Molly Sydnor 

Artist Statement:

Molly creates interactive work through storytelling and the layering of media, ideas and imagery of identity and the body. Experimentation, innovation, and play ground Sydnor’s work in her exploration of the complexities of gender, race, and sexuality. Sydnor is a biracial (black), queer identifying, woman whose self identity heavily influences her work. The duality of childhood freedoms intertwine with the complexities of adulthood and have become a consistent Narrative throughout Sydnor’s exploration of mixed media.

Using bright colors and playful textures, Molly invites viewers to engage with her work. Often allowing the viewer to bring their own personal experiences to the work, she enjoys a subtle collaboration with the audience. From the perspective of seeing the art, her concepts strengthen when others utilize memory and emotion. Her work is fun at first, yet challenges its viewers to learn from and engage with differing perspectives. 

Her heart condition and engagement with art therapy infuse her creations with depth, as she navigates the intricate relationship between the body and memory. Molly's work is a continuous cycle of creative growth, reusing and transforming old concepts into new narratives.

BIO:

Molly Margaret Sydnor is a Dallas-based multidisciplinary fine artist with an eye for fiber. She received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Charlotte, Colorado, Fort Worth, Houston, Jackson Hole, Long Beach, Miami, Milwaukee, New York, Richmond, and Savannah. Originally brought to Texas for a career in product development specializing in interiors, textile, and rug design, Sydnor traded in her corporate career for advocacy and creative direction for non profits. She currently works full time as the Marketing and Digital Engagement Manager for the Nasher Sculpture Center and on contract as the Director of Communications for Texans for the Arts. In addition Molly enjoys her thriving freelance career as an artist, speaker and DEI+ advocate.

About Her Practice

Molly Sydnor's artistic journey is a captivating interplay between her personal medical history and the resilient spirit that defines her. A natural-born athlete, Molly consistently challenged the boundaries of her body, pushing herself to new heights. Her athletic pursuits took an unexpected turn during her time at the Milwaukee Children’s Hospital in Wisconsin, where she collaborated closely with neurologists, cardiologists, nurses, technicians, residents, and interns. A diagnosis of an unknown heart disorder became a pivotal moment, offering Molly a firsthand and intimate education about the intricacies and imperfections of her own body.

Adapting to this new reality, Molly transitioned from traditional sports to embrace the dynamic world of CrossFit and weightlifting. This shift not only provided a physical outlet but also laid the foundation for a unique artistic practice. Today, Molly lives with a heart arrhythmia, supported by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Her daily engagement with the complexities of her body, coupled with her participation in CrossFit, serves as a powerful catalyst for her creative expression.

In addition to her physical pursuits, Molly navigates life as a neurodivergent individual with ADHD. This unique lens adds an extra layer to her artistic exploration, allowing her to delve into the intricate dance between physicality, resilience, and the vivid realm of neurodiversity. Through her art, Molly invites audiences to contemplate the nuanced relationship between health, identity, and the profound beauty found in embracing imperfections.