Thoughtful Installations
Through the last few year I have been working with wallpaper, there have been some major learning experiences. Having started installing under the guidance of Martin Wolf (wolfwallpapering.com), he taught me everything I needed to know to get started on my own career. Understanding how much adhesive, how to get the adhesive smooth on the back of the wallpaper, how to hand trim traditional wallpaper, choosing starting points and even how to measure and use a plumb bob. From there I went on to install for track homes, first time homeowners and builders. It was quick that referrals started coming in and designers, with expensive taste, started utilizing me as their trusted installer.
The art of the install was still foreign to me at this time. I thought that as long as the material got on the wall, that my job was done. It was in my second year of installing high end wall coverings that I met Henry Johnson (papoir.com). He introduced me to new concepts such as primer, balancing grasscloth, and the various applications of different kinds of adhesive.
From here I explored a new level of installation. Attempting to elevate every wallpaper installation to a point that it could not be performed better. This is when I developed the motto of “Installing to be forgotten” I would never want to be a contractor that gets the check and runs. I want my installs to look flawless to the point that people forget that it’s there, a seamless addition to your space. Non-woven materials, such as those from wall blush, wallism, a street prints and Schumacher were testing my abilities as I knew them though. It was here that I began experimenting with adhesives to use on non-woven wallpapers for the ultimate in seamless installs. I can’t tell you my secrets but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get better.
This is also the time that I began attending the Wallcovering Installers Association events (WIA). As a proud member of the WIA I began networking with many installers across the globe. From France to San Diego. I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from KL Oconner and Jeff Ragland. As well I receive guidance from Dennis Delphom of New Jersey, who wrote the instructions for and is an in house installer for, Phillip Jeffries. Mark White Massachusetts is a true craftsman that I call on for technical assistance when I’m uncertain of the direction that I should go with a difficult product.
Now every install that I do is a part of my legacy. As a craftsman installer in Scottsdale Arizona I expect some of my installs to outlive me. My installs will exist in living spaces that evolve through generations of design. This is my approach to wallpaper, grasscloth, wall coverings, and the trades that parallel my work to make for timeless and lasting beauty.