How many times can you reinvent yourself until fate shows you your true path? If you’re my guest today, Sandi Lear, the answer is - more than a few! Sandi has lived many lives in many places. As a military kid she went to 13 different schools! Sandi lived on a sailboat and earned her crust as an ambulance officer before finally landing where she was meant to be: as an award-winning watercolour artist. In this conversation, we talk about imposter syndrome, embracing constructive criticism, and how your life experiences lead you to where you’re supposed to be. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to pursue a creative career, or felt like you were starting over (again), this one’s for you.
I interviewed Sandi at the end of last year and since then she’s been one of 15 Australian artists selected to represent the country at the International Watercolour Convention being held in Fabriano, Italy. 88 countries are represented.
And speaking of representation, The Longworth Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, represents Sandi.
Show Notes:
Guest: Sandi Lear – Award-winning watercolourist
Topics Covered:
🎨 Reinventing yourself and finding a big C creative career later in life
🌊 The role of fate in shaping your life’s journey
💡 Feeling fear and imposter syndrome and doing it anyway
🖌️ Learning to embrace vulnerability and constructive feedback
❤️ Listening to your body and honoring your creative energy
Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ It’s never too late to go big on creativity. Sandi didn’t start painting until adulthood - proof that timing doesn’t matter as much as passion.
2️⃣ You have to be open and a little bit brave. Putting yourself out there, being willing to hear feedback (the good and the tough), and staying vulnerable is part of the process.
3️⃣ Listen when fate nudges you. Sometimes, life doesn’t go the way we planned - but maybe it’s pointing us toward something even better.
4️⃣ Your life is your story - own it. Everything you’ve done, loved, and lost shapes who you are. Embrace it, because it shows up in your art (whatever your art may be).
5️⃣ Creativity isn’t all big moments. Honour your body, your energy, and be willing to find small moments of inspiration - little c creative moments can be found everywhere.
And the best quote of the episode? “Be willing to muck about because you never know if a masterpiece might sneak up on you”.
Links & Resources:
🎨 Follow Sandi: Instagram | Website | Email: artistsandilear@gmail.com
🏛️ The Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns: Website
🖼️ The Longworth Gallery, Santa Fe: Website
🌍 Fabriano in Acquarello 2025 – International Watercolour Convention: More Info
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