Today, on Clay in Color, we chat with Syd Carpenter. She creates sculptures that center the geopolitical history and social mobility of Black farmers and gardeners in America. In our interview, she provides affirmations and advice on not ignoring our creative impulses, deciding to become artists, and continuing to make despite challenges. We also discuss how gardens and the drive to tend the land as a Black American became essential to her personal life and practice, and how she has explored the subject matter in her practice for decades. Furthermore, she talks about coming up with a three-dimensional vocabulary, the metaphysical aspect of her work, and the importance of eliminating the anonymity of Black contributions to gardening and farming.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

 

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Bray www.archiebray.org