We had the good fortune of connecting with ROBERT FONTAINE and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi ROBERT, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was lost, I guess…I never knew what to do, I was a psychology major in college….but realized I was surrounded by people who were there to fix themselves mainly, not learn how to fix others……I think I kind of found out by accident how I would spend the rest of my life…through a process of deduction…I knew what I was most fascinated with when I was younger..and I tried to superimpose that on my future path..making it back to that time and work from it……. being around creative people seemed comfortable and thats where I directed my focus. It was a way to be involved in a process…while not committing to the real 9-5 life which I was most certainly not interested in…that structor seemed so predictable and more than that..it seemed mechanical and without spirit….a creative field has its romance, it has its down side too of course but mainly a world of artistic venture is a wonderful and fruitful place to land…. and sometimes its an odd sea in which to sail on…I cant image another path…nothing else makes sense to me..
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
well I set up my own gallery in 2007 after years working for other gallery owners….it was like the chains were taken off my ankles, so many weirdos I worked for….freedom to move forward, making mistakes, and of course it was nice to contribute to the larger picture at a speed of my choosing with out any obstructions……in 2010 I opened a gallery space in Miami’s art district of Wynwood, thats all changed now of course, and due to the ever changing real estate market and its ever shifting scene I have been bouncing around in various pop ups spaces…kind of carving out my gallery foot print with a program that includes blue chip and primary market artists. It has largely been a labor of love while, and at time bumpy…. much like the saying I once heard about the advice given to a new sailboat owner: ‘owning a sail boat is 20% enjoyment and 80% pure terror….so to is owning a gallery….
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
having lived on south beach since 2004, I would first tell them to visit the Bass Museum, dine at A La Folie Cafe, drinks at Roof at the Esme Hotel, music at “Do not sit on the furnisher” and late night walk on the beach…. when there is not a soul around, just the ocean in front of you ….and the glow of neon lights behind you…..