Humans crave connection.
I’ve always loved ceremonies and rituals. In part, because they are unique cultural expressions and an excuse to wear beautiful clothing and enjoy great food, music and libations. But I think I look forward to them because they are an opportunity to slow down and take stock of what connects us.
I thought about becoming a celebrant for over a decade. In the end, two things made me commit. The first was marriage equality being realised in Australia, and the second was some dear friends asking me to officiate their marriage. So, in 2023 I became a registered civil celebrant.
For the past two decades, I’ve worked in the visual arts sector as a gallery director, art curator, lecturer and writer. While this has provided me with some great skills (public speaking, event planning etc.) more importantly, it has shown me how thoughts, feelings and emotions can be communicated through more than words.
When I’m not working with artists or officiating life celebrations, I spend my time cooking, eating and tending to the never-ending ‘to-do’ list on the farm where I live with my partner Travis, our cat the Moo, and our Kelpie, Mungo.