Artist Autobiography

Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, I grew up surrounded by sunny skies, turquoise waters, rolling hills, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant, joyful culture. Storytelling is deeply rooted in Caribbean life, and one story that always stayed with me was The Ugly Duckling. I loved it long before I ever knew that my name—Cisne—means Swan in Spanish. Over time, that story became a reflection of my own journey: I grew from an “ugly duckling” into a proud Swan.

Back home, we had ducks. Now, in Stourbridge, UK—my new home—there are swans. It feels like life has come full circle.

I began my creative journey as a glassblower and sculptor but eventually found my passion in working with a torch and borosilicate (hard) glass. This type of glass is easier to cut, shape, blow, and sculpt, allowing for endless possibilities. My favorite things to create are jewellery and pieces featuring eyes—there’s something deeply expressive and soulful about them.

I believe that working with our hands feeds the soul and gives us a true sense of purpose. My hands are my greatest tools and closest companions; through them, I’ve explored many crafts and skills. I’m a proud mother first, and everything else comes after. I’m a vegan and seafood chef, I create herbal teabags and lotions for holistic healing, and I specialize in caring for locks and braided hair.

Over the years, I’ve gathered these skills with the goal of sharing them. My passion lies in empowering others to discover their own worth through creativity. The power is in your hands—you’d be amazed at what they can do!

My Glass Education:

Corning Museum of Glass and School, New York

Diablo Glass School, Boston

UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, New York

A Glimpse into My Work History:

I was proud to be part of launching the first recycled glass centre in the BVI—Green VI. We built the entire studio and hot shop using recycled materials and ran it on used cooking oil from local restaurants. We collected bottles from bars and restaurants across the islands and transformed them into vases, sea life ornaments for gift shops, awards for regattas, and more. We also put on live glassblowing demonstrations for tourists and school groups.

As part of the Go Green initiative, I developed an after-school program called Trash to Treasure, helping young people discover creativity through sustainability.

In 2013, I launched my own businesses: Greenland Productions by your BVI Cis and EGC Green Cuisines. I’ve created live glass art aboard cruise ships, at marinas, piers, and even on private islands throughout the Virgin Islands.

I came to the UK in 2022 to care for my mother, who sadly passed away. Grieving and without access to equipment, I stepped away from glass for a time—until one magical day in April 2024, when I met Sarah and the other Glass Quarter Designs ladies at the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.

Sarah had been searching for help with a London jewellery project, and I was exactly who she needed. We instantly connected and began working together—and we haven’t looked back since.

Having grown into a Swan, I named my first UK business Glass Swan #4—a nod to being the fourth child, born in the fourth month, with four children of my own. It’s all about sharing, caring, and spreading good vibes.

In 2025, we were thrilled to be offered a studio at the Ruskin Glass Centre, along with the opportunity to work with students from Ruskin Mill College. And so, Sarah & Swan was born—our shared business, and the next exciting chapter of this journey.