition" for a severe example.
Q: Um, WHY?
A: In Ms. Koi's own words, "It is my genetic signature." If you want to discuss the occult significance of blood as a medium, please contact us via email with the name of the publication to which you are connected clearly stated, a valid daytime phone number, and expect up to three weeks for a response. Unsigned or misspelled emails will be ignored and deleted.
Q: Can I get one of those fancy frames Ann Koi makes custom for a piece/painting/mirror/drawing/etc I already have?
A: Quite probably. Write to Koi directly at ann at moritorium dot com. Include a description of the precise dimensions and composition of the object to be framed; the less description of what you want the frame to look like, the more interesting your finished frame will be IF THE OBJECT CAN EVEN BE FRAMED. Koi does not cut mats or glass. The fancier and larger the frame, the higher the cost estimate will be, and a down payment is mandatory. Down payments are not refundable should the commissioner flake, so please consider the estimate seriously before proceeding.
Q: Can I redesign your website?
A: We have a webmistress. She's even pickier than I am. You can apply for the position with a resume and references, but we're going to say no.
Q: Are you looking for more artists?
A: Not exactly. We are looking for a production assistant/apprentice caster; if that person happens to be an artist all the better. Work is on a volunteer basis, compensated in trade of merchandise or web hosting. Submit letter of interest - and portfolio if available - to ann at moritorium dot com.
Q: What's wrong with the catalog?!
A: We dismantled the online catalog in December 2006 because it was a financial drain. We sell far more wholesale than retail so having anything more than an eBay store for retail makes virtually no sense.
Please direct all other questions to ann at moritorium dot com and she will get back to you as time permits.