Les santons bleus de Véronique Dornier

For over 20 years, in her workshop-boutique, Véronique has shaped and painted over 75 models, from the most traditional cribs to the most personal old-time crafts.

Alongside the nativity, which can be presented under a bell or on an elm burl base, you'll find famous Provencal crib figures such as Le et la Ravi(e), the old man and woman with the bundle, the woman with the goat, the shepherd, the remover, the miller on the donkey, the farandole dancers... And traditional trades: the lavender cutter, the country warden, the winegrower, the gardener, the tambourine player...

Each character is made in clay, then decorated in intense blue cameos or colored earthenware, and for each one Véronique uses a smooth, fine red clay from Provence, Aubagne clay.

For her blue santons, she found inspiration in the famous Klein blue, which transported her to Beaubourg one day during an exhibition. Her earthenware santons are even rarer, requiring a cookie to be baked in a 1000° oven.

Come and meet her in her little store in the heart of the village of Brantes, with its Provencal crib-like setting on the northern slopes of Mont Ventoux. A lovely stroll along the Toulourenc valley.

More info santons-dornier.monsite-orange.fr

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