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Recently Arent&Pyke’s Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke were invited to speak at a morning tea hosted by Michelle Paterson of Lots of M in her beautiful garden on a fine and sunny Sydney autumn morning. Alongside Tim Etchells (previously of ARTHK Hong Kong International Art Fair) , and now the upcoming Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, Damien Woolnough, Fashion Editor of The Australian and Belle Magazine’s Managing Editor, Tanya Buchanan, the topic of “how art relates and is increasingly relevant in our super charged and fast paced world” was up for discussion.

Passionate about establishing a dialogue with contemporary art Lots of M believes that “living with well crafted, conceptually challenging and above all beautiful works adds to the quality of life on both an emotional and intellectual level”. Juliette and Sarah-Jane also shared their thoughts on art – how artwork is not an accessory you buy to match a new rug, or produced-to-order. Art should resonate on impact, make your heart race and experience a moment of love at first sight – whether it matches your scheme or not! The beauty of art is more than an accessory – it should make you feel something over and over again.

Michelle Paterson is an avid art collector and global nomad who now calls Sydney home. Iain Dawson is a gallerist of known repute, having worked for some of the most high profile and successful commercial galleries in Sydney, later going on to become director of three major national art fairs. In 2012 they formed an alliance in the name of a joint passion: to celebrate the talent of emerging artists – particularly those within the first 5 years of their practice.

Dawson too has long been an advocate for emerging artists since 2008, with a proven track record of spotting young artists on the ascent. These breakthrough artists in fact form the sole basis of all exhibitions in his boutique, micro gallery IDG and ID Projects.

Paterson is a strong believer in breaking down barriers and experimenting with new models in the commercial art world. Together with Dawson, they have deliberately chosen to present temporary ‘pop up’ exhibitions and offsite projects in keeping with the freshness and vitality of the young artists they champion. During each exhibition an extensive public program will be held including forums with industry professionals, film nights, wine tastings and collecting symposiums – of which ‘How Art Inspires’ was but one.

Art can be a rarified affair – but what this alliance does is make art accessible to everyone. While the gallery scene may not intimidate all, it can thwart the creative juices for some who might feel it is not rightfully theirs to participate in.

Now, in the pop-up format that has become so popular and in the ever evolving landscape of the current millennium – sculpture, photography, contemporary painting and cutting edge video pieces are all displayed with an almost carnival-esque flavour in the name of engaging first time and seasoned collectors alike.

Credits: Images courtesy of Jac & Heath Bennett Photography