Artist, Gallery Owner, Creative Force

This week, I’m joined by Sharon Harvey: a painter, gallery owner, and passionate creative, to explore what it really takes to run a commercial gallery while maintaining an active artistic practice.

Sharon shares her winding journey from a successful corporate career into the art world, what led her to study fine art in her 40s, and how a chance conversation changed everything. Now the founder of Sanctuary Gallery in Gloucestershire, she offers a unique dual perspective on gallery-artist relationships, creative confidence, and the realities of selling art today.

We discuss:

- The courage it takes to pivot careers and pursue art later in life
- How becoming a gallery owner reshaped Sharon’s view of working with galleries
- The practicalities and pressures of running a gallery solo
- The power of relationships in both making and selling art
- Why artists need to approach galleries like partners—not just platforms
- And the art of holding your nerve when things don’t sell

Sharon talks about Daphne Vaughn http://daphnevaughan.com who inspired her to apply for the foundation course, and Mercedes Smith Director of Fine Art Communications https://www.fineartcommunications.co.uk/people 

This episode is packed with honest reflections, useful insights, and quiet encouragement for anyone trying to build a creative career on their own terms.

Find Sharon and the Sanctuary Gallery
Instagram: @sharon_harvey_art
Gallery: sanctuarygallery.com