I’m writing this from my first exhibition – we’re at the lovely Navistitch on Manningtree High Street.
Exploring Memories: three approaches is a joint exhibition from three artists whose studios are in Ardleigh, and who work in different media.
An exhibition of work by Christine Gallant, Chrissie Richards and Carla Watkins.
13 – 23 April 2022
Open Wednesday to Saturday each week
The Sail Loft, Navistitch, 28 High Street, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1AJ

This was the catalyst for my new series of miniature, reading mermaids – bringing my love of reading and the sea, collecting beach treasures and books together, along with memories of imaginary friends and the firm belief that my toys came to life at night.
They’ve come together into the start of a new series I love, and hope you will too!
Three artists whose studios are in Ardleigh, Essex, have come together to bring you an exhibition inspired by memories. Using different media including assemblage, collage, printing, painting and photography they have curated an exhibition to intrigue and inspire you.
Carla Watkins
Carla Watkins is a photographer and mermaid with a love of the ethereal, nostalgia and magic. She weaves stories into photographs which could have walked off the pages of a book, and which invite you to find your own stories within them. Living and working on the north Essex coastline (which suits her mermaid heart), her work pulls together memory, imagination and wonder.
Christine Gallant
Christine Gallant is a finder of forgotten objects. Teller of hidden tales. Seeker of extraordinary stories. She works from her studio in Essex, which is a wonderland of curiosities, miniature pieces of history and stories in waiting. She brings together forgotten, found, discarded items to evoke memories and emotions, telling their hidden stories in 3D assemblage, collage or paint.
Chrissie Richards
Chrissie Richards creates innocent quirky collages and paintings that nestle somewhere between abstraction and realism. She weaves together memories of conversations, people, sentiments and moments in time inspired by the landscape of Brightlingsea where she now lives. Her current series of work investigates the image and the narrative behind the swimmer and beach-goers who simultaneously inhabit a private and public persona.
All my work will also be available in my online shop once the exhibition is over, including limited edition prints, open edition small prints, and greetings cards.