Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 03/12/07
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 private galleries are tourable by appointment only. We have no employees. We do not have a warehouse. We cannot mass distribute, but we can do wholesale orders depending on items and quantities. Gallery tours available only when other shows are not in progress.
Q: Do you guys have a real store?
A: No. But feel free to view and purchase our merchandise ONLINE and at several fine Seattle locations.
Q: Can I have a print catalog?
A: We're working on a very simple one, mostly so people can have it as a souvenir. Phoning me for a print catalog is inadvisable. Shelve your consumer paranoia and use our eBay store, please.
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.
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.
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."
Q: Can I redesign your website?
A: Send me your resume, samples, and rates, but chances are, I am 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.