Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, we would like you to meet curator, gallerist, and educator Angela Saunders. You can find her colourful gallery Inspiré X Kristjana S Williams in the historic heart of Narbonne (1 & 2). It’s a dynamic artspace and boutique in one, where you can admire and buy art and attend creative workshops.
Introduction
Art runs through my veins, so it wasn’t surprising for me to get a first degree in fine art, followed by a Masters in museology and gallery studies. It led to inspiring jobs as an education officer and curator in places like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Windsor Castle Art Center, and various historic homes and galleries. I loved the multiple facets of my jobs, which aimed to connect communities and inspire the next generation through art.
Settling in Languedoc
Life decided for me to move from Windsor to start a new life in the South of France. So, sixteen years ago, there I was, landing in the tiny village of Azilles with a one-year-old. After having my second son, I realised I couldn’t stay in France without working. As my French was quite limited, it was a challenge to find a job. I started doing volunteer work, and I became an after-school art teacher. It was challenging; however, as creativity is very visual, I managed to communicate with the children and learn French at the same time.
Setting up a business in France
I was surprised at how long it took me to learn the language. It took me about seven years to come to the point where I was comfortable speaking it. I didn’t take many courses, though. Instead, I threw myself in the deep end. After a few years, my French started to improve. And through the help of M. Mayor in Azille, a space was created to house the first Inspiré art gallery.
Inspiré X Kristjana S Williams
I met Kristjana after curating two successful exhibitions in the Azille gallery. With a shared working experience at the V&A, we instantly clicked and then later decided to open the Narbonne space in collaboration in February 2023: Inspiré X Kristjana S Williams (3 & 4). Kristjana’s work is exhibited year-round, and every few months, we invite an international artist such as Pure Evil, Louise Dear and currently, David Wightman.
Kristjana and I are a dynamic duo. We talk about new ideas and then decide how to bring them to life. Our latest addition is going to be an art retreat hosted in Kristjana’s French house in Tourouzelle. Every May and September, we organise different types of art workshops, such as watercolour, cyanotype, and collage, in Kristjana’s utterly quirky but amazing house. Watch my page on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Besides the exhibitions and art retreats, I also organise various art workshops in the gallery. And together with Ruth-Ann Ivory from Le Petit Escargot Bleu, we started ‘After Work #Art’ where you can produce your own version of a famous artwork while enjoying a drink and a chat. Ruth-Ann also hosts upholstery and sewing classes.
I love being in Narbonne and being part of a community. Through the gallery, I meet a variety of people and the local connection is important. Of course, I work closely with the ‘association de commerçants’ (merchants association), the town hall, as well as local artists. My happy place is the gallery!
Living in the South of France
There are so many things to treasure living in this part of France. Of course, there is the location near the beach and the weather. I like meeting people daily, and I have a fantastic group of friends. Also, I think it’s great that my two boys are multilingual and that they are doing so well. Basically, I love that they love their life here.
Best Languedoc wine beer
I’m allergic to wine, so I don’t have a wine preference. However, there is a great beer brewer in nearby Homps, called the Fox Hat Craft Brewery. Their beers are the best, from IPAs to stouts and blondes.
Favourite restaurant
Being a vegetarian for over 30 years, my choice of restaurants was limited in the early days when I moved to France. However, times are changing, also in the South of France, and more and more restaurants have interesting vegetarian menus. No more salad with goat cheese anymore! One of my favourites is Le Chantovent in charming Minerve (5). They offer a fantastic vegetarian menu celebrating fresh local and organic produce. Sitting on their terrace with an incredible view over the Cesse Gorge is a definite bonus.
Perfect day out in Languedoc
I would start the day with a walk at Peyriac-de-Mer (6) and have a look at the flamingos. From there, I would head to Toulouse to see what’s happening in the museum Les Abattoirs and have a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes. Then, I would return to the sea to the Plage des Chalets in Gruissan to have dinner at one of the wonderful places along the beach.
