Jai Sallay-Carrington
Trans Passions is a project where Jai Sallay-Carrington, a Canadian trans-non-binary ceramic artist, sculpted transgender people as their passions in life. The intention is to showcase trans joy, as often trans bodies are only represented within the discourse of only being trans. While transitioning is an important aspect of being trans, the goal of this project is to show the passions and lives that trans people hold as being as unique and diverse as each person is.
Each sculpture in this series is based on a transgender individual who the artist has also interviewed. Paired with each sculpture is a recording of that individual speaking about their passions and experiences being trans. The addition of the audio brings each sculpture to life and reminds the viewers that these are representations of actual people living their lives, showing that trans people are everywhere and very much a part of the greater society. The stories that were shared in these interviews were quite moving, it was inspiring to hear everyone speak so openly about their experiences and passions.
Since the goal of this project is to uplift trans individuals and communities, an organization benefiting 2SLGBTQIA people which is local to each exhibition is chosen to be the recipient of the fundraiser portion of this project. The Pin-Making fundraiser brings together community members to make hand-made ceramic pins, which are available at the opening reception by a donation to the chosen organization, they recieve 100% of those proceeds, plus a percentage of each sale of these sculptures. In Baltimore, MD, USA it was Baltimore Safe Haven, and in Vancouver, BC, Canada, it is UNYA (Urban Native Youth Association).
Jai has so far sculpted and interviewed 20 trans models for this project, to have a diverse representation of transgender experiences within Canada and the USA. The significance of community has been clear through this project, as many of the people interviewed spoke of how imperative community has been for their growth and safety. It has been such a transformative experience for Jai to connect with and sculpt all of these beautiful transgender people, and they are looking forward to continue growing this series.
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Jai Sallay-Carrington is a figurative ceramic sculptor creating works about human
identities, behaviour and emotions using anthropomorphic creatures. Reflecting on their queer
and transgender identity, Jai creates sculptures which uplift LGBTQIA2S+ communities as well
as challenge and analyze the dominant heteronormative and cisgendered society. They question
the role that gender, sexuality and desire have in forming an individual’s character and placement
within their culture. Jai’s sculptures speak to a feeling of otherness, but not necessarily of
physical traits that can be immediately viewed by the public. These identities exist within, they
are either shared or kept a secret. The zoomorphic qualities of their sculptures shed light on those
human characteristics hidden from the naked eye. As each animal comes with its own unique
qualities, as well as the myths and stories associated with them, when anthropomorphized, their
addition to the human form creates a deeper understanding of that individual’s persona and
experiences.
Jai’s sculptures work to normalize and celebrate those LGBTQIA2S+ individuals who do
not fit into those strict societal norms. They have a passion for using their artwork to bring
people together to strengthen community, through artistic fundraisers, collaborative exhibitions
and building interactive projects. Their sculptural practice and experiences in life have taught
them the importance of community, especially for LGBTQIA2S+ people. They intend to
continue using their art practice to bring people together and share positive messages about queer
and trans experiences.
Each sculpture in this series is based on a transgender individual who the artist has also interviewed. Paired with each sculpture is a recording of that individual speaking about their passions and experiences being trans. The addition of the audio brings each sculpture to life and reminds the viewers that these are representations of actual people living their lives, showing that trans people are everywhere and very much a part of the greater society. The stories that were shared in these interviews were quite moving, it was inspiring to hear everyone speak so openly about their experiences and passions.
Since the goal of this project is to uplift trans individuals and communities, an organization benefiting 2SLGBTQIA people which is local to each exhibition is chosen to be the recipient of the fundraiser portion of this project. The Pin-Making fundraiser brings together community members to make hand-made ceramic pins, which are available at the opening reception by a donation to the chosen organization, they recieve 100% of those proceeds, plus a percentage of each sale of these sculptures. In Baltimore, MD, USA it was Baltimore Safe Haven, and in Vancouver, BC, Canada, it is UNYA (Urban Native Youth Association).
Jai has so far sculpted and interviewed 20 trans models for this project, to have a diverse representation of transgender experiences within Canada and the USA. The significance of community has been clear through this project, as many of the people interviewed spoke of how imperative community has been for their growth and safety. It has been such a transformative experience for Jai to connect with and sculpt all of these beautiful transgender people, and they are looking forward to continue growing this series.
--
Jai Sallay-Carrington is a figurative ceramic sculptor creating works about human
identities, behaviour and emotions using anthropomorphic creatures. Reflecting on their queer
and transgender identity, Jai creates sculptures which uplift LGBTQIA2S+ communities as well
as challenge and analyze the dominant heteronormative and cisgendered society. They question
the role that gender, sexuality and desire have in forming an individual’s character and placement
within their culture. Jai’s sculptures speak to a feeling of otherness, but not necessarily of
physical traits that can be immediately viewed by the public. These identities exist within, they
are either shared or kept a secret. The zoomorphic qualities of their sculptures shed light on those
human characteristics hidden from the naked eye. As each animal comes with its own unique
qualities, as well as the myths and stories associated with them, when anthropomorphized, their
addition to the human form creates a deeper understanding of that individual’s persona and
experiences.
Jai’s sculptures work to normalize and celebrate those LGBTQIA2S+ individuals who do
not fit into those strict societal norms. They have a passion for using their artwork to bring
people together to strengthen community, through artistic fundraisers, collaborative exhibitions
and building interactive projects. Their sculptural practice and experiences in life have taught
them the importance of community, especially for LGBTQIA2S+ people. They intend to
continue using their art practice to bring people together and share positive messages about queer
and trans experiences.