39: Layer by Layer: Process and Progress in Glass with Susan Kinley

In this episode of An Art to It, I chat to artist Susan Kinley, whose striking glasswork blends a fine art sensibility with applied material techniques. We talk about her journey from fine art textiles at Goldsmiths in London gold.ac.uk and mixed media work at the Royal College of Art, rca.ac.uk to her layered, landscape-inspired glass practice rooted in Cornwall.
Sue shares how place, light, and materiality have always guided her creative path, from working with Japanese papers to developing glass installations inspired by ancient field patterns and standing stones. She reflects on her time as a teacher and her early years in London, and how a fellowship at Falmouth University falmouth.ac.uk led her to make Cornwall her home.
We also explore the practical and professional side of working in glass: from navigating galleries and site-specific commissions to pricing, installing, and selling work that sits between sculpture and painting. Sue offers thoughtful insights into what success looks like at different stages of a creative career, and how recognising your limits - and asking for help - is sometimes the most creative act of all.
You can see Sue's work at susankinley.co.uk and @susan.kinley