Hypeart Visits: Sydnie Jimenez Keeps Her Ceramics Grounded in the Personal

Even before she began working with clay, Sydnie Jimenez was already an artist at heart, drawing characters as a child growing up in North Georgia. Her inspiration came from popular cartoons and comics like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Batman Beyond” and “Naruto”. As time passed and she moved to Chicago to attend the School of the Art Institute, she stumbled upon ceramics and found a way to make her drawings come alive in three dimensions. What began as hand-built busts eventually evolved into full-bodied figures: raw, expressive, often depicting Black and Brown individuals, frequently nude and brimming with personality. These sculptures reflect people she has encountered, envisioned or perhaps desired to see within the world.

In the gaming world, Chicago morphed into my second playground, a vibrant hub where I discovered camaraderie within the arts community and room for exploration. The city’s diverse neighborhoods pulsed with an energy that fueled my creative process – a harmonious blend of tranquility and turbulence.

I found myself drawn towards the surreal and spiritual realms, tapping into my Catholic roots and the intricate tapestry of faith’s legacy. My characters began to embody more than mere lived experiences; they harbored myth, memory, and a subtle form of resistance – themes that resonate deeply in my work as well.

Sydnie’s latest solo exhibition, ‘Gift Horse,’ at Albertz Benda in Los Angeles signified a significant shift. Arranged within a familiar, inhabited space, Sydnie’s sculptures seemed to thrive and pulsate with life. Currently, she is preparing for a joint show with her sister, Haylie, at Joy Machine in Chicago. Throughout her work, whether it be crafting with clay, exploring bleach prints or creating pieces for her local community, Sydnie maintains a strong connection between her artistry and personal experiences.

In the heart of my gaming world, I had the chance to chat with the talented Sydnie about her creative journey and current endeavors. Dive into our conversation in the interview below!

How frequently do young African-American and Latino students encounter depictions of themselves in the fine arts within the American educational system?

Could you share some insights about your childhood in Chicago and discuss the impact that living there has had on the direction of your professional endeavors?

As a gamer hailing from North Georgia, I was initially born in Orlando, but at the end of my elementary years, I packed up and moved to Georgia. Most of my teenage life unfolded there before I ventured north to Chicago in 2016, to be precise, to join the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). These days, Chicago truly feels like my second home, thanks to the warm, accepting artistic community and the genuinely kind people who call this city their own.

The best part? Chicago is a city divided into neighborhoods, giving you the option to experience a cozy, homely atmosphere or immerse yourself in an endless array of artsy or fun activities. And let’s not forget about the delicious food – it’s one of the many reasons I fell in love with this place!

As a passionate artist, I find myself drawn to creating sculptures that primarily highlight the beauty and strength of individuals from underrepresented communities, often depicting them in their raw, natural state. The question arises as to why this is significant for me.

In essence, I strive to use my craft as a means to amplify marginalized voices, to give visibility to those who have been historically overlooked or silenced. Art has the power to break down barriers, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations that may not have occurred otherwise. By showcasing diverse figures in my work, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic society, where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Absolutely, my artwork primarily features individuals of African and Latin descent, reflecting my personal background as a Black Latina. I believe it’s crucial, especially when educating children about art, for young people of color to see themselves represented in ‘fine art’. Growing up, I found it challenging to connect with traditional art history, particularly sculpture, as it mostly focused on Greek and Roman figures. It wasn’t until I joined SAIC that I discovered works that resonate with me deeply, such as Mesoamerican pottery and the creations of artists like Simone Leigh, Hebru Brantley, Rose B. Simpson, and En Iwamura. These contemporary artists are influential in the field of figurative sculpture.

Could you please tell me about your initial artworks and how their themes have changed throughout your career. Additionally, could you share some insights on when and why you developed your distinctive style in your artworks?

From a young age, I’ve been creating art, much like many other children do, sketching and scribbling. My fascination with cartoons and comics has significantly shaped the playful, non-photorealistic style of my ceramic sculptures today. Shows such as Batman Beyond, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Naruto were among my favorites. During college, some of my instructors inspired me to explore ceramics. I submitted a portfolio of figurative paintings to SAIC, but fortunately, the school encourages artists to work across various disciplines. In my first year, I was fortunate enough to take sculpture and ceramics classes, and since then, I’ve barely looked back. I find clay an incredibly captivating material. When I first started working with clay, I primarily focused on busts and semi-realistic, nude figures. Some of my professors motivated me to transform my cartoony drawings into ceramic sculptures, which is the distinctive style that defines my work today.

As a game developer, I strive to create experiences that resonate with a diverse audience, even those who might not typically identify with the gaming world.

Tell us about the themes you address in your work and their influences.

In my creative endeavors, I frequently explore the concept of identity through various perspectives. My passion lies in presenting a richly diverse ensemble of characters, each expressing different emotions, styles, postures, and contexts. I strive to make my work resonate with a wide audience, particularly those who may not traditionally find themselves represented in artistic settings.

What’s your favorite moment when crafting a work? The start? The finish? Or somewhere in between?

I find great pleasure in crafting pieces with clay by hand, primarily utilizing the coil-building technique where I mold clay into long snakes to construct my figures layer by layer. Occasionally, people observe me work and liken it to observing a 3D printer at work, which makes me laugh. Mastering this skill was challenging, particularly when working on large sculptures, but once I understood the drying periods and suitable clays, it transformed into an incredibly rewarding and delightful experience.

Are there any regular practices you follow during your creative process, perhaps listening to a specific genre of music or enjoying a cup of tea prior to beginning your work?

Every time I step into my studio, music is playing! I find myself deeply inspired by a variety of tunes, with their lyrics frequently popping up in my titles or etched onto my sculptures. Lately, I’ve been revisiting old favorites like “Title Fight,” as the dramatic and moody vibe seems to resonate more during these chilly Chicago winter days. However, when I need a boost of positive energy, I switch to tracks by Young Nudy or Young Thug – Atlanta rappers never disappoint with their unique talent!

Additionally, I create items like t-shirts and mugs with affordable pricing, to ensure my work is within reach for folks in my community.

Instead of focusing solely on nostalgic and everyday themes, your artwork sometimes delves into surrealism or mythology. Can you explain what motivates you to choose more fantastical elements over more common imagery when creating your 3D artworks?

As a devotee, I find myself drawn towards the bizarre or legendary in my creative endeavors, with Christian mythology and tales serving as a rich source of inspiration, given my upbringing within Catholicism. Yet, grappling with Christianity presents me with challenges, stemming from the violence and cultural suppression perpetrated by European Christian colonizers across the globe. However, I can’t deny that this faith has been wielded as a weapon by those holding beliefs rooted in white supremacy.

Despite these issues, I recognize the potential for solace in a religion that centers on finding beauty within hardship. In times of adversity, it becomes necessary to cling to the hope that the struggle will ultimately lead us towards a brighter future.

Hey there! I wanted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your “Gift Horse” solo exhibition at Albertz Benda. Can you share with me what it felt like to lead your first-ever solo presentation? What kind of hurdles did you encounter along the way? I’m really curious to know!

As a devoted admirer, let me share my exhilarating account: Working alongside the brilliant team at Albertz Benda was an absolute delight – a first-time solo exhibition in LA that left me beaming with pride! The outcome surpassed all expectations and I find a strong connection between the people of Los Angeles and the figures I portray. The city’s art scene is thriving, with clay particularly capturing my attention as it enjoys a resurgence of popularity.

The unique experience of displaying my sculptural works in a house-gallery setting was truly fascinating. It imbued the pieces with a sense of life and autonomy that they wouldn’t have had in a traditional gallery setting. And let me tell you, transporting large ceramic work across country is no easy feat, but I believe I’ve mastered the art of packing them securely enough to withstand the journey. To my immense relief, the gallery took care of arranging transportation for the works in the show, ensuring a smooth transition from my Chicago studio.

What projects are you currently working on or the most excited about at the moment?

My sibling and I are collaboratively preparing for a joint display titled “Joy Machine” at a gallery situated in Chicago, which is set to debut around the first week of August. I’m thrilled to exhibit some larger pieces and intricate designs I’ve been developing during this event.

Photography provided by Sydnie Jiminez for Hypeart.

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