Dr Sian Proctor’s Art to fly on Axiom Space’ debut “Space Grails” collection
Art, Poetry, and “Space 2 Inspire” as Dr. Proctor’s Afrofurist artwork heads to ISS with Axiom Space Ax3; other Web3 artists
In the realm of space exploration, few names resonate with the vibrancy and versatility of Dr. Sian Proctor. A geoscientist, astronaut, Afrofuturist, adventure artist, and poet–she was selected as mission pilot aboard 2021's all-civilian Inspiration4 mission–Dr. Proctor embodies the spirit of a modern Renaissance woman, merging the worlds of science, art, and the humanities in a way that inspires all of us.
Recently, Dr Proctor shared with us about her most recent accomplishment and endeavor — being selected as one of Axiom Space’s inaugural Space Grail artists and her physical artwork journeying into space to dock with the International Space Station. Dr Proctor speaks to us about how art and poetry encapsulate her unique perspective and experiences beyond our planet.
Interview:
Dr. Proctor, you’ve had an extraordinary journey as an astronaut and an artist. Can you tell us more about your latest artwork going to space?
Dr Sian Proctor: Certainly! I’m thrilled to be part of the Space Grails Axiom-3 drop. My contribution, “Ax3 Afrobotica Seeker Space,” is a digital NFT animation paired with a physical piece. It’s deeply personal, incorporating my poem “Seeker,” which I wrote before my space journey. This poem traveled to the Mariana Trench and then into space with me on Inspiration4. For this project, I’ve blended the poem into a digital representation, creating an engaging, interactive piece that I hope will inspire others.
What does it mean to you to have your art and poetry travel to space and back to Earth?
It’s a powerful way to blend the physical and digital realms, making art more accessible and interactive. My art and poetry are extensions of my experiences and perspectives, especially from space. By sending them to space, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of my journey with the world, hoping to inspire others to explore their own “Space 2 Inspire.”
You mentioned your role in the Inspiration4 mission and how you won your seat. Could you expand on that experience and its influence on your work?
Winning my seat on Inspiration4 was a dream come true. I entered a contest on Twitter, sharing my poem “Space2Inspire,” which reflects on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the integration of arts with STEM. This experience not only allowed me to fulfill my dream of going to space but also reinforced my belief in the power of art and poetry to inspire change and innovation.
How do you balance your identities as an artist, poet, and scientist
Balancing these aspects of my identity is like weaving together different threads to create a tapestry. My crew members jokingly gave me the callsign Leo, likening me to a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci. This synergy allows me to explore how art and science coexist and inform each other, whether I’m conducting scientific research or creating art destined for space.
Can you share more about your artistic style and how your experiences have shaped it?
My style is characterized by “confident lines,” a reflection of my journey through education and experience. I developed this style through art classes at Mariposa Community Colleges, which were my gateway to exploring my artistic side. My fellowship at Arizona State University has further allowed me to delve into immersive media, blending digital and physical art forms in innovative ways.
What future projects are you most excited about?
I’m working on interactive projects, like a poetry coloring book, that invite others to engage creatively with my art and poetry. My goal is to make art that is not only interactive but also integrates my poetry, allowing others to incorporate it into their own stories. This interaction fosters a personal connection and continues to inspire creativity.
Finally, what message do you hope to convey through your art and your story?
“Space 2 Inspire” is more than just a motto; it’s a call to action for everyone to use their unique space to inspire others. My art and poetry are channels through which I share the beauty of Earthlight, the Overview Effect, and the transformative power of seeing our planet from space. I hope my work encourages people to see the beauty around us every day and to find their own ways to inspire the world.
Dr. Sian Proctor’s journey from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of space and back to the canvas and screen is a testament to the boundless potential of human creativity and exploration. Her Afrofurist work, transcending the barriers between science and art and experience, invites us all to find our own space to inspire and be inspired.
As Dr Proctor’s art launches on its next celestial journey, it carries with it a piece of Earth, a spark of imagination, and a vision for a future where everyone has a Space 2 Inspire.
