Jai Sallay-Carrington (they/them)
Jai Sallay-Carrington
Vancouver, BC. Canada. is an acclaimed Canadian transgender and non-binary sculptural ceramic artist who uses anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms to explore human identities, behaviors, and emotions. Based out of their local studio, Flaming Otter Ceramics in Vancouver, British Columbia, their art actively challenges cis-normative and heteronormative societal structures by celebrating queer and trans experiences
Individual Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays or Thursdays
Group Meetings: last Sunday of each month
Workshop Agenda: The in-person workshop will be held mid/late July in my Vancouver studio. The focus will be sculpting the human figure from slabs and there will be the opportunity to learn other techniques, depending on everyone’s interests. By showing sculptures from my personal collection, I can demonstrate how my large sculptures are assembled, fired in atmospheric kilns, and how to seamlessly repair breaks and damages.
We will also be visiting several galleries, museums and artists' studios around the city. We can spent time having conversations about community engagement and other topics while enjoying Vancouver’s beautiful beaches and forests. The details will depend on the interests of those in the cohort.
About Jai
Jai Sallay-Carrington (they/them) is a figurative ceramic sculptor whose practice examines human identities, behaviours, and emotions through anthropomorphic forms. Drawing from their queer and transgender identity, their work uplifts these communities while interrogating dominant heteronormative and cis-normative structures. Their work speaks to the evolution of queer and trans rights within North America and showcases the strong sense of community and solidarity that has been the forefront of gaining those rights. Sallay-Carrington’s sculptures let those fighting oppression see themselves in the ongoing resistance for collective liberation within the current oppressive political climate. Their sculptures explore hidden aspects of selfhood through zoomorphic symbolism — each creature enriching the narrative of the human form it merges with, and deepening our understanding of internal, often unseen identities.
Sallay-Carrington is a strong believer in using art for activism, especially for queer and trans communities. They have a passion for using their artwork and resources to bring people together to strengthen community and support those who are in need. Sallay-Carrington’s grassroots approach to uplifting others lets their artistic practice extend beyond the gallery. This practice has come in the form of community-based projects, fundraisers, free workshops to underprivileged groups and uplifting emerging artists. They intend to continue using their art practice to reinforce that strong sense of community, show support for others and share positive messages about queer and transgender experiences.
