In Episode 29, I’m delighted to be chatting to Caroline Reed, a London-based glass artist working in the exquisite and lesser-known technique of pâte de verre. Caroline shares the extraordinary story of her transition from a career in science and leadership development to a deeply creative life as a glassmaker, her third career, and one she treats with both passion and professionalism.

Caroline reflects on her journey into glass, from her early love of art and materials to the moment she found her medium in pâte de verre, drawn to its delicacy, tactility, and potential for layering and experimentation. We explore how her scientific background influences her methodical and curious studio practice, and the emotional experience of pursuing a new career in midlife, including the imposter syndrome that can follow.

She also shares candidly about her experience at the Royal College of Art, the impact of COVID on her studies, and the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community in sustaining her creative work - especially the network in the Just Glass Society @just_glass_ https://www.just-glass.co.uk/ and the Contemporary Glass Society @contemporaryglasssociety https://cgs.org.uk/

We talk about what it really means to launch a creative business later in life, how she began showing and selling her work, and the unique strengths she brings from previous career, including an understanding of how to build gallery relationships and communicate with professionalism.

Caroline has also found inspiration from ceramicist Anastasia Zaramova, https://www.azamaceramics.co.uk/ @a_zama_ceramics  who she cites as a great example of a maker who appreciates how to promote her business. 

You can see Caroline’s work on instagram @carolinereed7767 and her website is  https://caroline-reed.co.uk/