Meet Brisbane artist Cassie Sandison (@_artbyaquarius), whose love for the ocean spills into her fluid artwork. We asked Cassie loads of questions about her journey with arts and crafts, and she painted us an inspiring picture with her answers!  Read on to find out more about her love for art and all things creating.

How did you discover your creativity? Was it a gradual process or a surprise discovery?

My creativity was a gradual and delightful discovery, a beautiful blend of my coastal upbringing, family influence, and an ever-present love for water. For me, it wasn't a single "aha!" moment but more of a gentle current that carried me towards my passion. Playing with resin and alcohol inks felt natural, like finding my rhythm in the waves. The fluidity of these mediums mirrors the ebb and flow of the ocean that I've always adored.

I’d always sought out ways to indulge in creative endeavours. As a child, I was always making something. I loved making beaded jewellery, going fabric shopping with mum or doing paintings with my grandmother, Mama.

But I became aware of resin and alcohol ink art and desperately wanted to try it. I went to a number of workshops to learn how-to from some of my favourite artists. I found it a great way to learn and develop my skills without having to invest in all the materials upfront. It also made me more confident and from there I haven’t looked back.

We noticed you’re into making sea art projects (very cool!). What draws you to the ocean?

Thank you! The ocean has always been my greatest inspiration. Growing up near the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay, Lennox Head, and Ballina, I was always surrounded by the beauty of water — it's a part of who I am. Whether it was splashing in the ocean or gliding through the pool as a swimmer, water has been my muse from day one. The way the water moves, its colours, and the serene yet powerful vibe it gives off all resonate deeply with me.

Being a swimmer, I spent countless hours in the water, feeling its rhythm and flow. This connection translates directly into my art. The fluidity of resin and alcohol inks mirrors the ocean's ever-changing nature, allowing me to capture its essence in my work. Plus, there’s something magical about the way light dances on the water’s surface that I strive to recreate in every piece.

Who are your creative cheerleaders?

My biggest cheerleaders are my husband and our two boys. They’re my constant source of encouragement and inspiration. My sons, in particular, love seeing what I’m working on and are never shy about giving their feedback. It's the best kind of motivation! If my eldest loves what he sees, he gets really upset when the pieces get sold — he wants to keep them all! Their excitement and genuine interest in my work fuel my creativity every day. Plus, having a family so invested in my art makes the whole process even more rewarding.

When creating artwork, do you prefer to plan it out or jump in and learn as you go?

I'm definitely a "jump in and learn as you go" kind of artist! There's something thrilling about letting the creative process take the lead. With resin and alcohol inks, the magic happens when you embrace spontaneity. The mediums have a mind of their own, and I love seeing where they take me.

Of course, I have a rough idea of what I want to achieve, but the real joy comes from experimenting and discovering unexpected results. It’s like a little adventure with each piece—unpredictable and exciting. Plus, this approach keeps my work fresh and full of life, just like the ocean waves that inspire me.

Do you come from a creative family?

Absolutely! Creativity runs deep in my family. My grandmother, affectionately known as "Mama," is an incredible oil painter who captures the beauty of farming landscapes with her brush. My mum is a talented textile artist with a keen eye for detail, creating beautiful clothes as a hobby.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there! My mother-in-law, Carol, is also a wonderful artist. Her work is inspiring, and she’s been an incredible source of support and motivation for me. With such a creative family, it’s no wonder that I found my passion in art. Their collective talent and encouragement have shaped my artistic journey and continue to inspire me every day.

Apart from the ocean, where else do you look for creative inspiration?

While the ocean is my primary muse, I find creative inspiration in many other places as well. Nature, in general, is a huge source of ideas—whether it’s the vibrant colours of a sunset, the intricate patterns of leaves, or the mesmerising dance of light in a forest.

I also love exploring different art forms and techniques. Visiting art galleries, reading about different artists, and even scrolling through Instagram can spark new ideas and perspectives. My family’s creative legacy plays a big role too. Watching my mum work on her textile projects or seeing my mother-in-law Carol’s stunning art always inspires me to experiment and push my boundaries.

Music is another big inspiration. There’s something about listening to a great playlist that gets my creative juices flowing. Each song can evoke different emotions and ideas, which often translate into my artwork. I always have music playing when I’m at work

In essence, inspiration is everywhere—it’s all about keeping an open mind and letting the world around you feed your creativity.

It's a Friday night and we're coming around for dinner! What would you cook for us?

If you’re coming around for dinner on a Friday night, you’re in for a treat! I’d whip up my favourite Italian-inspired meal: veal parmigiana. Picture tender veal cutlets, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to perfection. On the side, we’d have roasted potatoes and a crisp garden salad or simple greens to keep things light and balanced.

And since I’m such a sucker for chocolate, the dessert would definitely be something chocolatey—perhaps a decadent chocolate lava cake. To top it all off, we’d have a selection of Australian gins to enjoy. There’s nothing like a refreshing gin to wash down a delicious meal. Cheers!

What 3 art supplies would you take to the moon?

If I were off on a lunar escapade, my art supplies would be as ready for zero gravity as I am!

1.    Resin: Of course, my trusty resin kit would be first in my space suitcase. Who knows how resin would behave in low gravity? I'd be eager to find out!

 
2.    Alcohol Inks: Next up, my vibrant alcohol inks would join the lunar party. Picture this: swirling colours dancing weightlessly, creating otherworldly patterns on the moon's surface. It'd be like painting with the cosmos itself!

 
3.    Watercolors: While water might be scarce on the moon, I'd stick with the fluid art theme and bring along my watercolor set just in case. Who knows what kind of lunar landscapes I could conjure with delicate washes and cosmic hues? It'd be an experiment in art and space exploration all at once!

With these three amigos by my side, I'd turn the moon into my own personal art playground, discovering new techniques and creating celestial masterpieces that are out of this world!

What would your dream creative space look like?

Imagine stepping into a space where the walls breathe creativity and the floor sparkles with inspiration. My dream space would be like a whimsical blend of a mermaid's grotto and a mad scientist's lab!

First off, picture giant windows letting in tons of natural light, framing views of beach or honestly any body of water. I'm talking floor-to-ceiling glass, so every stroke of color is bathed in sunlight.

Next, there'd be shelves upon shelves of vibrant pigments, organized chaos, you know? And of course, my trusty companions:  resin, alcohol inks, and all the tools that make magic happen.

Comfort is key, too! A cozy corner with squishy bean bags or an overstuffed chair where I can brainstorm ideas or take a well-deserved break with a cup of tea (or maybe a gin depending on the time of day).

Even though I’d have natures best soundtrack of the waves crashing on the shore nearby, I’d have a great playlist to set the mood.

Basically, my dream creative space would be where the magic of the ocean meets the magic of art—a sanctuary of imagination and colour that feels like home, where every piece tells a story.

How do you deal with art block?

For me, experimentation is key. I’m always looking to try new techniques or even different materials. Even though my true love is all the blues, I like to experiment with different colour combinations to shake things up and get out of any creative ruts.

Another thing I find helpful is to have a change of scenery, stepping away from the studio and exploring new places or taking a trip to the ocean for a dip or an explore through the rock pools can help to clear my mind. There's something about water that washes away mental cobwebs and gets those creative juices flowing again.

Sometimes, scrolling through photos from my previous work or from my coastal hometown brings back waves of inspiration. Reminiscing about childhood adventures or beach days with friends often sparks new ideas.

Instead of fighting it, sometimes it's best to just roll with it. Taking a break and giving myself permission to recharge without feeling guilty works wonders. Trust me, the creativity always comes back!

I am naturally an extrovert so finding connection with others whether in real life or online also inspires my creativity. I love seeing what others have done and how they’ve adapted or used new processes. When I lack inspiration, wanting to try something I've seen or learned is always a great creative boost.

Check out more about @_artbyaquarius by exploring our gallery, where her art journey is featured. Get the tools you need to ride waves of creativity with Inks, Pouring Paints, and Canvases. If you create something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

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