Made and Worn - A Conversation

Join the curators and artists of Made/Worn: Australian Contemporary Jewellery in a conversation about their ideas and the stories behind the works. This is a unique opportunity to hear how key designers are interpreting the art of jewellery today.

Moderated by Lisa Cahill (CEO & Artistic Director of ADC, Lead curator) with artists Melinda Young (Co-curator and Contemporary Jeweller) and exhibiting artists Liam Benson and Emma Fielden.

Melinda Young
Melinda Young is a contemporary jeweller and craftsperson who has spent the past 20 years working as an educator, curator and gallery manager. She is currently an Associate Lecturer at UNSW Art & Design. Together with Lisa Cahill, Melinda conceived the idea for the exhibition and played a key role on the curatorium.

Liam Benson
Artist Liam Benson has two works in the exhibition - R.E.S.P.E.C.T and Coat of Arms - which convey his exploration of identity and culture. Hear how Liam works collaboratively with diverse communities and how through this culture, sub-culture and identity interrelate and evolve.

Emma Fielden
Artist Emma Fielden’s work ‘A Diminishing Force’ can be seen in the exhibition, and focuses on ideas about infinity, the nature of matter, the universe and our human place in it. In her work Emma draws upon science and poetics with her work coming into being at the crossroads of materiality and action.

Image: Made/Worn: Australian Contemporary Jewellery, Australian Design Centre, 2021. Photo: Rhiannon Hopley
Image: Zoe Brand, Will you take me seriously? 2025. Photo: Rhiannon Hopley
Image: Liam Benson, Coat of Arms, 2019. Photo: Steven Cook
Image: Emma Fielden, A Diminishing Force, 2019. Photo: courtesy of the artist