An “Atelier de Santons”: this is the Fontanille family home in Pujaut, in the Gard, near Avignon. For the Fontanilles, santons are both a family affair and a personal pursuit. Each has their own speciality, character and workshop. We visit Isoline Fontanille's studio.
Making santons is a year-round occupation. From January, new models are imagined and sculpted in clay, then used to make moulds. Each freshly moulded figure is carefully trimmed to remove excess clay — an opportunity to give it an individual pose. The santons are then fired in a kiln and painstakingly painted one by one with natural pigments and ochres. The eyes are painted last, bringing the little character to life. Each year, familiar models receive a different palette of colours.
Isoline Fontanille's santons
Isoline Fontanille chooses to give each model its own character, adding care and a personal touch at every stage. Every santon differs in colour, gesture or pose. Collectors particularly appreciate her work, and some enthusiasts return each year to discover her latest creations. At the time of this visit, Isoline had more than a hundred models, from 9 to 12 cm tall, as well as animals.
Isoline Fontanille studied visual arts before becoming a full-time santon maker. At the time of this report, she had been making santons for around twelve years, with her partner's help.
Contact
Isoline Fontanille — santon maker in Pujaut, Gard — telephone: 04 90 26 38 92
Find Isoline Fontanille's latest news on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/santonsisolinefontanille
Getting to Pujaut — GPS coordinates: N 44°0'20'' – E 4°46'31''