Lisa Swerling of Glass Cathedrals

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 identityThe broken architect figurine that changed everythingWhy she didn’t call herself an artist for the first decadeThe enormous responsibility of creating commissioned pieces that hold people’s most precious memoriesHow trust between artist and collector makes or breaks the workWhy building a mailing list matters more than chasing algorithmsThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Creativity06:49 Life Transitions: From South Africa to London and California12:10 The Artistic Process: Creating Miniature Worlds20:21 The Meaning Behind Glass Cathedrals28:17 Art as a Medium for Empathy and Connection36:53 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Navigating the Art WorldYouTube video of podcast with images:Website: https://glasscathedrals.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/glasscathedrals*******Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyworldsbigstoriesSmall by Design newsletter for miniature lovers -https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnewsLara IG: https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist