Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident (ASPN) 2025
Leah Sydney is a ceramic sculptor from Youngstown, OH. She attended Youngstown State University, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art with a focus in ceramics. Deeply inspired by African and Black American culture, she explores the physicality of her work, using three-dimensional forms to create immersive environments that evoke narratives and elicit deeper connections.
Currently, Sydney works as a ceramics educator at the YMCA and maintains her artistic practice by actively participating in solo and juried exhibitions. Most recently, her solo show “If I could” was hosted by Westminster College at the Foster Art Gallery in January of 2026.
Sydney’s work delves into personal and universal themes of race and identity, often expressed through large-scale figures and hand-built vessels that serve as proxies for the human body. She uses the medium to personify hidden emotions and prompt discussions around difficult but necessary topics. Sydney aims to continue developing her artistic practice by experimenting with new mediums, exploring diverse cultural influences, and engaging with contemporary themes that resonate with her personal experiences and societal observations
“My work centers on the lived experiences of plus-sized Black women, including my own. Through figurative ceramic sculptures and vessels, I explore themes of self-consciousness, body positivity, and the deeply rooted impact of racism and prejudice. My art confronts personal and societal narratives, creating space for stories that are often silenced or overlooked. The human figures in my work are bold and unapologetic, demanding acknowledgment and inviting viewers to share their stories
These figures challenge biases and embody the complexities of being Black and plus-size. My vessels symbolize preservation and endurance, holding emotions, ancestral wisdom, and strength. Each piece honors the heritage that inspires my work and preserves stories of survival and triumph. I aim to create an inclusive space where all viewers can reflect on identity and self-acceptance.
While rooted in the African and African American experience, my art resonates with anyone facing marginalization. Ultimately, my work is a testament to resilience, self-love, and the fight against oppression.” -Sydney