Getting to Know the Artist: Jai Sallay-Carrington

Artist Statement

Jai Sallay-Carrington 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.

Biography

Jai Sallay-Carrington (they/them) is a sculptural ceramic artist living in Vancouver Canada, which resides on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh, xwməθkwəy̓ əm, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. Attending artist residencies, installing exhibitions and teaching workshops has brought them and their artwork throughout Canada, USA, several European countries and to China. Residencies such as C.R.E.T.A Rome in Italy, Tolne Gjæstgivergaard in Denmark and a year-long residency at Baltimore Clayworks in the USA, as the Lormina Salter Fellow. They have been a part of many group exhibitions, at prestigious galleries such as the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Henry Art Gallery, and the Clay Center of New Orleans. Jai has had several solo exhibitions, such as Growing Pains at Pottery Northwest, Trans Passions at Baltimore Clayworks Gallery, as well as Adapting, at Maison de la Culture Côte-des-Neiges. Publications that have featured Jai’s work include CBC Exhibitionists, Ceramique: 90 Artistes Contemporarian and FEELS Magazine. Jai has been awarded grants from Canada Council of the Arts, SODEC, CALQ and was a finalist for the Winifred Shantz Award for 2020 and 2021. They earned their MFA at the University of Washington in 2023, receiving the De Cillia Graduating with Excellence award and the HUB Purchase award. In 2025 Jai was invited to participate in the 12th International Ceramic Symposium of China to build work for the collection of Changchun International Ceramic Museum.