Sydney Berkeley

Pink Blankie Low fire clay, underglaze, pipe cleaners, pom poms, 11.75” x 8” x 18” 2022

Pink Blankie (detail) Low fire clay, underglaze, pipe cleaners, pom poms, 11.75” x 8” x 18” 2022

Hob and the Miaousprits low fire clay, underglaze, wool roving, pom pom, 9” x 11” x 17.75” 2022

Hob and the Miaousprits (detail) low fire clay, underglaze, wool roving, pom pom, 9” x 11” x 17.75” 2022

Moon (of The Twins) Low-fire clay, underglaze, mixed materials, 15” x 12” x 19” 2022

GRUB PATROL! Low-fire clay, underglaze, mixed materials, Variable and adjustable size, 2022

GRUB PATROL! (detail) Low-fire clay, underglaze, mixed materials, Variable and adjustable size, 2022

Me and My Imaginary Friends Full exhibition space, 2022

Little Bug and Her Friends Low fire clay, underglaze, terra sigillata, mixed materials, 17” x 19” x 33” 2022

Little Bug and Her Friends Low fire clay, underglaze, terra sigillata, mixed materials, 17” x 19” x 33” 2022

IG: @sydneybeestudio

sydneyberkeley.com

Me and My Imaginary Friends

For my thesis body of work, I have created manifestations of imaginary friends that encourage the viewer to engage in deep play and reconnect with their inner child. Through the creation of these sculptures, I ask the viewer to dive into a world of whimsy that is most accessible during childhood.

Bio

Sydney Berkeley, originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a ceramic artist and illustrator with a BFA from Maine College of Art & Design. Sydney often creates sculptural work that depicts fantastical characters enjoying childlike activities. Within her work, she aims to create whimsical narrative scenes and to illustrate imaginary friend characters who feel oddly familiar and nostalgic. She is motivated by the idea of nurturing the viewer and their "wonder-self", or inner child, by imbuing her work with a sense of comfort and play. Her illustrative ceramics speak to all ages and encourage the viewer to appreciate the vibrancy of life.