For Jean-Marie Fontanille, making santons has always been a deeply rooted passion. He learnt the craft from master santon maker Rodolphe Devouassoux in the late 1960s, when traditional santons were falling out of fashion. He passed his enthusiasm on to his wife and daughter, who also make santons.
Jean-Marie Fontanille creates large, unique clay santons, modelling every figure entirely by hand, one at a time, at a height of 18 or 20 cm. Their size allows rich detail and individuality, bringing an extra spark of life. Each time you look, new details emerge: an expression, a graceful gesture or a fold of clothing brings a fresh emotion. His customers are knowledgeable, often demanding collectors, and his order book is well filled.
Jean-Marie Fontanille does not always stay in his workshop. He travels around the surrounding countryside, setting up his easel and taking out his brushes to capture the beauty of a moment and a landscape.
Jean-Marie Fontanille, santon maker in Pujaut, Gard — telephone: 04 90 26 38 92
Getting to Pujaut — GPS coordinates: N 44°0'20'' – E 4°46'31''