Ann Suzuki

Last updated
Ann Suzuki
Born(1934-09-25)September 25, 1934
Ontario, Canada
DiedJanuary 26, 2021(2021-01-26) (aged 86)

Ann Suzuki (September 25, 1934-January 26, 2021) was a Canadian textile artist, craftsperson, and educator based in Northern Ontario. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Suzuki was born in Ontario, [2] the first of six children born to her parents. She began training in painting at 11 years old. [1]

Career

Although initially trained in painting, Suzuki realized in her late 20s that she wouldn't be able to support herself as a painter. She pivoted to textile art, specifically batik work on silk, which she continued to work on for the remainder of her life. [1]

Throughout her career, Ann Suzuki focused on textile design, creating silk clothing pieces using the batik technique, a process for fabric dying. Suzuki specifically made batik tulis pieces which are done completely by hand. Suzuki's process of applying wax designs to silk required a great amount of labour and expertise. [1] Her designs have been recognized across the world. [3] She created pieces for notable personalities such as renowned pianist Liberace, and politician Flora MacDonald. Her piece for Liberace was an especially large project, involving 10 yards of dyed fabric. [1]

Suzuki had her first exhibition in 1963, at the Canadian Guild of Crafts Gallery in Toronto. [4]

In addition to her work, Suzuki was known for supporting the art scene in her community. She supported a fellow artist, Muiriel Macleod in creating Artists on Elgin, a gallery in Sudbury. [3] She was the executive director of the Sudbury Crafts and Arts Foundation from 1997 until 2003. [4] She also served as the Continuity Director of the Art Gallery of Sudbury from 1997 until 2020. [4] Suzuki was a passionate organiser of the Wabi Sabi Fine Craft Exhibition and Sale, which takes place on St. Joseph Island in Ontario. [1]

She is remembered as a passionate supporter of the arts. [3]

Awards and recognition

In 1983, Suzuki won an award from the Ontario Crafts Council Exhibition for Best Original Design in Batik. [4]

In 1998, Suzuki received Craft Ontario's Mather Award.

In 2015, Suzuki received an award of exceptional achievement at the Mayor's Celebration of the Arts in Sudbury. [1]

Personal life

Suzuki moved to Sudbury, Ontario in 1982 with her partner, museum designer Taizo Miake. [1] Suzuki had five children, four of whom survived her. [4] She was a "proud" Japanese-Canadian. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Baker, Patricia (2021-02-24). "Motivating artist Ann Suzuki leaves behind her craft". The Sault Star. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
  2. "Ann Suzuki". Japanese Canadian Artists. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
  3. 1 2 3 "'You expect a person like Ann to go on forever': Remembering Sudbury artist Ann Suzuki". CBC. 2021-02-01.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sudbury textile artist Ann Suzuki was a leader in the local arts community". Sudbury.com. 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2024-04-03.