What does it take to win in the world of high art? In this episode of Winning, we sit down with Rebecca Salter CBE, the first female President of the Royal Academy of Arts, to discuss a career built on radical choices, creative destruction, and a "masterless" journey through Japan.

Rebecca shares the extraordinary story of how she rejected an elite academic path at Oxford University to follow her intuition into art school - a move that caused an "almighty rumpus" at the time. She also reveals the ruthless philosophy behind her process: why she threw her entire degree show into the River Avon and why she believes you must stop being "sentimentally attached" to your work if you want to truly progress.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The power of intuition: Why Rebecca defied her school and caused an "almighty rumpus" by choosing art school over Oxford.
• Creative destruction: The strategy of "losing attachment" to your work, including why she threw her entire degree show into the River Avon.
• Winning as an "oddity": How her unconventional upbringing as a vicar's daughter taught her to thrive in solitude and independent thinking.
• The "Masterless Samurai" mindset: Lessons in resilience from navigating the Japanese art world alone after her mentor’s sudden death.

(00:00) Early Influences and Artistic Journey

(02:55) Navigating Art Education and Career Choices

(06:01) Cultural Exploration in Japan

(09:03) Developing a Unique Aesthetic

(11:54) Challenges and Opportunities in Japan

(14:48) Building a Career as an Artist

(17:48) Reflections on Artistic Growth and Identity

(22:29) The Journey of Selling Art

(24:00) Transitioning from Ceramics to Printmaking

(25:34) Recognition and Emotional Impact of Art

(27:37) Becoming a Royal Academy Academician

(28:44) The Role of the Keeper and Leadership

(30:12) Navigating the Pandemic's Challenges

(35:51) The Summer Exhibition's Historical Significance

(42:08) The Dynamics of the Artistic Community