Loretta Fontaine Jewelry and Photography at 2012 Holiday Crafts at The Woman's Club of Albany

{Loretta Fontaine}

{Loretta Fontaine Jewelry sterling silver Meredith necklace with Stuyvesant Fern miniature original photograph, freshwater pearls, iolite and topaz}

{"Trees" black and white photography by Loretta Fontaine}

{"Tulip Tree Unfolding" black and white photography by Loretta Fontaine}

{"Climbing" black and white photography by Loretta Fontaine}

Where do you work and what do you do?
Loretta Fontaine: I have a background in architecture and am a writer, photographer and jewelry designer in Delmar, New York - just south of Albany. I learned photography in graduate school - we had a full darkroom in the architecture department. We also had a metal and wood shop - I learned to enjoy working with my hands.

What are you looking forward to at 2012 Holiday Crafts at The Woman's Club of Albany?
Loretta Fontaine: It's a really intimate show set in a beautiful historic building. Great exhibitors, food and proceeds benefit the programs of the Club.

What are you excited to bring to the show?
Loretta Fontaine: I'm thrilled to debut my new book Eco-Happy: Three Steps Towards An Earth-Friendly Life. I've written articles and a monthly column for a magazine in the past - but a book is another story, and I'm curious to see what people think. I went through years of my photography to cull the images for the book, and will have some of the fine art photography used in the book will be available for purchase at the show as well. I hope to get a lot of feedback on this new adventure!

An Interview with Cathy Frank

What will you be bringing to the Holiday Studio Sale?
Cathy Frank: I am bringing a selection of hand built pottery and jewelry - always one of a kind.

What is your process and /or inspiration?
Cathy Frank: I am inspired by the moment, the surrounding, the textures, the mistakes, the accidents, the whim, whatever comes first to my fingertips.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Cathy Frank: I’ve been exploring different art and craft fields for most of my life, screen printing, photography, ceramics, soft sculpture, cooking, batiking, jewelry... there’s so much out there still to be explored. Who knows what’s next before the train stops.

An Interview with Loretta Fontaine

web site: www.lorettafontaine.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Loretta Fontaine: I'll be bringing my award-winning fine artisanal jewelry in sterling silver and 14K gold with miniature original photography. I have some special new earrings and necklaces that I'm designing that use black and white photographs I took of a fern combined with shimmering green peridot beads. For special holiday gifts, I can incorporate a client's photograph into any of my designs.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Loretta Fontaine: I have a background in architecture, and I enjoy working details out on a small scale. I do all my own metalwork and take all of the photographs that are used in my jewelry. I'm inspired by natural forms and shapes and the patterns found in wallpapers and fabrics.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Loretta Fontaine: A member of the Woman's Club of Albany, I volunteer to help run the Albany Holiday Studio Sale. (10% of artists sales, and all proceeds from the raffle and the Spotted Dog Cafe benefit the programs of the Woman's Club.) I can also juggle flower sticks and bake a mean focaccia.