Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Burns.
Carly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My first experience with glass art was when I still lived in San Diego. My now fiance and our roommate were learning and taught me what little I was willing to focus on. I was a bit of a troubled youth and didn’t have the maturity nor discipline to learn something difficult yet. But I was mesmerized nonetheless. When we moved here, I had no idea what I would do and felt aimless.
My fiance and I both missed glasswork and decided to spend what little money we had on equipment and started with the basics. It was a rough start, but my idle hands finally had something to focus on. After what seemed like an eternity, I found my footing in this art form. The better I got, the more I found my voice, and the more I found my voice, the better I got. I blow glass and make stained glass as often as I can in between work and school, and I love it. I have an Etsy, booths at art fairs, and am lucky enough to see people wearing the glass jewelry I make.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“You will never always be motivated, so you must learn to be disciplined”. I grew up loving art but never felt like I had my own voice or originality. I struggled with never knowing what direction to go in, or what my purpose in art was supposed to be. Really I’ve always had a voice in art, I just didn’t apply the discipline to find it. Seeing a final product you’re proud of feels so great especially after years of working on a piece for hours or days only to have it literally shatter in your hands. or accidentally drop something as soon as you finish it. When I was younger, I was so quick to give up any time my ego was bruised and indulge in self-destructive behavior. I eventually learned how to fail, again and again. I mean a lot like I got really good at just being terrible. I had to learn to love every step of the process and not focus on the unreachable pictures of perfection I make up in my head. Slowing down and doing every step mindfully was the hardest and best approach I could’ve chosen for myself.
What should we know about Burns Glass? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I blow glass and make stained glass. In the past, I’ve done everything from painting to photography but glass has been my main obsession for years. I’m inspired by everything, landscapes, nature, colors, textures, music, movies, people, time periods, the ideas don’t stop flowing. I try and use up every bit of my supplies, and reuse whatever I can, that’s how I started making my stained glass scrap earrings. Those are probably the most popular things I make right now.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think I’m very lucky to be in this industry, the art community around me is pretty supportive. But I know that’s not the case for everyone. You can’t be afraid to grow or to change. You cant limit yourself or let anyone else limit you. Don’t require validation from anyone else. You don’t always have to adapt to the environment around you, you can influence it. You can have a say in how things go. You have control, and you have power.
Pricing:
- Earrings-$20
- Pendants-$40
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/burns.glass
- Other: burnsglassco.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Carly Burns; Micah Russian
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