KARINA ASTETE STONE
Founder and Decorative Plasterer, The Artists Republic
With roots in style and fashion design, Karina discovered natural lime plaster more than two decades ago and was drawn to the depth, texture, and character of traditional plaster finishes.
She went on to train with master applicators in the United States and Italy before founding The Artists Republic.
Over the years, Karina has brought together a collaborative team of skilled artisans who share an appreciation for traditional techniques, natural materials, and craftsmanship. Today, The Artists Republic works with homeowners, interior designers, architects, and builders to create handcrafted finishes for residential and commercial spaces.
CRAFSTSMANSHIP
Our work is rooted in traditional hand-applied techniques and the skill of the artisan behind each finish.
OUR VALUES
NATURAL MATERIALS
We work primarily with natural, mineral-based materials and make thoughtful choices about the products we bring into each space.
COLLABORATION
We work closely with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders to develop finishes that complement the vision and architecture of each project.
OUR PROCESS
01 CONSULTATION
We begin by learning about the project, the space, and the desired finish. Drawings, inspiration images, and other project details help us understand the scope and direction.
03 PREPARATION
Proper preparation is essential to the finished surface. We assess existing conditions and prepare each substrate according to the requirements of the selected material and application.
02 SAMPLES
Custom samples allow us to explore color, texture, movement, and finish before work begins. Samples are reviewed and refined as needed to establish the final direction.
04 APPLICATION
Each finish is applied by hand using techniques specific to the material and desired result, creating the subtle variations and character inherent in artisan-applied surfaces.