Bio
Clay Williams is a sculptor from Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Birmingham-Southern College for 3 years and graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He now lives and works in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Statement
The Deep South shapes my roots and guides where they extend. Based in Tennessee, with family in Alabama, I experiment with certain concepts and materials tied to Southern Culture. The ratchet strap is a tool and icon that appears throughout my work. Traditionally used to tie down cargo, these straps are essential to the blue-collar Southerner. Using straps to transport belongings back and forth in the bed of my grandfather’s truck, my father’s truck, and now my own truck is a multi-generational bridge. Wrapping these symbols in bands of color explores those influences, whether they are restricting or safe.