An Art To It
When does your passion become your profession? Can you take a love of making and creating and turn it into a successful business? This is the podcast where I talk to artists and makers who, whatever their discipline, are all fortunate to have turned their passion for creating into their occupation. As we discuss their journey to being professional artists and makers we explore inspirations, imposter syndrome, what success really means and of course, if there IS an art to running a flourishing creative business. I’m Elaine Dye, I’m the owner and curator of Cornwall’s Byre Gallery, I’m also a creative business mentor and coach, and the creator of the course, ‘An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success.’ When the Byre Gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, I thought it was the ideal opportunity to chat to some of the fascinating creatives I’ve got to know over the past decade and to explore what it means to be in the business of doing something you really love. I discovered that I love doing the podcast... so I'm keeping going!
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54: From Marketing to Making with Katie Robbins
05/08/2026
54: From Marketing to Making with Katie Robbins
A passion for colour, flowers and making all came together for Katie Robbins as she said goodbye to a career in marketing and welcomed a new creative direction as a ceramicist. In a lively and very open chat Katie - known by many on Instagram with her memorable handle @ceramicmagpie - shares her journey from a career in marketing to becoming a full-time ceramicist, and how creativity was always present in her life - even before she could imagine it becoming her work. She talks about studying French and politics at university, working in marketing, keeping her creative levels topped up with evening classes, and eventually finding her way to clay after having children. Katie reflects on the slow process of building confidence as a self-taught maker, the challenge of calling herself a ceramicist, and how selling her first pieces helped her begin to believe in her work. She also discusses how her marketing background has helped her shape her brand, understand social media, and bring people along on her creative journey. We talk about the realities of running a creative business: learning new skills, managing admin, showing up online, doing both general markets and specialist ceramic shows, developing a product range, and balancing heart-led making with commercial decisions. Katie and I also explore the importance of community, customer experience, and delighting buyers - from sharing the behind-the-scenes process to creating beautiful packaging and memorable moments. A warm and practical conversation about confidence, creativity, flowers, ceramics, and the many skills involved in building a sustainable creative business. You can see Katie’s work at and on instagram she is @ceramicmagpie
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53. The Fine Art of Balance with Lucy Burley
04/24/2026
53. The Fine Art of Balance with Lucy Burley
Ceramicists never really retire, but they are allowed to indulge in a sabbatical. In this episode of An Art to It, I chat to Lucy Burley, whose beautifully distinctive ceramic bottles and vessels have been a much-loved part of my gallery https://thebyregallery.co.uk/ for ten years. In our very lively chat Lucy reflects on her creative path, from a first life in London as a tri-lingual secretary and then working in television production to discovering painting classes, art school, and eventually clay. She talks about developing her now instantly recognisable style, inspired in part by Giorgio Morandi, and explains how she built a ceramic practice rooted in harmony of form, colour and use. We also discuss what it means to sustain a creative business over decades: learning as you go, building gallery relationships before the internet made everything visible, managing health challenges, and knowing when it’s time to step back and reassess. Lucy shares why 2026 has become a “mini gap year” or sabbatical for her - certainly not retirement, but a pause to think, travel, learn, and explore new directions in her work. This is a very open and honest conversation about longevity, resilience, creative identity, and the delicate balance between making work and making a living. Oh and, as a memorable postscript, Lucy also shares the extraordinary story of the time she ended up in prison in the Indian Ocean. In this episode: Lucy’s route into ceramics via painting and art school Leaving television and finding a more creative path Developing a distinctive style and glaze palette The influence of Giorgio Morandi on her work Building a ceramic career before Instagram and websites Why she chose not to do large craft fairs Teaching ceramics and why she eventually had to stop Living and working with Lyme disease The decision to take a sabbatical from full-time potting What success means at different stages of a creative life The “fine art of balance” in a creative business And the unforgettable story of a spell in jail in the Andaman Islands Lucy talks about some of the fellow creatives and businesses who have supported or inspired her: Charles Gladstone: https://gladstonehellen.co.uk/@hawardenestate and @gladstone_hellen Scilly flowers: https://www.scillyflowers.co.uk/@scillyflowers Fiona Findlay: @findlayfiona Thom Hudson: @thom_hudson Lucy Nicolls: @lucydorothyart Kyra Cane @kyra.cane
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52: Painting and Possibilities with Laura Menzies
04/10/2026
52: Painting and Possibilities with Laura Menzies
Freedom of choice and taking up all opportunities are just two of the topics I chat about with visual artist Laura Menzies in episode 52 of An Art to It. From a multidisciplinary arts degree and early love of dance to developing a distinctive painting practice in Cornwall, Laura shares her creative business journey; and reveals how studying, teaching and later completing an MA in Fine Art helped her refine her artistic voice. We also discuss the reality of building a creative business: learning the business side on the job, approaching and working with galleries, and the inventive collaborations that have helped Laura reach new audiences, including projects with Celtic & Co and Neptune https://www.neptune.com/. Laura speaks openly about growing in confidence, learning to market herself in ways that feel aligned, and the value of staying open, flexible and resilient in a creative career. Topics covered Laura’s early creative life and multidisciplinary arts degree Why visual art, rather than performance, became her focus Moving to Cornwall and the draw of the coast and creative community How her painting practice developed during and after her MA at Falmouth Landscape, memory, movement and “visual poetry” in her work Learning the business side of being an artist Building confidence in promoting and talking about her work Collaborating with Celtic & Co on a range of clothes using her painting Using books, branding and beautifully styled imagery as part of her business Growing into a more entrepreneurial mindset Her thoughts on success, freedom and creative choice Advice on resilience, flexibility and running a successful creative business You can see Laura’s work at and on instagram she is @lauramenziesart
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51: Silver, Stories and Staying Power with Lucy Spink
03/27/2026
51: Silver, Stories and Staying Power with Lucy Spink
Exhibiting - and wearing - a maker’s work for a decade is definitely something worth celebrating. This week I’m chatting with Cornish jeweller Lucy Spink, a Byre Gallery regular for ten years since I first discovered her work thanks to two clients who were wearing her jewellery; surely the best kind of introduction. Since then I’ve got a considerable collection of her work myself - as have many of the gallery’s clients. In our lovely chat we talk about how the jewellery world has shifted over the last decade, the eye-watering rise in metal prices, Lucy’s love of unusual stones, and the way photography, texture and storytelling all weave through her practice. Lucy also shares the real behind-the-scenes of creative life: fairs, imposter syndrome, the juggle of life, dogs and studio time… and why residencies can be pure creative gold. We chat about: How I first discovered Lucy’s work a customer-styling recommendation! How the jewellery market has changed: trends, saturation, and shifting tastes Why unusual gemstones sparked a new direction Metal prices rising fast - and what makers may do next Lucy’s photography background and why it helps her in her practice The quiet power of “back story” in a creative practice (nothing is wasted) The reality of fairs: visibility, energy, and “bearing your soul” The role galleries still play, and how online selling has changed things The art to running a creative business: persistence, hope, and adapting You can see Lucy’s work @lucyspinkjewllery and www. lucyspinkjewellery.co.uk
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50: Where the Work Wants to Go - Meg Fatharly on Process, Play and Building a Creative Business
03/13/2026
50: Where the Work Wants to Go - Meg Fatharly on Process, Play and Building a Creative Business
Word play and the serenity of printing are under discussion in this episode of An Art to It, when I’m joined by artist and maker Megan Fatharly. An exciting talent, Meg has won a deserved reputation - and fan base - for her witty and distinctive embossed metal work. In a lively and honest chat we talk about Meg’s relationship with place (Scottish beginnings, Cornwall now), her diagnosis of ADHD in her late twenties, and how art-making became both a way to process the world and a “capsule of process” she could return to when things felt too much. Meg shares the behind-the-scenes truth of building a creative business: the push-pull between play and commercial demand, the exhaustion of systems and delegation, the emotional reality of visibility, and why success can feel strangely rigid when your work becomes known for “one thing”. We also discuss taking part in the trade show Top Drawer, the difference between that and a market, how audiences connect with the person behind the work, and a line that Meg wrote in her blog about showing her work at Top Drawer that stood out for me: “paying attention to where the work naturally wants to go, rather than where I think it should go to be more easily understood.” I asked how that fits in with being an entrepreneur We chat about: The pull of geography and “sense of place” in creative identity ADHD, hyper-fixation, and the relief of processes that slow the mind down Meg’s love of printmaking Poetry, collage and using words to anchor ambiguity When your art becomes a business: contracts, VAT, systems and structure The tension between exploring new work and “will it sell?” mentality Visibility and boundaries: when people want to meet the maker You can see Meg’s work at and @printcessmeg Meg very much admires: The Fabled Thread Website: Instagram: Meg worked alongside the Institute of Imagination facilitating workshops. Website: Instagram: Meg took part in Top Drawer with Cornwall Shop Small and Creative Kernow Associates Website: Instagram: Website: Instagram: John was one of Meg's tutors during foundation and degree, and his open-access print studio remains an invaluable creative space in Cornwall. Website: Instagram:
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49: Sticking to Your Guns: 20 years of Contemporary Jewellery with Victoria Sewart
02/27/2026
49: Sticking to Your Guns: 20 years of Contemporary Jewellery with Victoria Sewart
Celebrating 20 years as a beacon of creative excellence in jewellery, I’m delighted to be joined this week by Vicky Sewart, founder of Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery in Plymouth, Devon. In a lovely chat with Vicky we talk about what’s changed in the jewellery world, and why, with a very clear vision of what she wanted her gallery to be, she “stuck to her guns” through recessions and retail shifts. Vicky also shares how teaching has become a huge part of her creative life, the reality of navigating breast cancer just two years into opening the gallery, and why she’s now embracing a fresh “next chapter” with mentoring and renewed energy. What we cover: How the contemporary jewellery landscape has changed over 20 years Why Vicky chose “gallery” over “shop” - and what that means in practice Sticking to a clear vision (even when the market pushes you mainstream) The joy of teaching design-led jewellery Whether you need university to become a jeweller today The role galleries still play in a world of Instagram selling What Vicky wants next: lifestyle business, career business… or something she can eventually sell? You can see the gallery at and on instagram @victoria_sewart_gallery Vicky talked about the work of one of her gallery team, Rachel Darbourne whose work you can see @racheldarbourne, also part of the amazing team at the Gallery is @valmuddymanjewellery @kathleen.ashcroft.jewellery and @donna.burns.jewellery If you enjoy An Art to It podcasts, please, please do follow us on Apple and help more people find us. It’s really easy, open the Apple podcast app, go to An Art to It; the top three little dots on the upper right hand corner, touch that and it will offer you ‘Go to Show’ select that, you’re on the home page, and then back to the three dots, select that and tap FOLLOW. Thank you v much!
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48: Memories and Making with Carolyn Tripp
02/13/2026
48: Memories and Making with Carolyn Tripp
In this episode of An Art to It, I’m joined by ceramic artist Carolyn Tripp for a very enterianting and thoughtful conversation about finding your voice, building confidence, and taking the long view in a creative career. Carolyn shares her journey from advertising to ceramics, how loss shaped a deeply personal body of work, and why success in the art world often comes slowly - through consistency, clarity, and community rather than quick wins. In this episode we talk about: Finding your true creative voice later in life How personal experience can become universal in your work Why Carolyn describes her work as a “visual diary” of things she notices The value of getting help with words, storytelling, and communication Imposter syndrome - even when showing your work at a prestigious event like Collect How previous careers can quietly support a creative business Selling work through galleries and how collectors engage with ceramics Why evolution in your work needs to be careful and considered What success looks like when you play the long game Carolyn also shared businesses that she loves for their brands and their authenticity: her local bakers @august.bakery_ and skincare specialist @drsambunting You can find Carolyn’s work at https://www.carolyntceramics.co.uk/ and on instagram she’s @carolyntceramics Carolyn is showing her work with the Cynthia Corbett Gallery https://www.thecynthiacorbettgallery.com/ at the Craft’s Council https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/ international event, Collect at London’s Somerset House https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/ from 26th Feb If you enjoy An Art to It podcasts, please, please do follow us on Apple and help more people find us. It’s really easy, open the Apple podcast app, go to An Art to It; the top three little dots on the upper right hand corner, touch that and it will offer you ‘Go to Show’ select that, your on the home page, and then back to the three dots, select that and tap FOLLOW. Thank you v much!
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47: Clay, Trees and the Art of Listening to What Lifts You with Sonya Wilkins
01/30/2026
47: Clay, Trees and the Art of Listening to What Lifts You with Sonya Wilkins
In this episode, I’m joined by ceramic artist Sonya Wilkins, whose vessels are inspired by the natural world - particularly trees, woodland textures, and the quiet power of time spent outdoors. Sonya shares how creativity has been woven through her life since childhood, from early painting lessons with her father to discovering clay at school, and why ceramics became both a practice and a refuge. Sonya also talks candidly about her “two pulls”: a creative identity alongside an entrepreneurial streak, and how her earlier career in people development eventually found its way back into her work. A turning-point moment brought her full circle to teaching ceramics, and reignited her own studio practice. We chat about the tension many artists face between commercial demand and soul-led making, how Sonya uses variety (and a range of price points) to support both creativity and sustainability, and why she sees Instagram as a visual portfolio rather than a creative prison. We also touch on other subjects close to Sonya’s heart: Reiki, wellbeing, and Ikigai, and how she believes that all of these frameworks can help artists build a business that doesn’t flatten their joy. We chat about: How Sonya’s father taught her observation - and why that shaped everything Fossil hunting, earth materials, and the “magic” of what’s hidden inside rock Why clay became a companion, and why Sonya always needs to go 3D A “pre-art” career, and the confidence rebuild that brought her back to making The commercial temptation: growth vs. conveyor-belt creativity Trees as muse, symbol, and subject Her MA at Bath Spa University https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/ Client stories, significant trees, and creating vessels that hold memory You can see Sonya’s work at and on instagram @sonyawilkinsceramics
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46: Art for Everyone with Liz Lidgett
01/16/2026
46: Art for Everyone with Liz Lidgett
2026 - and series five - kicks off with An Art to It’s first ever transatlantic episode: this week I’m joined by gallerist Liz Lidgett of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design in Des Moines, Iowa. https://www.lizlidgett.com/ Liz shares how growing up with a free local museum - and a grandmother who bought her art lessons every Christmas - shaped her belief that art should be for everyone. After studying art history and working as an in-house curator for a major corporate collection, she left the corporate world after exactly one year to become a freelance art advisor before opening her own gallery in 2019… just months before the pandemic. In our lively chat we talk about how being based in the midwest - rather than LA or New York City - gave Liz the space to experiment with selling art, and how Instagram and lockdown turned a her local gallery into a global business. and why Liz treats her gallery as her biggest artwork – built on joy, ethics, and a strict “no jerks” rule. Inspired by her belief that art really IS for everyone, 2026 sees the launch of Liz’s book, Art for Everyone where she demystifies buying, hanging and living with art for people who “love art but don’t know where to start.” It can be pre-ordered now on Amazon. In this episode, we chat about: Why being in the “overlooked” Midwest gave Liz freedom to play, make mistakes and experiment Moving from art history and corporate curation into art advising - and what she learned from seeing behind the scenes of galleries. How her Midwest gallery now ships to all 50 US states and 11+ countries, and why location matters less when your voice and eye are strong The values at the heart of her business: accessibility, kindness, paying artists on time, “no jerks”, and approachable (never snooty) language Building a community for artists: annual surveys, honest questions, and a legendary 5-year party that brought 35–40 artists together in person The emotional and as Liz says, “slightly woo-woo” side of gallery work: believing that each artwork has a person it’s “meant” for – and her job is to connect them What galleries can still offer artists in an age of direct sales and social media Treating the gallery itself as her biggest artwork, and why joy is non-negotiable in how she runs her business. @lizlidgettgallery @lizlidgett @elaine_dye_ @thebyregallery
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45: Christmas Special: Behind the Gallery Wall with Sharon Harvey and Sara McKee
12/19/2025
45: Christmas Special: Behind the Gallery Wall with Sharon Harvey and Sara McKee
Ever wanted to eavesdrop of gallery owners in conversation? Now is your chance . In this Christmas Special edition of An Art to It, I’m joined by two fellow gallerists: Sharon Harvey (Sanctuary Gallery, Gloucestershire, and landscape artist) and Sara McKee (Life Full Colour gallery and music venue, North Wales). Together we unwrap what 2025 has really been like for independent galleries: the tough months, the surprising highs, the “Dunkirk Spirit” of a Private View in a rainstorm and flood, and why layering income streams and experiences has become essential. We also answer questions posed by artists and makers on: How galleries choose new artists Whether being a “Northern” artist limits your gallery chances Following up when a gallery goes quiet The reality of pricing for galleries vs. art fairs Whether galleries worry about “missing the next Van Gogh”… It’s a cosy, honest, very real conversation about art, money, risk, resilience - and why your relationship with a gallery matters as much as your work. You can visit each of our galleries here: And find out more about me An Art to It will be back in mid January 2026
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44: Finding Your Artistic Life with Gabriella Buckingham
12/12/2025
44: Finding Your Artistic Life with Gabriella Buckingham
In this week’s episode, I chat to visual artist Gabriella Buckingham, whose creative path has taken her from illustration, to product design, to online teaching, and finally to the richly expressive painting practice she runs today. Gabriella reflects on her childhood desire to be an artist and how finally reaching her destination “was just what I wanted. So I'm very grateful.” And how her time spent in the business side of a greetings card business left her with invaluable knowledge of trends, sales analysis and creative stamina which she could ultimately apply to her own creative business. “I really feel that to run art as a business, you've got to be an optimist. You've got to be able to pick yourself up when you fail.” We discuss: • Our shared Lithuanian heritage - and the mystery at the centre of Gabriella’s family history • Growing up obsessed with the paintings in her family home - as well as colour and ballet Why she realised graphic design wasn’t for her as she cared far more about the painting than the type. The commercial years that gave her strong business foundations Life as a kitchen-table business owner on Not On The High Street, https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ and the moment she realised success was costing her more than it gave back Creating and teaching her own online painting course, and why seven-month “live experiences” are as intense as they sound Entering work for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition - and the electric moment she learned she’d been selected Brand inspiration, colour psychology, and why she thinks she’s a “Spring business with an Autumn edge” inspired by Fiona Humberstone @thebrand_stylist Brands she loves: Boden https://www.boden.com/, Toast https://www.toa.st/, and Kemi Telford https://kemitelford.com/ Success, according to Gabriella: “the life I have now… just with a little more space, more painting, and more galleries.” You can enjoy Gabriella’s work at - and on instagram @gabriellabuckingham
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Unframed 5: It’s Makeover Time
12/05/2025
Unframed 5: It’s Makeover Time
In this final episode of my mini-series An Art to It: Unframed, we’re talking about the quiet power of presentation - and why giving your digital presence a bit of a make-over can make such a difference to how your work is seen, understood, and valued. As a gallery owner I get a lot of submissions from artists and makers asking me to consider their work, and naturally I look at their Instagram accounts and websites. Some times I’m excited by what I discover and others… well, let’s just I’m left a bit confused as to what their practice actually is. So this episode explores how your online world: your Instagram grid and your website, act as your shop window. And just like any good window display, it needs a little thought, clarity, and styling to really invite people in. In this episode we cover: Why artists often resist “styling” - and why it matters more than we admit What major retailers can teach us about presentation How your Instagram grid works like a mini exhibition Simple user-friendly and effective upgrades: profile photo, bio, pinned posts, highlights The “mini shop window” effect and why clarity beats clutter How to curate your website so visitors instantly understand your work Seasonal styling and how small changes make your online presence feel fresh and current This isn’t about perfection, aesthetics for aesthetics’ sake, or style over substance. It’s about helping your beautiful work shine in the way it deserves to. If you’ve enjoyed this mini-series, I’d love to hear from you — and if you have topics you’d like me to explore in possible future Unframed episodes, just drop me a note. And you can… • Join my monthly Creative Brief newsletter: elainedye.com • Listen to the full An Art to It interview series • Follow along on Instagram for more tips for artists & makers @elaine_dye_ and @thebyregallery.co.uk VA7X8M4HOWks5NMe36pA
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43: A Certain Kind of Crazy: Ten Years as a Maker with Amy Stringer
11/28/2025
43: A Certain Kind of Crazy: Ten Years as a Maker with Amy Stringer
In this episode of An Art to It, I’m joined by applied artist Amy Stringer, who has just celebrated ten years of running her creative business. Amy’s practice moves between jewellery and ceramics – think structural, architectural, process-led work that blurs the boundaries between wearable pieces and sculptural objects. Starting with body adornment and bold cement forms, she’s now known for both her chain-led silver jewellery and her carved Kurinuki vessels, where jewellery sometimes lives inside the ceramic object. Together, Elaine and Amy talk about what has changed over the last decade for makers, and what it really takes to sustain a creative career over the long term. They discuss: How the landscape for makers has shifted pre- and post-Covid, from material costs and gallery closures to the boom in workshops Why Amy’s teaching practice has become a vital pillar in her business, and what she loves about passing on traditional skills Her transition from “fashion-minded” body adornment to process-led jewellery and ceramics, and the tension she’s felt around the word “artist” Working with Kurinuki - an ancient Japanese technique of carving clay- and why her ceramic pieces can take months before they even reach the kiln Pricing, value and how ceramic audiences respond to labour-intensive work The differences between jewellery shows and ceramics shows, and why ceramics seems to invite more play The realities of self-employment as a maker: admin, tax, tools, rejection and the business skills that are rarely taught at art school How Amy approaches teaching second-career makers who are thinking about going professional The role galleries have played in her journey, and why having the confidence to approach them early on made such a difference What success looks like for her next ten years - from multidisciplinary exhibitions to sustaining a comfortable, creatively fulfilling life And, as always, I ask Amy the podcast’s central question: Is there an art to running a successful creative business? Amy’s answer is honest, encouraging and very recognisable to anyone trying to make their creative work pay the bills: it takes a particular personality, a lot of internal drive, and a willingness to keep going through self-doubt and imposter syndrome. You can see Amy’s work @amystringerdesign and at https://www.amystringer.co.uk/
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Unframed 4: Copycats
11/21/2025
Unframed 4: Copycats
It’s one thing when a friend deliberately buys the same coat as you. It’s quite another when your creative work, or something very similar, turns up on someone else’s instagram grid, gallery, grid, or workshop offering. Copying is personal, deeply and annoying and hurtful - but when it could undermine your carefully crafted creative identity and brand, then it’s a real issue. In this episode, we take a look at the slightly thorny subject of copying in creative business: how to spot it, what to do when it happens, and how to protect yourself going forward. From personal experience to industry advice, she explores why copying hurts, when to take action, and how to trust your own originality even when others are borrowing a little too freely. Whether you’re an artist, maker, writer or workshop teacher, if you’ve ever had that sinking “hang on a minute…” moment, this one’s for you. In this episode: Why creative work feels personal What you can protect (and how) Why visibility invites imitation How to respond when someone copies you The difference between inspiration and imitation What to do if you’re worried you’re too close to someone else’s idea For more tips, sign up for my monthly newsletter, Creative Brief, visit
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42: The Art of Reinvention with Jane Wilson
11/14/2025
42: The Art of Reinvention with Jane Wilson
What happens when the art you’re known for no longer brings you joy? In this episode, mixed media artist Jane Wilson shares her journey from fashion buying to creative commercial success, and how a door closing lead to her finding her true voice as a playful, joy-filled artist. Jane opens up about early experiences of imposter syndrome, the emotional fallout from a tough gallery break-up, and how lockdown gave her space to rediscover creativity on her own terms. We talk about the art of starting over - more than once - and why success looks different at different stages of life and career. Jane also reflects on professional ambition, the importance of artist identity, and how she’s channelling her experience into launching her first online workshop. We talk about: Jane’s shift from fashion buyer to professional artist Why gallery representation isn’t always the dream Imposter syndrome and reclaiming the title of ‘artist’ Playing your way into a more joyful practice The power of beginner’s mind Success, validation, and new directions after 50 Creative professionalism (and why every artist needs a delivery note!) You can see Jane’s work online at and on instagram @janewilsonartist
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Unframed 3: Invisible Women: Time to Throw off the Cloak
11/07/2025
Unframed 3: Invisible Women: Time to Throw off the Cloak
In episode three of my mini series of mini podcasts, I’m talking about something that comes up again and again - in both quiet conversations and loud frustrations. Invisibility. That creeping feeling of no longer being seen or noticed as we age, especially as women. Whether it's being ignored in a cafe queue, looked through as we walk into a gallery or walked past at a party, there's a moment many of us experience where it feels like the spotlight has quietly moved elsewhere. And if you’re an artist and maker does that make your job of getting your work seen even harder? I believe that creativity doesn't have a shelf life, and being in your ‘prime’ is just the be beginning. I talk about: Why “a certain age” is really just your “prime” How to show up fully and unapologetically The power of language and how we talk about ourselves Creative identity, visibility, and confidence How creative passion fuels vitality And why it’s never too late to start - including a 75-year-old artist I mentored recently Plus, I share the story that inspired the episode - about a puppy, a coffee shop, and the moment you realise no one’s looking anymore… until you make them. Whether you're 45, 55 or 75, if you’ve started to feel overlooked, it’s time to fight back and throw off the Cloak of Invisibility. You can get more tips and insight from my by signing up to Creative Brief my monthly newsletter at elainedye.com
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41: Creative Hands, Bold Moves with Franca Westaway
10/31/2025
41: Creative Hands, Bold Moves with Franca Westaway
In this week’s episode of An Art to It, I chat to artist I talk to the multi-talented Franca Westaway - an artist, designer, educator and all-round creative force. Franca’s work spans textiles, ceramics, teaching, painting, mural commissions - and a deep commitment to following her creative instincts wherever they lead. We talked about her early love of fashion and textiles, and how she pivoted from working in the London fashion industry to teaching art and then building her own surface pattern business. She shares how creating bold work helped her resist the “invisibility cloak” that can come with middle age, and why she’s not interested in following a conventional business model if it means compromising her values. Franca opens up about the ethical challenges of mass production, the environmental questions that surface in her creative decisions, and how she’s now moving into small-batch ceramics that are unapologetically personal and hand-painted — even if they aren’t “convenient” to scale. We also talk about the many hats a creative has to wear — from bookkeeper to social media manager — and how being open to possibility and saying yes has shaped her journey. As ever, it's a rich, honest, and inspiring conversation about finding your own rhythm and way of doing business in a creative life. Franca references some fellow creatives whose work and ethos inspires her: / You can see Franca’s work on Instagram @Francawestaway23 and her website is
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Unframed 2: The Comparison Trap: When to Look — and When to Look Away
10/24/2025
Unframed 2: The Comparison Trap: When to Look — and When to Look Away
We’ve all done it, a quick scroll turns into a spiral. Someone else is making more, selling more, getting that gallery show or grant… and suddenly, your own progress feels like it doesn’t count. In this episode of Unframed, I’m taking a look into the spiky topic of comparison: - When it can actually help your creative practice - When it starts to undermine your confidence - And how to set your own pace without getting pulled off course As a gallery owner and coach, I see this come up all the time - perhaps especially for artists and makers who are returning to creativity later in life or growing a practice alongside other demands. And I’ve felt it too. Comparison can be motivating, but only when you’re clear about what you’re looking for. In this chat, I share some ways to be more intentional with what you absorb, how to choose a healthy ‘pace-setter,’ and why your timeline doesn’t need to match anyone else’s. Whether you’re feeling inspired or overwhelmed, I hope this helps you find your footing again. You can find out more about me at and my gallery at
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40: The Creative Spiral with Lisa Henshall
10/16/2025
40: The Creative Spiral with Lisa Henshall
Artist and mentor Lisa Henshall joins me from her Norfolk studio to talk about the creative spiral that underpins her practice. From a wild and free Cornish childhood to painting at the kitchen table with three small children, Lisa shares how she’s built a full-time art career rooted in self-trust, sharing, and expansion. We talk about the business of being an artist, what real gallery support looks like, and how each phase of making and mentoring loops back into the next. Lisa also reflects on the early days of balancing single parent-hood with painting, her teaching experiences, and why she’s now finally returning to study to undertake a Masters at Arts University Bournemouth We discuss: Lisa’s concept of the creative spiral Growing up on Cornish coast with a love of painting - and being allowed to do it! From jewellery to large-scale work and international shows How mentoring and teaching feed into her creative practice Showing vs selling—and why both are part of the process What great artist-gallery relationships really look like Building a business that feels like you You can see Lisa’s work at and on instagram @lisahenshallartwork Lisa shows her work at Art Dog and also now in Ireland at the Doorway Gallery in Dublin https://www.thedoorwaygallery.com/ If you’re interested in my course for artists and makers: An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success you can find out more here: https://elainedye.com/an-insiders-guide-to-gallery-success/
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Unframed 1: Are You Faking It? (The Real Imposter Might Surprise You…)
10/10/2025
Unframed 1: Are You Faking It? (The Real Imposter Might Surprise You…)
In this first episode of An Art to It: Unframed, I’m taking a look at something that comes up again and again - in my coaching, my course, and in conversations with artists and makers: imposter syndrome. You know that voice. The one that says you haven’t studied enough. Or sold enough. Or been doing this long enough to really call yourself an artist. I hear it all the time - especially from women coming to creative work after a different career, or picking it back up after raising a family. In this short solo episode, I talk about: Why imposter syndrome shows up (and when it's most likely to strike) How to spot it before it spirals Why formal training is not the only mark of legitimacy How to build your own "box of strength" to keep you going when doubt creeps in Whether you’re just starting out, coming back to your creative self after a break, or taking the next brave step in your career, this one’s for you. Plus: a quick reminder that my online course for artists and makers getting ready to pursue their creative passion as their profession, An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success is open for enrolment on Wednesday 15th October - and there’s still time to join my free live webinar at 1:30pm that day; visit to sign up.
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39: Layer by Layer: Process and Progress in Glass with Susan Kinley
10/03/2025
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 https://www.gold.ac.uk/ and mixed media work at the Royal College of Art, https://www.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 https://www.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 and @susan.kinley
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38: Trusting the Process, Finding the Confidence with Liz O’Dwyer
09/19/2025
38: Trusting the Process, Finding the Confidence with Liz O’Dwyer
This week, I’m joined by ceramicist Liz O’Dwyer in an entertaining - and very honest - chat about building a creative practice from the ground up. We talk about Liz’s early love for making, her years in both art education and Forest School, and how she reconnected with clay later in life, thanks to encouragement from her family, eventually finding her material in porcelain and her voice in form, line, and inlay. Liz shares her experience of teaching as a way to build skill and confidence, her journey through imposter syndrome, and how support from events like the Contemporary Craft Festival https://www.craftfestival.co.uk/ and becoming a selected member at the prestigious Craft Potters Association https://www.craftpotters.com/ helped her feel like she truly belonged. We also talk about building a creative business at your own pace, saying no, finding the right galleries, and the quiet joy of seeing your work in someone else’s hands. We cover: Making peace with not having a ceramics degree How teaching shaped her practice - Liz works at The Ceramic Studio in Kent https://www.theceramicstudio.co.uk/ The importance of the ceramic community Balancing family, part-time work, and growing a business Letting the work evolve naturally You can see Liz’s work on her website and at instagram on @lizodwyer
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37: Two Hats, One Vision with Sharon Harvey
09/05/2025
37: Two Hats, One Vision with Sharon Harvey
Artist, Gallery Owner, Creative Force This week, I’m joined by Sharon Harvey: a painter, gallery owner, and passionate creative, to explore what it really takes to run a commercial gallery while maintaining an active artistic practice. Sharon shares her winding journey from a successful corporate career into the art world, what led her to study fine art in her 40s, and how a chance conversation changed everything. Now the founder of Sanctuary Gallery in Gloucestershire, she offers a unique dual perspective on gallery-artist relationships, creative confidence, and the realities of selling art today. We discuss: - The courage it takes to pivot careers and pursue art later in life - How becoming a gallery owner reshaped Sharon’s view of working with galleries - The practicalities and pressures of running a gallery solo - The power of relationships in both making and selling art - Why artists need to approach galleries like partners—not just platforms - And the art of holding your nerve when things don’t sell Sharon talks about Daphne Vaughn who inspired her to apply for the foundation course, and Mercedes Smith Director of Fine Art Communications This episode is packed with honest reflections, useful insights, and quiet encouragement for anyone trying to build a creative career on their own terms. Find Sharon and the Sanctuary Gallery Instagram: Gallery: sanctuarygallery.com
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36: Carving out a Creative Life (helped by proper coffee!) with Jill Hudson
08/22/2025
36: Carving out a Creative Life (helped by proper coffee!) with Jill Hudson
This week, I’m joined by painter, and Byre Gallery regular, Jill Hudson, whose creative life has been shaped by travel, resilience, and an enduring love of the sea. Jill shares her journey from studying at Falmouth art school to achieving an enviable life/work balance, and how experiences like teaching in Uganda and studying in Venice helped shape both her perspective and her practice. We chat about the realities of running a professional art business - from the challenges of self-promotion and gallery relationships to the delicate balance between commercial work and creative freedom. Jill reflects honestly on what success means to her, the ongoing struggle with admin and marketing, and why she’s finally ready to explore a long-held dream of working in fresco. We also discuss Jill’s early determination to become an artist (despite her careers advisor’s doubts) Her formative experience teaching in Uganda Studying art in Venice and its lasting influence (not just the coffee!) The gentle build of her creative career and gallery representation Making art that sells vs making the art you love How she manages gallery relationships and adapts work to suit different audiences The tension between creative flow and business tasks like websites and self-promotion Her plans to explore fresco painting in 2025 As Jill says: "Success for me is making a living from this — a creative career with inspiration and opportunity. But you have to keep carving it out every day.” You can see Jill’s work @jillhudsonart and jillhudson.art Jill talked about and paints by She learned about fresco painting a with Carey Mortimer.
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35: A Life in Full Colour with Sara McKee
08/08/2025
35: A Life in Full Colour with Sara McKee
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant and irrepressible Sara McKee - art historian, copywriter, branding expert, and founder of Life Full Colour, https://www.lifefullcolour.com/ a vibrant gallery and cultural hub in North Wales. Sara shares the rich tapestry of her creative and corporate life: from being mentored by legendary art historians at Warwick University https://warwick.ac.uk/ and discovering a love of fresco in Venice, to carving out a second career in advertising and strategy. But it was her decision to turn passion into purpose that took centre stage: Sara explains how her plans to share her thoughts on art exhibitions, took her to selling work online and then deciding to open a gallery in March 2020, just before the UK went into lockdown. In a candid, entertaining, and inspiring conversation, Sara and I chat about: What studying art history taught Sara about looking, not just seeing The unexpected influence of theatre, ancient history, and marketing on her gallery work Building a creative business rooted in community, joy, and personal connection Why good galleries are about people as much as they are about paintings Her dream to bring together art, live music, and storytelling under one roof With a plan to write her memoir and a gallery bar that’s part local pub and part inspired by Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Sara is living proof that creative vision and strategic instinct can make for a full and colourful life.
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34. Balancing the Business of Art with Melody Reynolds
07/25/2025
34. Balancing the Business of Art with Melody Reynolds
In this episode, I chat with London-based painter Melody Reynolds, whose luminous swimming pool and beach scenes have brought a welcome breeze to the gallery walls this summer. Melody reflects on studying at St. Martin’s in the 1990s, why she’s always felt like an outsider in the art world, and the ways her painting process balances instinct with experimentation. She talks about what it takes to stay bold in the studio, the realities of contacting galleries, and why even seasoned artists need mentoring. Topics include: Painting as a subconscious process—and learning to break your own rules How childhood experiences (and clown paintings!) shape our creative paths Finding joy in chatting to collectors—and the power of in-person connection Why promoting your work is necessary, not vulgar Email lists, postcards, art fairs, and other practical marketing strategies Learning how to approach galleries with professionalism and personality Her hopes for new collaborations—with restaurants, designers, and public art spaces Whether you’re navigating galleries or rediscovering your creative confidence, Melody’s openness, warmth, and honesty make this episode a must-listen for artists at any stage. You can see Melody’s work at: https://www.melodyreynoldsart.com/ and @melodyreynoldsart
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33. Finding Form with Alex O’Connor
07/11/2025
33. Finding Form with Alex O’Connor
In this episode, I chat with award-winning silversmith Alex O’Connor about the winding path that led her from sculpture to silver—and from the Isle of Wight to the far west of Cornwall and the rugged landscape of West Penwith. In a hugely engaging and very honest chat, Alex shares how her autistic thinking and aphantasia (inability to voluntarily visualise mental images) shape her highly tactile, refined work, and why she describes her creative process as an act of distillation. She discusses forging a new direction later in life, the evolving definition of success in a creative business, and the importance of taking a punt—even when things don’t go to plan. Topics include: Finding home in Cornwall and inspiration in the landscape Studying fine art at Kingston and discovering a love for materials Reframing failure and redefining success after a difficult debut at Goldsmiths Fair How aphantasia influences her process—and why she calls herself an “editor” of ideas Her upcoming Quest Scholarship https://www.qest.org.uk/apply/scholarships/ and what she hopes to learn in Shetland with Rod Kelly https://www.rodkellysilver.co.uk/ The art (and strategy) of running a creative business and other silversmiths and creatives she admires, including: David Clarke ; Grant McCaig ; Ndidi Ekubia ; Rauni Higson ; Jessica Jue ; Ute Decker You can see Alex’s work at: and @movingmetal
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32: Keeping it True with Siobhan Purdy
06/27/2025
32: Keeping it True with Siobhan Purdy
What does it mean to make art that’s truly yours—even when it doesn’t fit the mould and you have to face potential resistance in the market place? In this honest and uplifting episode, I chat with Cornish artist Siobhan Purdy, whose dreamlike, deeply personal paintings have earned her a cult following. From navigating childhood as a selective mute to building thriving artist communities in Cornwall, Siobhan shares how creativity became her lifeline. We explore: The origins of her distinctive, magical visual style How she channels childhood memories and neurodivergence into powerful imagery The tension between staying true to your vision vs. the pressure to “go commercial” Why being in her studio is her definition of success The part she played in turning the Cornish town of Redruth - and Krowji https://www.krowji.org.uk/ in particular - into the buzzing creative hub it is today. Siobhan’s distinctive work might be not be for everyone —but to many, it’s unforgettable and I’ve been privileged to exhibit it for several years, and witness the magic of seeing clients fall in love with it. This episode is a beautiful reflection on art, identity, and belonging. 🔗 View Siobhan’s work: and @purdysart
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31: Owning Who You Are with Deborah Harwood
06/13/2025
31: Owning Who You Are with Deborah Harwood
In episode 31 of An Art to It, ceramicist Deborah Harwood joins me from her beautiful studio on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. Deborah shares her remarkable creative journey: from growing up part of deeply artistic family, her late father, is the acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, Ronald Harwood, (The Dresser, Quartet, The Pianist) to working for over a decade as an agent representing some of the UK's most acclaimed writers, directors and set designers, and to then, in her 50s, finding her creative passion in porcelain. We talk about how creativity shaped her early years, and how Deborah missed the opportunity to study under internationally renowned ceramic artist Felicity Aylieff https://www.felicityaylieff.com/ who was the art and ceramics teacher at her school - opting for jewellery instead, a decision she laughingly calls a huge mistake in hindsight. After she left her career in London, Deborah’s first creative foray was in textiles - a medium she chose more from circumstances than passion - and how that lead to her discovering ceramics and ultimately porcelain. In our entertaining and moving chat Deborah speaks openly about navigating cancer, what success means to her now, gives her perspective on navigating the highs and lows of running a creative business, and shares why she believes calling herself an artist is something we should all feel confident in doing. @deborahharwoodceramics
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30: Brand New Friend with Elaine Dye
04/18/2025
30: Brand New Friend with Elaine Dye
In this solo episode of An Art to It, I share my experiences of creating a brand identity for myself. Why am I doing that you might ask. Last year I realised that I really needed to set up a separate website as a home for the online courses I run, and for this podcast too. I wanted the Byre Gallery to concentrate on doing what it’s supposed to do, showcase our exhibitions and the beautiful work we feature in the gallery, and can be the home for everything else. As I talk a lot about the importance of branding in my course: An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success I do quite a lot of reading about branding anyway and came across a great line by marketing guru Seth Godin () : "A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” And for some reason this made me think about the photo I saw on the Kennel Club website https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/ two and a half years ago which lead me and my husband to buying a new puppy. This started me on a journey to work out what my brand really stood for, who my audience was, and how I was going to illustrate it. And illustrating it meant having my photo taken. I’m not a huge fan of being photographed and less so of some of the results, but thankfully I was in the capable hands of brand photographer - and ‘showing up’ expert - Vicki Knights https://vickiknights.co.uk/. I’d hugely recommend her for photographs and also her courses, such as I also read some other great books: Purple Cow by Seth Godin, Brand You by David Royston-Lee and Sylvana Storey; How to Style your Brand by Fiona Humberstone https://www.thebrand-stylist.com/; Inside her Pretty Little Head, by Jane Cunningham and Philippa Roberts; Book of Branding, by Radio Malinic; and the super useful ‘deck’ of branding cards Brand Seasons by Sarah Robertson @thesearethedays.co I talk about ceramic artist Loraine Rutt of the Little Globe Company https://thelittleglobeco.com/ as someone whose brand imagery works extremely well. My online course An Insider’s Guide to Gallery Success, specially created for artists and makers to take them through all they need to know to achieve continuing gallery, and professional, success, opens for booking on 30th April. Find out more at I’ll be back with a new series packed with fascinating interviews with inspiring women artists, makers and gallery owners, in early June.
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