Video of Emily Pope Harris trowling plaster on different job installations where you can see her applying the base coat and finish coat. On the video it says no plain walls. plaster everything.

no plain walls.

plaster everything.

Fine Art + Installations

inspired by time-worn architecture

Studio floor under "Meet the artist" section on home page

Meet the Artist

Hey there! I’m Emily. Charleston has been home for quite a while, and I’ve spent the last decade working with Venetian plaster and textured finishes on walls, fireplaces, range hoods, and custom pieces. I’m inspired by Charleston’s historic spaces and by the plaster walls I notice when I travel—especially throughout Europe. The layers, tones, and subtle movement in those surfaces always stay with me and influence how I approach each project. Everything I create is inspired by those experiences and meant to make a space feel special.

MEET EMILY

Studio floor under "Original fine art" section on home page
Emily is sitting on a stool in her studio infront of a green and white with grays tone commissioned piece that is on the large scale to a fine art piece. There is texture, depth, and layers of plaster, that make this piece special.

Original Fine Art

Every custom piece starts with a conversation. I work closely with clients to create artwork that feels right for their space and vision - whether that’s a soft, layered piece or something more textural and bold. I’m often inspired by historic spaces, architecture, and the plaster walls and interiors I notice along the way, and it guides how I create each piece.

Contact for A Commission

ALL THINGS PLASTER

Does Emily travel for projects in the Us and nation wide?

Yes! We travel for projects across the U.S., depending on the scope of work and project requirements.

WHAT TYPES OF PLASTER DOES EMILY WORK WITH?

Emily works with both Venetian plaster and textured plaster. Venetian plaster is smooth, polished, and naturally reflective, while textured plaster can be more layered and organic, ranging from subtle movement to an aged, timeworn feel. Each finish is fully custom, designed to suit your space and vision.

What is Venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster is a hand-applied wall finish made from natural lime and finely ground marble dust. It’s applied in three thin layers and then polished to create a smooth, burnished surface with subtle depth and variation. Depending on the technique, it can have a soft, matte finish or a polished, glossy look, giving walls a sense of light, texture, and dimension that paint can’t achieve. Each wall is completely unique, with its own character and movement.

What is textured plaster?

Textured plaster is a versatile wall finish that can be soft and subtle or layered, with movement and dimension. Depending on the technique, it can have a smooth surface or a patinaed effect that looks like a wall with history - aged and worn, with character that draws you in. Most walls are done in a single layer, to create the look and feel we want for the space.

After the plaster is applied, I mix a custom glaze color in my studio and sometimes on site, testing how it interacts with the space and light. That’s what makes each wall feel layered, unique, and and bring the space to life.

Can plaster be tinted to custom colors?

Yes! Every plaster finish can be tinted to a custom shade. Whether you’re envisioning soft neutrals, rich earthy tones, or a bold color statement, Emily will create a palette that aligns with your project and overall design.

Can plaster crack?

Like any wall finish, plaster can develop small hairline cracks over time, especially if the surface moves or settles. With Venetian and textured plaster, these are usually very minor and part of the natural character of the finish. Proper preparation and installation help minimize cracking, helping the finish last and maintain its look over time.

What is the best material and surface for Emily to work on?

For both Venetian and textured plaster, Emily prefers drywall, gypsum, cement board, or similar stable surfaces. Wood substrates are less ideal, since expansion and contraction over time can lead to cracking. To get the best results, Emily recommends bringing surfaces to a Level 5 finish - ensuring the plaster adheres properly and looks its best.

If the plaster was to crack, break off, etc is it able to be touched up?

For Venetian plaster, touch-ups are tricky -because the finish is polished and smooth, any repair is usually noticeable. In most cases, the only way to fully fix a crack or dent is to redo the entire wall where it occurred.

Textured plaster is a bit more forgiving. Depending on the situation, some repairs are possible without it being obvious. Textured plaster is also more durable and exterior-rated, so you’ll typically see fewer cracks, dents, or other imperfections over time.

How long does a plaster installation take?

It depends on the project size and finish type. Venetian plaster is a three-layer process (two base coats plus a polished finish coat) and typically takes longer. Textured plaster is generally a single coat with a glaze on top, so it can be completed more quickly. Small projects may take a few days, while larger installations can extend into a week or more.

How do I care for plaster once its installed?

Once your plaster is installed, it doesn’t need regular cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing, and if you ever need to remove a stain, marker, or pen, it’s best to email us before trying anything or googling a solution. That way we can guide you on the safest way to protect your walls and keep the finish looking its best over time.

Do you plaster wet zones like showers?

No - I don’t recommend Venetian or textured plaster for wet zones such as showers. While plaster is durable, constant exposure to moisture can compromise the finish over time, so it’s best used in dry areas.

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