Instead of collecting sea shells I was attracted to the man-made flotsam and jetsam of sea-worn metal and brightly coloured plastics. I called it ‘treasure’ and got laughed at for the constant haul of so-called rubbish I would lug back in cast-off nets and fish crates. There was so much of it that if the mood took me I could choose objects by theme or colour. The quantities did of course bother me, but at that time plastic was a hidden threat to our oceans.
My moment of realisation came when I discovered a large discarded fishing net had imprisoned scores of large shore crabs. All struggling for survival, their claws bound and trapped by plastic; I managed to cut free and save many of them ahead of the incoming tide. Recently voluntary beach clean ups in my area mean there has been less treasure to find, and I’m grateful that progress is being made. We are all part of the problem, so we need to be part of a solution.
These images were created using a compilation of discarded objects washed up on the shores of our beaches. From plastic lighters & bottles, to shot shells & fishing paraphernalia. They form part of a new online publication created by the Association of Photographers that aims to bring urgent attention to the overwhelming crisis engulfing our seas and causing untold harm to our natural world. You can see the work of all 14 participating artists here.
In the battle of Planet vs Plastics Greenpeace reveals that sadly Plastics are winning. You can sign their call for a Global Plastics Treatyhere
“If women don’t make that 50/50 then the people taking decisions about our communities are never going to be reflective of the needs” Jo Cox
In a world where we are constantly bombarded by photographic imagery, and if the majority of those images are created by men, then we are all looking at life through a male gaze. Therefore decisions about what we wear, consume, drive, holiday etc., will predominantly be made from a male perspective.
BEHIND THE SCENES is a new exhibition shot by AOPf22 women photographers, and also showing in parallel each photographer in action behind the lens. See it be it. By increasing the visibility of women photographers we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of female image makers to rise up and help achieve that magical 50/50.
Click here to see the full exhibition, including a Short History of (the new) AOPf22 written by yours truly.
The exhibition was previewed in The Times – click here to read the full article.
This year also marks thirty years since the first f22 exhibition, and this wonderful tear sheet has been recovered from the AOP archives.
My thanks to all at the AOP and the f22 working group for bringing this great exhibition together.
Thanks also to Creative Director Geoff Waring for the brilliant behind the scenes picture of me perched on top of the sea wall. (You can see the original editorial this shoot came from here.)
Wishing you all a very happy International Women’s Day!
Ann and Noel, blackberry picking by the A3, New Malden
A rare early photograph of my parents together. Until then our family photographs had been [mostly] taken by mum, but on this occasion she handed me her precious Kodak Brownie. Film was expensive and we only ever took one shot, one click of the shutter to capture a precious moment. (This is possibly the first photograph I ever made.) I still have the camera, and precious memories.
Remembering Ann and Noel’s love for each other on Valentine’s Day x x
Flyer for WASHED UP | photography exhibition highlighting the Ocean Plastics crisis (the leaf is plastic!)
Exhibiting Washed Up as part of JAM on the Marsh festival afforded privileged access to the medieval churches of Kent’s Romney Marsh. But creating a photography exhibition in a unique venue can bring with it a unique set of challenges.
a glimpse of the Marsh from the clock tower at St.George’s Ivychurch, ‘The Cathedral of the Marsh’
Looking up at the ceiling below the clock tower
Firstly, how to hang an exhibition in a Grade I listed building without causing any damage to the walls? An existing church banner showed a way to achieve this that would also be sympathetic to the space.
This cloth banner sparked an idea on how to hang the exhibition
The next challenge was to find a suitable lightweight fabric on which to print the exhibition. The fabric also needed to respect the exhibition’s environmental message – highlighting the Ocean Plastics crisis.
Exhibition printing experts Genesis Imaging helped by sourcing a fabric light enough to hang and, more importantly, made from recycled Ocean Plastics! This shows how materials can be reused and play a part in a circular economy.
Prints ready for hanging in the South Aisle
Showing the exhibition during the long days of summer, allowed the artwork to be viewed in daylight and without using any electricity. The high ceilings and pale walls allow natural light to flood the aisles, creating atmosphere and adding to the viewing experience. The spaces between each of the windows created a natural gallery which informed the final print size.
Colour matched visitor
In keeping with the spirit of recycling, the exhibition is now available for loan. For details please message me here. If you missed the exhibition there is a virtual walk around here.
Packing up the exhibition at the end of the festival
My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the exhibition happen:
Edward & Sarah Armitage, John Frederick Hudson and Claudia Ott, thank you for welcoming me into the JAM on the Marsh family and creating the opportunity to further highlight the Ocean Plastics crisis by showing Washed Up to a wider audience.
Thank you to all the visitors from far and near who took time to view the work and stay and chat. I enjoyed your company and conversations and value friendships rekindled and new friendships made. Especially church wardens Margaret, Celia and Ellan for accommodating the exhibition at beautiful St.George’s Ivychurch.
Celia and Ed helping out at the exhibition hanging
Delphine’s Sewing Corner for her generosity of time and attention to detail in stitching the artwork (and altering my dress!) Ann-Louise Barton for last minute takeover of print sales. Geoff Waring’s initial encouragement in creating the work. The team at BBC South East. The exceptional colour prints were created by Bernie, Deep and the team at Genesis Imaging on Innotech fabric.
Sarah being interviewed by the BBC
Deep at Genesis Imaging
Stitching the artwork
Print and postcard sales
Lance Dally for always supporting my ventures, not forgetting his terrifying balancing act at the exhibition hanging! Ann Carrig, my mother, thank you for always encouraging me to follow my dreams, and brava for finding a dress that matched the photography!
The big news this year is the increase in the number of women photographers who have been selected as finalists. Last year 17 women photographers had their work chosen which was the highest number ever (and a jump from 13 the previous year). This year an incredible 28 women photographers have been selected, which is nearly a third of all finalists! Also seven of those received more than one nomination! What an amazing leap towards closing gender disparity within the photographic industry.
I am grateful to be selected with two nominations for the fashion category. Many thanks to the judges, being a finalist in this record-breaking year feels extra special.
Standing up for their rights are Maria Sosa at Premier Models; and Sabrina, Florence Kosky, Poppy Mannion and Barbie at Models 1. They created individual placards demonstrating their own personal protest. My thanks again to them and to this talented and generous team. Style : Wendy Rigg Hair Artist : Jo McKenna Makeup Artist : Firyal Arneil Digital Operator : Julie Stewart Photo Assistant : Sophie Phillips Behind-the-Scenes photography : Hadas Eldar. Special thanks to Sarah Hogan for hosting our photoshoot at her High Trees Modern House, and also to Julia Kennedy for publishing the story in her No-Reply magazine.
Photography and Creative Direction by me Wendy Carrig inspired by my recent experience documenting a 110 mile protest march from Cardiff to Greenham Common for the activist group Greenham Women Everywhere.
EMBRACE
Many thanks again to Kate Orr and family for embracing and hosting, and to another wonderful and supportive team! Creative direction by Jo Bell – Jo also created the canvas, and the drawings (not seen in this curation) were by her father Roy Bell, a prolific modernist artist of the 1960s. Fashion styling by Sophie Kenningham, and Makeup & hair by Dina Catchpole – both represented by Frank Agency. Photography by me Wendy Carrig assisted by the multi-skilled Julie Stewart. Embrace has been re-curated from my Art Colony fashion editorial first published in Rakes Progress magazine.
Massive congratulations to ALL the photographers who were selected as finalists. Click here to see their work.
Gold and silver winners will be announced at the AOPawards party in September. Maybe see you there?
“I was attracted by the man-made flotsam and jetsam of sea-worn metal and brightly coloured plastics. There was once so much of it that if the mood took me I could choose objects by theme or colour.”
WASHED UP is a free photography exhibition showing as part of this year’s JAM on the Marsh, a multi-arts festival taking place on Kent’s atmospheric Romney Marsh. The exhibition is a comment on our culture of waste and aims to draw the observer in with a compilation of discarded objects including plastic lighters, bottles, gun cartridges and fishing paraphernalia, all found and washed up on beaches from Dymchurch to Dungeness. Bringing attention to a significant topic of our time and providing an example of human impact on nature.
The exhibition can be seen at St. George’s Church Ivychurch from 4 – 16 July. I will be giving a free artist talk on Friday 7th July, discussing aspects of my creative practice and inspiration behind the artworks. There will also be opportunity to purchase limited edition prints and art postcards. The talk will take place at 6pm in the South Aisle and you are all warmly invited.
More information about the festival is available here.
Marilyn Stafford (1925-2023) was a prolific photographer working across multi genres. I have her beautiful book A Life in Photography currently open on my desk. This recent retrospective, published by Bluecoat, has an inspiring personal forward by Photojournalist Tom Stoddart who opens with “Imagine a biography that reveals that your very first professional photograph was a 1948 portrait of Albert Einstein…” and ends with a quote from Marilyn herself saying “Photographers don’t grow old – they just grow out of focus.”
Mairlyn Stafford ‘A Life in Photography’ published by Bluecoat (Did you spot her in the reflection?)
Sadly neither of these great photography heroes are still with us, and with Marilyn’s passing only at the beginning of this year it makes the 2023 Award particularly poignant.
First created in 2017, the Award is granted annually to a professional female photographer towards the completion of a compelling and cohesive documentary photo essay, which addresses an important social, environmental, economic or cultural issue, whether local or global and which, in part, aims to showcase solutions / create positive impact for any issues it raises.
I am extremely proud to be selected together with this extraordinary shortlist of talented female photographers, and honoured to have my work associated with the legendary and remarkable Marilyn Stafford.
The winner and honorable mentions will be announced on Wednesday 28th June 2023.
As a valued subscriber to my blog, and to tie in with my current COMMON PEOPLE exhibition, I would like to offer you a 20% discount on all print and poster sales. Please use the discount code KILN available until 24th June.
Look out for new additions to the PRINT SHOP coming soon!
“I first saw this exhibition in the Greenham Common Control Tower and immediately fell in love with Wendy’s photographs. I just love the intimacy and honesty. I hope they will give those who don’t know much about Greenham, a little glimpse into this incredible time and place where our Es & Flo met.” Jennifer Lunn
I’m very excited to announce that my COMMON PEOPLE exhibition will be coming to London next month. Showing at Kiln Theatre from 5th to 24th June to coincide with the London performances of Es & Flo – a new play written by Jennifer Lunn and inspired by the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp.
Congratulations to Photo London who are celebrating the publication of the 100th edition of their magazine. Created during the pandemic each edition is dedicated to a photographic artist or gallery. I was very proud to have been selected as the featured artist for issue #28 which can be viewed here, and honoured to be included in this birthday rollcall with many of my longtime photography heroes.
The 100th edition’s focus is on artists from Iran and can be viewed here
My COMMON PEOPLE photography exhibition will be showing at the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff from next Friday 28th April until Saturday 13th May.
The Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp was just over three years old when I took this picture. I was a photography student working on my final year project, and arrived and stayed at the camp for a few short weeks during a particularly harsh winter. The conditions the women were living in were tough. The ground was frozen, the milk froze, we slept in makeshift tents under piles of donated blankets, experienced daily evictions by police and bailiffs, and I witnessed at first hand the enormity of a nuclear Cruise Missile convey. Meanwhile these resilient women continued with their protest. Fueled by camaraderie and endless cups of tea, the pictures show how domestic life focused around the campfire.
The exhibition run will coincide with performances of Es & Flo, a new play by award winning playwright Jennifer Lunn, about two women who meet at Greenham Common. My sincere thanks to Jennifer for her kind invitation to show COMMON PEOPLE, and to Gemma Hicks, Sophie Williams and the team at the Wales Millenium Centre for their warm welcome and generosity. The exhibition is FREE to view. If you are in the area why not come take a look
Background info:
The 1980s were a time of great social disquiet in Britain. Miners were striking against the closure of Coal pits, and the Cold War with Russia had played into people’s fears, precipitating an international growth in nuclear weapons. There was public outcry when in 1981 the British government gave permission for US nuclear missiles to be installed at RAF Greenham. In response, a group of [mainly] women led a peaceful protest by walking all the way from Cardiff to the Common. The 120 mile march took them ten days, and on arrival many decided to stay. They were joined by others, and the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp was born.
If you want to learn more about the Greenham Women’s Peace movement do take a look at the work by activist group Greenham Women Everywhere.
Another chance to attend this online workshop where I shall be discussing how entering photography awards can improve confidence in your photographic practice, help gain visibility for your work, and how this can progress your career.
The workshop was originally created byf22aop responding to the fact that women photographers weren’t entering photography awards in the same way or numbers as their male counterparts.
The workshop takes place online next Thursday 20th April, and is FREE to all members of the Association of Photographers (AOP). Registration is via eventbrite. The session will not be recorded.
Last week I learnt that Southern Water regularly releases untreated sewage onto these beautiful beaches as reported in the documentary Our Troubled Rivers. Self-regulated dumping by water companies, together with storm runoff from livestock farms, means beaches and designated bathing waters are often closed, and disgracefully all our rivers are now polluted.
To right this desperate situation and put a stop to profiteering and abuse of our vital natural resource, the activist group SOSWhitstable are urgently petitioning the government to bring the care of our water back into public ownership.
Similarly Surfers Against Sewage ask us to sign their Dirty Money petition. Both groups hope that with re-reinvestment and upgrades the water industry will have the resources to nurse our ailing natural environment back to good health.
Horrible fact that in 2021 alone, water companies released effluence into English and Welsh waterways amounting to 25 years of untreated sewage.
Meanwhile my thanks to the kind and generous people of Tankerton and Whitstable, The Marine Hotel, and this super team :
talent – Eveline Besters at Models1 (drove all the way from her home in Amsterdam to avoid flight cancellations), fashion editor – Jo Atkinson at Hearst assisted by Corin Ripley, hair & makeup artist – Frances Prescott at S.Management, clothes transport – Michelle Bohan, producer – Fiona Andrews at Hearst, digital operator – Julie Stewart, lighting assistant and all the wonderful behind-the-scenes photography – Alicia Joynes. Fashion photography by me Wendy Carrig
Tomorrow I will be presenting a workshop titled ON ENTERING PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS. The workshop was originally created by f22aop women photographers, responding to the fact that women weren’t entering photography awards in the same way or numbers as their male counterparts. The workshop will cover how entering photography awards can improve confidence in your photographic practice, help gain visibility for your work, and how this can progress your career.
The workshop is FREE to all members of the Association of Photographers (AOP) and registration is via eventbrite. Hope to see you there!
Many thanks to The Guardian for featuring COMMUNITY + CONNECTION a new exhibition from #f22aop women photographers created to celebrate International Women’s Day.
You can read the full Guardian article here, and see all the work featured in the exhibition here
I am pleased to be exhibiting alongside a supportive community of multi talented photographers: Lesley Lau, Nicola Tree, Helen Roscoe, Felicity Crawshaw, Jayne Jackson, Gabrielle Motola, Danielle Kalinovskis, Jenny Lewis, Eleanor Church, Scarlet Page, Karen Yeomans, Fiona Freund, Denise Maxwell, Carol Sharp.
Aldermaston Women meet every month setting up their tents outside the main gates of the UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment. I visited last December on the 40th anniversary of Embrace the Base, where it turned into the coldest weekend of the year as temperatures dropped to minus seven degrees. Undeterred by freezing conditions (many of these women had experienced harsh winters at Greenham Common) and fueled by hot tea and field-kitchen food they continued their [almost] peaceful protest highlighting the futility of nuclear weapons with workshops, talks and song. Warning that “the creation and storage of Atomic Nuclear Weapons brings with it the threat of ultimate destruction.”
The exhibition Community & Connection was created by f22aop women photographers and the work of all 15 selected artists can be viewed here.
My thanks to the judges Andy Greenacre, Photography Director at The Telegraph. Jennie Ricketts, Independent Photography Editor. Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian. Jane Sherwood, News Editor at Getty Images.
Special thanks to Aldermaston Women and Greenham Women Everywhere! Wishing you all a very happy International Women’s Day #embraceequity
My sincere thanks to editor and curator Katya Garcia-Anton and team at the OCA for including me in this important publication. My photography runs over 20 pages and is followed by a portfolio of original art facsimiles created by women at the Peace Camp.
It was an unexpected surprise to see my work displayed in such large scale at the book launch.
This beautiful publication is the companion reader to the recent exhibition Actions of Art and Solidarity and can be purchased from many of your favourite booksellers or directly from the OCA.
“I try to keep in shape, but I don’t worry what people think”
“The papers will be picking on someone else tomorrow…”
These quotes could have been taken from the recent Rooney v Vardy court case, but are actually from a 2006 interview with Coleen (then McLoughlin) for UK CosmoGirl with accompanying photography by me.
After shooting the cover I was given five minutes to create a completely different look for the inside pages. Thankfully Coleen loved the dress the stylist had chosen, and although it was too big for her tiny frame she seized the moment, gathered the ruffles and stole the show. Allowing me just enough time to shoot a couple of rolls of film before she dashed to her next appointment.
Thank you Coleen. This still remains one of my favourite celebrity portrait sittings.
To see more portrait photography by me please click here.
This picture is part of a fashion editorial I shot on Wimbledon Common last spring. I grew up near the Common and still walk my dog there most mornings. Throughout the summer I watched the drought change lush greenery into a parched dry landscape and the pond to a small watering hole, as 2022 turned into the hottest year on record.
This year is predicted to be even hotter and Extinction Rebellion are joining with other organisations, movements and individuals in The Big One A super-sized peaceful protest (no glue or padlocks) demanding our government act now in tackling the climate emergency.
Meanwhile here is the rest of the fashion story. Ironically we used Photoshop to change the lush greenery to look more like the last days of summer. I don’t know if there are any fish in Rushmere pond. Ours was from Waitrose.
talent – Chloe Webb, fashion director – Amanda Marcantonio assisted by Corin Ripley, hair & makeup artist – Sally Kvalheim, digital operator – Julie Stewart, photo assistant – Sujata Setia, producer – Karina Dial at Hearst, with thanks to Angela Evans-Hill from the Wimbledon Ranger’s office.
Happy new year everyone. Many thanks again for your continued support, and to all the talented and generous teams I had the good fortune to work with throughout 2022.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and inspiring new year.
Love Wendy x
Here is a snapshot of last year’s highlights as chosen by Instagram’s #bestnine Click links for stories and team credits.
WENDY CARRIG 