Dr. Sian Proctor

 About

About Dr. Sian Proctor - Space Artist, Afrofuturist, Commercial Astronaut, and Motivational speaker:

Dr. Sian Leo Proctor is a Visionary Artist, Futurist, and Explorer who made history as the first artist officially selected to go to space with the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, also becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spaceship.​​

Born on Guam to a father who worked at NASA's tracking station during the Apollo missions, Proctor's artistic vision has been shaped by a lifelong connection to space and Earth sciences. Today, her work bridges the worlds of science, space exploration, humanity, and creative expression. With advanced degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, and Science Education, Proctor's art is deeply informed by her scientific background. As a geoscience professor at Maricopa Community College, she honed her ability to communicate complex ideas through creative expression, laying the groundwork for her unique artistic style.

Proctor's journey as a space artist gained momentum through her experiences as an analog astronaut, participating in multiple simulated space missions, including a NASA-funded four-month Mars simulation. These experiences profoundly influenced her artistic themes, exploring human adaptation, isolation, and discovery.

In 2021, Proctor made history as the mission pilot for SpaceX Inspiration4, becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft and the first Black commercial astronaut. More significantly for her art, this mission allowed Proctor to experience the Overview Effect firsthand, transforming her perspective and artistic vision.

As the first African-American to paint in space, Proctor's post-Inspiration4 work offers a rare blend of scientific accuracy and cosmic inspiration. Her art captures the fragility and interconnectedness of Earth as seen from orbit, inviting viewers to experience our planet from this unique vantage point.

Through her company Space2inspire, Proctor creates Afrofuturist art that not only celebrates space exploration but also advocates for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive (J.E.D.I.) approach to space and STEM fields. Her work challenges us to consider humanity's future among the stars while also addressing humanity’s most pressing issues on Earth, from ecological stewardship to inclusion and diversity.

Proctor's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of The Explorer's Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World. She serves on the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group under Vice President Harris, where she brings her artistic perspective to discussions on STEM workforce development and climate change.

As an international speaker and educator, Proctor uses her art to inspire global audiences, encouraging people to view our planet and our future from a truly cosmic perspective. Her unique combination of scientific expertise, space experience, and artistic acumen makes her a powerful voice in both the art world and the space exploration community.

Dr. Proctor's journey from a child of the Space Age to a pioneering space artist and astronaut embodies the intersection of science, exploration, and creativity. Her work continues to push boundaries, offering a visionary artistic lens through which to view our planet and humanity's relationship with the cosmos.

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 Topics

What Dr. Sian Proctor Talks About:

Born from adversity during the 2020 pandemic, Dr. Proctor’s journey from geoscience professor to space artist exemplifies the power of adaptability and creativity. Her distinctive geometric line art style and “adventure art” concept have literally reached new heights, with her works traveling from the depths of the Mariana Trench to Earth’s orbit with the Axiom Space Ax3 Mission.

Dr. Proctor’s speaking engagements are far from traditional lectures. Instead, she creates an interactive atmosphere where audiences are encouraged to discuss, learn, and leave inspired.

Her presentations cover a wide range of topics, including:

  1. Leadership lessons from Mars simulation experiences
  2. The future of education in the 4th Industrial Revolution
  3. Maximizing opportunities through the power of connection
  4. Living in Moon and Mars simulations as an analog astronaut

With expertise in STEM education, curriculum development, and diversity initiatives, Dr. Proctor bridges cultural boundaries and inspires audiences to believe in themselves and take action. Her experience as a finalist for the NASA Astronaut Program, as the pilot of Inspiration4, her participation in reality TV shows, and multiple analog astronaut missions provide rich material for her engaging talks.

Dr. Proctor’s unique perspective, shaped by her space flight experience and the Overview Effect, infuses her presentations with a profound understanding of Earth’s fragility and beauty. Through her art and words, she advocates for a Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive (J.E.D.I.) approach to space exploration and STEM fields.

From universities to corporate events, Dr. Proctor’s powerful message of “Space2inspire” transforms audiences, encouraging them to develop a can-do mindset and explore the boundless possibilities of our world and beyond. Her presentations are not just about her achievements; they’re about inspiring others to reach for the stars in their own unique ways.

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 Recent Publications

    We had the privilege of having Dr. Proctor speak at our "Reach for the Stars" all company Summit. She was the most amazing, engaging and inspirational keynote speaker we have ever booked for our Summit. Sian brought so many wonderful aspects to her presentation such as humor, heart and most of all, passion. The audience left feeling empowered and ready to take on any challenge they may face in the future. Sian was absolutely wonderful and we loved working with her!

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