Working as an artist has been the source of all that has been meaningful and a source of joy in my life. Art is my common ground around which revolves my interaction with family, teaching and community. The enthusiasm and commitment I bring to my teaching is an outcome of the level to which I am engaged in my art while community involvement allows me to share the value I place on the visual with those who may otherwise disregard its impact upon their lives. Family is a constant source of inspiration both as image and encouragement. I don't believe artists make the decision to become artists. They are born. The hope is that they find the will to pursue their vision, an environment in which to develop , and a culture respectful of their contributions.
Syd Carpenter's work is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Atlantic Richfield Corporation, Nabisco Brands, the University of Illinois, Art in General, New York, Philadelphia Convention Center, Bell Atlantic Corporation, Canton Ohio Museum of Art, Erie Museum of Art, Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Jingdezhen China,and in numerous private collections. Click here to learn more about her work.
What The Clay Studio means to me:
In the 1970's I was part of a shared studio space near The Clay Studio's first building on Orianna Street. The proximity to a wide community of fellow artists working in clay was inspiring, and was part of what encouraged my husband, Steve Donegan, and I to organize the 915 Spring Garden studio building. Over the years as a ceramic artist living in Philadelphia The Clay Studio's presence has created a sense of community in clay.
The Clay Studio is a studio, school and exhibition space that for decades has been an invaluable resource for local, national, and International artists. Whether just beginning or having reached the highest recognition in the field, The Clay Studio provides its community with a state of the art facility in which to explore the medium to its fullest. I have personally witnessed the evolution from its very humble beginnings to its current pre-eminence and consider myself very fortunate as an artist to have benefitted from my treasured association with The Clay Studio.
