"Pivot!" Returning to My First Love — Art and Culture
Sharing the evolution of a life built on curiosity, authenticity, and the courage to pivot.
Dear Readers,
As you know, the reason why my newsletter is called Jain of All Trades, is not only a pun on the saying that uses a male moniker (“jack of all trades”) but also because I have a rather broad background and have held so many different types of roles.
From being a bench scientist to a fine arts conservator and research scientist, to being a world-renowned specialist in the art market, an executive director at a private arts space, and a DEI leader, the throughline has always been shining a spotlight on South Asian arts and culture, and elevating it to its rightful place on equal footing with all the great cultures of the world.
Which is why I am pivoting professionally, yet again.
Pivot #1: How it started…
Like many first-generation folks of South Asian descent, my path began as a would-be medical student, where the scientific method became ingrained in my mind. While conducting experiments in lab courses and gaining work experience in a pharma lab, I learned to cultivate critical thinking, ask probing questions, test solutions, and make informed decisions. These skills became my foundation for everything that followed.
Well thank goodness my college had a humanities requirement. While I was on my misguided path to medical school, I took an art history class — and I was hooked. And when Dr. Catherine Puglisi showed us an X-ray of Caravaggio's "Martyrdom of St. Matthew" (yes, you can X-ray paintings!) I pivoted completely. As soon as I got my Masters in Science, I entered NYU to study art history and fine arts conservation. Yes… I got three Masters’ degrees back to back. #InsaneInTheMembrane
When I finally finished grad schools, my first job was at Christie's auction house. There, for nearly 15 years, I honed my expertise in South and Southeast Asian art and culture. I was even hired to be a cultural consultant on a few Hollywood movies — and developed a knack for telling stories of historically marginalized communities with cultural authenticity and sensitivity. The most important lesson I learned was that the relationship is everything—how to form trusted bonds by speaking with honesty, even when the truth isn't what people want to hear.
After leaving Christie’s, I became the inaugural executive director for Wrightwood 659, a not-for-profit arts space in Chicago. I learned I had a natural talent for cultivating public interest and support for the arts, creating spaces where art could spark conversation and change. After setting them up for success, I returned to NYC full-time — just in time for the pandemic.
As with everyone, the pandemic became a time for me to interrogate my wants, needs, dreams, and passions. I loved art and culture, but what I really loved was telling stories from the subject’s point of view. And with everything that was happening at that time, I decided to pivot into DEI, building on trusted relationships to give everyone space to be seen and heard. This work emerged naturally from my lived experience as a "one-and-only" in predominantly white spaces throughout my career.
Pivot #2: Why DEI Became My Heart Work
As I shared on Lydia Fenet's "Claim Your Confidence" podcast, growing up as the only Indian girl in my school system until age 15 shaped everything. My parents, immigrants from India in the late '70s, taught me to be "as white adjacent as possible" because being Indian wasn't considered an asset then (or maybe even now?).
DEI work made me realize I wasn't crazy for feeling all the things I felt when people were rude to me or made microaggressions against me. I wasn't alone in deserving to be treated better. I could help others by being an ally while also finding community for myself.
I've been fortunate to work both at my dream job at Lucasfilm, and as a consultant for projects I truly care about. But this heart work was already hard work before the backlash, and I need to fill my vessel and find joy in my work again. I still lead with inclusion. I still believe in equity. Not because they're buzzwords, but because they reflect how I have and always will move through the world.
Pivot #3: Art Advisory & Appraisals
I’m excited to announce that I have pivoted to private art appraisals and advisory services — a natural progression that ties all my experiences together. This latest reinvention is a more balanced manifestation of my personal ikigai, allowing me to offer my expertise while maintaining space for myself and my family.
Over this year so far, I have worked hard to become accredited by the Appraisers Association of America to provide art appraisals in the following areas:
Postwar through Emerging Art
South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art
Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art (certified specialty)
Beyond appraisals, I'm passionate about supporting clients in the care and management of their collections—helping them navigate acquisitions, conservation, estate planning, and the meaningful stewardship of cultural objects.
Currently, I'm working on a major donation to a private museum (details to come!), and I have a fun Keith Haring “unboxing” video that I’ll share on my socials. I'm also thrilled to reveal my new website: sandhyajainpatel.com. Please let me know what you think.
Join Me on This Journey
This newsletter, "Jain of All Trades," will continue to chronicle my journey while also including observations on a variety of subjects, from art and culture to the mundane. I promise a unique perspective through my own intersectional lens — that of a first-generation Indo-American woman with nothing held back.
Whether you're here for the art expertise, the career pivots, or hints of the author journey I'll be announcing soon, I'm grateful you're along for the ride.
What reinvention are you contemplating? Hit reply and tell me—I read every response.
Interested in art appraisal or advisory services? Visit sandhyajainpatel.com or simply reply to this email with your questions.
Thanks so much for reading this edition of Jain of All Trades! You can support my writing by:
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Wishing you laughter, magic, and salt in your life,
Sandhya