The Art of Champagne and Jewellery.

I had the pleasure of hosting a delightful group of art enthusiasts from Perth at Sydney Contemporary this year! After months of planning, early September arrived swiftly, and we all traveled to Sydney, gathering at CBD Gallery in central Sydney. The following days were packed with gallery and studio visits, artist talks, lunches, and, of course, the amazing experience of visiting Carriageworks to see this year's Sydney Contemporary.

When planning these interstate and international trips, I believe it's essential to diversify activities, engaging people with disciplines that complement art. Therefore, besides attending the art fair, we visited Mondial by Nadia, a family-run jewellery store located in the beautiful Strand Arcade. We discussed the parallels between the creative processes of jewellery design and the evolution of artistic practice, emphasizing the importance of the connection between the client or viewer and the final piece, whether it's jewellery or a painting. Naturally, we also tried on some exquisite pieces! Seeking the same creative synergy between art and Champagne, we were fortunate to have Inge Fransen, CEO of Vranken-Pommery Australia, guide the group through a Pommery Champagne tasting. Before the tasting, I gave a talk about the Maison's history and its strong ties to art, which began when Madam Pommery purchased Jean-Francois Millet's work, The Gleaners, outbidding keen U.S. buyers at auction and donating it to the Louvre. The Maison's current connection to art is so strong that they now invite contemporary artists to create the Pommery Experiences, installations within the champagne caves.

The entire trip was a dream with all the wonderful events we swept through. Can't wait for our trip through Modern Art in Paris September next year!