Here is the site: www.lesdecorsdartebat.fr/
François Gallo is part of the fourth generation of craftsmen, specializing in the creation of facade decorations that mimic real stones.
François is skilled in decorating both interiors and exteriors, from walls to flower beds, and from faux marble to faux wood, not to mention, of course, faux stones!
And you know what? With his expertise, your homes become more beautiful at a lower cost!
Nice-Premium: Hello François, so you present yourself as a “mason sculptor, stone imitator, or even a lime decorator.” How did you come to adopt these three labels?
François Gallo: Destiny and vocation led me to this profession.
N-P: A childhood dream?
F.G.: As a child, I loved to draw, to reproduce accurately, to caricature, but an artistic profession seemed impractical. So, I studied civil engineering and gradually moved towards finishing work in lime and decor within the family masonry business. I realized that stone decorations were very popular, so I created my company “Les Décors d’Artebat” three years ago to develop my specialty.
N-P: You build walls with stones… fake stones, it seems. Fake stones that look “real” to the eye. Do you have a magic potion?
F.G.: Not magic, but very spectacular. The principle is to model and color a special mortar based on lime. And the stones reveal themselves one by one.
N-P: Can you explain a bit how you work? Do you draw inspiration from the location? Do you apply what the client asks for?
F.G.: My creations blend with the place and the building to be as realistic as possible. I offer my clients a decorative range: colors, sizes, styles, fittings. Advice to meet their desires.
N-P: In your creations, you have an ecological approach, don’t you?
F.G.: Yes. Ecological approach:
– through the materials used: lime, natural pigments, stone powder
– by the method: all handmade
– by the savings generated compared to real stone.
N-P: Is it really durable?
F.G.: Durable, thanks to the use of natural, breathable materials, and as hard as stone because lime turns back into stone.
N-P: Facades, bathrooms, stairs, floors, gardens, does your art adapt to everything?
F.G.: I adapt to all new or old surfaces that can be beautified, indoors or outdoors.
N-P: Besides creating stones, there’s also the creation of faux wood and faux marble; is it the same technique?
F.G.: Creating faux wood railings requires a metal frame; the approach is more whimsical. Faux marble uses a very sophisticated Venetian technique.
N-P: It seems you like to take on challenges. What’s the one you’re most proud of?
F.G.: Creating a very colorful imitation stone on wood fiber insulation: both artistic and technical.
N-P: And the craziest realization in your eyes?
F.G.: A stone spa in a fake cave.
N-P: And what would you like to tackle next?
F.G.: I am open to the wildest dreams of clients, whether it’s a vegetated cliff, fantastic decor, or huge stones.
N-P: What is your goal?
F.G.: My goal is to grow my business, innovate, improve, to continue enjoying and sharing my passion.
Website: www.lesdecorsdartebat.fr/
Address
95, Chemin du Grec – 06340 DRAP
Phone: 04 93 54 68 58 – 06 86 45 77 62
email: gallofrancois@wanadoo.fr
