Method to the Madness

While working through inventing the method for keeping the parts and pieces of my portrait project together, I was running into a supply issue. I have worked on a particular paper for a long time, Wallis sanded paper. I have bought rolls of it, mounted it on Perfect Mount so the paper is incredibly stable.  This paper, is made by one woman business entrepreneur Kitty Wallis. She does not own a factory but rents space when it time to produce the next batch.

About a year and a half ago I noticed suppliers were "OUT" of the paper. My favorite supplier had no pads left but did have a roll which I promptly ordered.

Then the Face to Face project found its legs. I knew I didn't have enough paper. Online Wallis was red-lined by every supplier. I started investigating,  calling Dakota Arts, my go to source for pastel. They did not know when the paper would be in but really thought it would be produced. Not good enough reassurance. I did not want to start on one paper then switch mid-project.

Larry - January 30

Panic in the back of my mind, I called Dakota again and placed a back order in December.

January slipped through winters icy fingers and suppliers dates for Wallis paper appearance moved to late March. Seriously contemplating this other paper but allowing the procrastination gene its due diligence, I held back on getting samples.

Kathy - February 12

Then, a phone call. Caller ID - Dakota Arts. "Hello Does this call mean what I hope it means?" Yes! Dakota had received a batch of Wallis.  They'd received the rolls but I am allowed to only order one. (The second one is, I hope, my lifetime balance supply.)

The first roll in the studio!

I am in business for the duration of the project. The roll has arrived. The second is on its way. For me, as an artist, having materials is being wealthy.

Onward.