Syma

I am inspired by ancient artifacts, mythologies and multi-modal community ceremonies. Using ceramic clay, tinted liquid clay on paper, air-dry paper clay, with mixed media (including sound), I am playing with possibilities to create conceptual/ ceremonial vessels, sculptures, and gallery installations. My small scale magical gifts, wearable jewelry, and immersive interactive installations are rooted in magical thinking, suggesting stories of goddesses, as well as stories/ histories that might be universal or private. I hope that my artwork will invite viewers to engage in real or imagined personal celebrations and ceremonies that might assist toward a desired transformation…

Inspired by ancient artifacts and mythologies, her interactive clay sculptures, vessels, and gallery installations are her response to wishes, dreams, and worries. Materials, techniques, modalities, artistic styles, are selected to reflect ancient magical ceremonial objects. Suggesting how they might be used in response to challenges in our contemporary world, viewers are invited to participate in prescribed real or imagined acts meant to assist in a personal prayer, promise, or intended transformation. Syma's custom-made small and large scale sculpted panels are permanently installed as architectural details on walls of public and private buildings in the US and UK. Her ceramic jewelry has been featured at London, England's Lesley Craze Gallery. A teaching artist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1999, Syma earned her B.S. in Psychology and Art from the University of Pittsburgh and has continued her training in New York, New England, and the UK.