Red Lodge Clay Center – Short-Term Resident (ASPN) 2025
Leah Sydney is a ceramic sculptor currently pursuing a B.F.A. at Youngstown State University, with plans to graduate this spring. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Leah discovered her passion for art during her sophomore year of high school. 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 prompt deeper connections.
Leah’s work delves into themes of race, identity, and personal narratives, often expressed through large-scale figures and hand-built vessels that serve as proxies for the human body. Her use of clay enables her to tell powerful stories through body composition and expression, using the medium to embody hidden emotions and prompt discussions around difficult but necessary topics.
During her time at YSU, Leah has actively participated in solo and juried student exhibitions, earning recognition and awards for her figurative ceramic sculptures. Her work was featured in the 2023 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) exhibition in Cincinnati, Ohio. Most recently, her solo show Observance was hosted by the Solomon Gallery at YSU in May of 2024.
Leah 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