Meet Sandra Duran Wilson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandra Duran Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandra below.

Hi Sandra, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I have always been a traveler; from the time I came into the world. Growing up we lived in a ranching community along the Mexican-US border. One day while visiting family friends at their ranch, a neighbor’s horse ventured into the area where we were playing. I climbed a gate next to the horse and scampered onto his back, no saddle or bridle. I was almost four. The horse began a gentle walk back to his home nearby. We kids thought the neighbor was a cranky old man because he would chase us off his property but when he saw me on the back of Ole Blue a big grin took over his face. I knew then that people are not always as they appear.

I was also the youngest of three kids and the only girl. We were close in age and my brothers were not the protective sort. I often say I barely survived two older brothers. I really wanted to keep up with them so when they dared me to do something, I would do it; sometimes to disastrous results. I was usually afraid, but I did it anyway. This has followed me throughout my life. When faced with a challenge I remind myself that I have survived darn near everything.

Self-confidence, or self-esteem is a little different story. I see it as transient and based on experiences. The first time I was asked to speak at a conference I froze. I must have said something because there was applause. The next time I was handed a microphone I was like a deer in the headlights but I was talking about my art so I could move into familiar territory. The same with being in front of the camera or experimenting with new techniques and genres. The more I do something, the more comfortable I am. This and knowing that I have survived jungles in South America, hitchhiking across Alaska and recovering from addictions, keeps me trying new things. Each time I venture into a new territory I go back to my travel and survival experiences. This gives me the self-confidence to move forward.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My art has taken various forms over the years. I grew up oil painting landscapes plein air under the tutelage of my great-aunt, Santa Duran, who was a professional artist. As a teen I painted murals, then I moved to stone cutting and silversmithing. When I returned to college in my thirties I got degrees in cognitive science and fine art with a focus on printmaking. I had originally studied chemistry in college and it is the love of mixing things up that led me to experiment with mixed media. I changed from oil to acrylic about 30 years ago and I have explored all possibilities of how to use acrylic gels and pastes to get acrylic to behave in a variety of ways. Writing books for North Light Publishers pushed my explorations deeper and one of my books is called Acrylic Painting Techniques for Encaustic Effects.
I have been self-employed most of my life as an artist and I do enjoy entrepreneurial adventures. I live by my motto to reinvent myself every decade. I have moved from making my living selling art in fairs and galleries to creating online classes, mentoring programs, and bringing my love of travel and adventure to many artists. I have taught printmaking workshops on the island of Corsica, acrylic painting and fiber arts in Australia, painting and travel book making in Italy, France, Costa Rica and soon Morocco.
I am coming around full circle to focus more on my art development with international art exhibits in Europe, Australia and South Korea, and participating in art residencies around the world. I love to write about inspiration for artists and I believe that travel can help an artist move their work beyond their comfort level and break free from their own constraints. I really love new artists and the beginner’s mindset because anything is possible. I think that is why I recreate my journey every decade so I can reinvigorate beginner’s mind.
I have new shows opening in Europe this year and I have just filmed more episodes for my YouTube channel and I work with companies that make art supplies to educate artists about their products. The artist residencies I am doing are incorporating sounds from nature and translating them into site specific installations and paintings. I am a synesthete, so when I hear sounds and music it is translated to colors. My next exploration is to reverse the process and to create soundscapes based on paintings I have already painted.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being fearless, developing skills and being open to connections are the three most important things that have led my journey.

When you are beginning to paint, draw, create what you are passionate about and work a lot! If you wish to have your art improve you must make more art. Reading, studying, visiting museums and looking at art that is like what you want to make can train your eye. Looking at art that is very different from yours will help expand your vision and tune your voice. Look at things that you don’t understand and learn from them. Nothing will replace the hours spent developing your craft. Living an interesting life will develop your vision.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I find myself saying yes to great ideas that often pressure me for time and I end up feeling overwhelmed. When this happens, I resort to list making. One foot in front of the other. I also recruit help. I find a friend that has knowledge in areas I am not strong in and I barter time and skills. I recall initially resisting taking on an intern because I thought it would take more time educating them than to do it myself, but it is a two way street and I find I always learn something new from my students and peers. Collaboration and bartering are wonderful ways to expand your territory.

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