Episode 7: Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals

Mar 2

What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts?

In this deeply honest conversation, British miniature artist Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals shares the unexpected path that led her to create thousands of tiny boxed worlds over the past 22 years — and the mindset shifts that sustained her long before success arrived.

Lisa opens up about:

Growing up creative but controlled — and how perfectionism shaped her early identity
The broken architect figurine that changed everything
Why she didn’t call herself an artist for the first decade
The enormous responsibility of creating commissioned pieces that hold people’s most precious memories
How trust between artist and collector makes or breaks the work
Why building a mailing list matters more than chasing algorithms
The quiet power of “gentle shifts in perspective”

This is a conversation about vulnerability, business, motherhood, resilience, glitter, grief, and the courage to keep making what feels true.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “really” an artist… if selling your work feels exposing… or if you’re trying to build a sustainable creative career without burning out — this episode will feel like a steadying hand on your shoulder.

Because sometimes, changing the world doesn’t require shouting.
It requires small, meaningful acts of empathy — one tiny world at a time.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Creativity

06:49 Life Transitions: From South Africa to London and California

12:10 The Artistic Process: Creating Miniature Worlds

20:21 The Meaning Behind Glass Cathedrals

28:17 Art as a Medium for Empathy and Connection

36:53 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Navigating the Art World

YouTube video of podcast with images: https://youtu.be/Zt0DwJZE9uk?si=dFVq24qLjttwvHr0

Website: https://glasscathedrals.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/glasscathedrals

Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstories

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