Interview with Somerville Master Color Printer Carol Fondé

                                                                

Somerville photographer and master color printer Carol Fondé  told me that she loves Somerville, the community, the artists, and the supportive people in her life. I met Carol Fondé at the Nave Gallery in Somerville, to discuss her life and work. Her exhibit at the Nave had ended, but much of her work was still on display, before it would be removed for another exhibition. She is a friendly, talkative and forthcoming woman. She was dressed in a very artsy way--you might say here outfit was one of her works of art.  Fondé has lived in a number of places, but for four years her home has been in Somerville, MA. Years ago, she attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she learned and excelled as a student of her craft. 

Fondé told me that in New York City, she founded Carol Fonde, Ltd...--the first color lab owned and operated by a fine arts photographer. A master color printer is a highly skilled individual specializing in color printing, with a deep understanding of color theory, various printing processes, and the expertise to achieve exceptional print quality and color accuracy. These individuals often collaborate with artists and designers to bring their vision to life. In the 1980's she moved to New York City ( she still teaches at the New School). She became part of the city's milieu of musicians, writers and photographers and made a name for herself working with such photography luminaries like: Hiro, Annie Leibowitz , Joel Gray, Bruce Davison,  Bert Stern, and Richard Avedon, and others.... She told me that she became the personal printer for Richard Avedon. And indeed, Avedon was a great mentor for her.  She remembered early on, " Avedon viewed one of my prints and told me 'You didn't print this. This is a hack job. You are much better than this.' "  Fondé told me that Avedon was a real gentleman.  Instead of trashing her, he gave her a backhanded compliment. He was someone who realized her potential as an artist. From my experience a few simple words from a mentor or teacher can make all the difference in a person's life.

The exhibition was from her body of work "the Vault." This is a body of her personal work. Many of the subjects of her photography were of her friends. Most of these people who were artists, musicians, and visual artists from her artistic milieu. I viewed a picture of a beautiful, moody astrologer, people from the rock scene like Asa Brebner, Jonathan Richmond (The Modern Lovers), and many others. She also had some large landscape photographs. According to the artist, she always had an eye for landscape. She grew up in a Georgian mansion on Lloyd Neck on Long Island, NY. She lived near the shore, and as a kid she took her Brownie everywhere --constantly taking pictures of the ocean The shots she showed me we were impressive...touched by her magic wand...

In this digital age there is not as much need for master color printers. But in spite of this, in 2021 she resurrected "Carol Fonde Fine Arts Printing."  Fondé told me she wants people to know she is back in business, continuing to use her discerning eye to enhance the beauty of photos and the world for all.