Шестое поколение мастеров: в Новом Орлеане возрождают искусство гипсовой лепнины

Starting today, and in the coming weeks, I will explore the work of Jeff Porée Sr., a master plasterer known for ornamental plasterwork, and Darryl  Reeves, a blacksmith specializing in historic restoration. Along with the late Theodore “Teddy” Pierre Jr., a master brick mason, Porée and Reeves were the featured subjects in last year’s documentary “Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture." The Louisiana Architecture Foundation produced the 58-minute film that explores the 300-year impact of people of color on the state's built environment. I recently caught up with Porée, of Porée Plastering. If you have ancient peeling plaster, desire a historically accurate ceiling medallion or wish to install crown molding in your home and have no idea who to turn to, this one’s for you. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. How did you come to your line of work as a master plasterer? I am the sixth-generation plaster craftsman in my family. Tattiana Paden, a doctoral student at Tulane University, completed my ancestry, showing that the Porées have been in New Orleans since at least the 1750s. My father’s name is Calvin Porée, and he was second in charge of the plastering in the five-year building of what is now Caesars Superdome. Calvin Porée was the son of Albert Porée Jr., who ran our local plasterers union for 36 years. I have been self-employed since 1973, when I was given the status of Journeyman Plasterer after completing my three-year apprenticeship in our local union of the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association. What does Porée Plastering offer? Our 10,000-square-foot casting shop now has 70 unique ceiling medallions, many varieties of crown moldings and assorted custom ornamental plaster creations installed in notable hotels, restaurants, businesses and exquisite residences across southeastern Louisiana and the Southeast. We now aim to build upon that foundation by distributing our plaster products and services nationwide. How has your trade evolved? Plasterwork has evolved from mud walls to lime-based mortar, and then to fire-resistant gypsum mortar, which hardens through a chemical process when hydrated and applied. It has an innate fire-resistant character. So, you are saying plasterwork is superior to modern drywall? Gypsum Sheetrock was invented in the 1930s, but it did not become popular in design use by architects until the 1950s as an alternative to expensive gypsum plaster. While not necessarily providing a structural advantage beyond its fire rating, plaster provides an exquisite aesthetic advantage that drywall (Sheetrock) cannot and is therefore the gold standard for achieving the highest level of ornamentation in architecture. It was in the 1950s that two of our local plastering contractors, Louis Jefferion and Arthur Creighton, developed their own plaster finish product. We refer to this as “solid skim coat” and “shiny as glass” plaster finish, which is used for walls and ceilings. In architectural parlance, this is known as the "Level 5 Finish." How does one learn your craft? Only through apprenticeship. As a youngster, I sought out the best techniques and received the answers from my forebears that I needed to succeed. As my father taught me, and his father before him, "if you’re going to be in this business, you have an obligation to live up to our standards.” Day and night, I still contemplate new and innovative ways to perfect this trade. Our motto is “Moving into the future with a feeling for the past!” Wow, that level of craftsmanship sounds expensive. It is, but you get what you pay for. This is an increasingly rare art form. What happens if you decide to retire? What would happen to New Orleans’ historic architecture that is so reliant on your expertise? Well, there’s good news! Three of my four sons are currently involved in the business: Robert specializes in Venetian plaster and special finishes, John assists the operation in New Orleans, and Jeff Jr. is a former healthcare executive and entrepreneur who co-manages operations while building our sales network nationwide. Porée Plastering is not going anywhere but up. Porée Plastering, 4437 St. Louis St., (504) 473-8413, poreeplastering.com