Ann Suzuki
Ann Suzuki | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 25, 1934 Ontario, Canada |
| Died | January 26, 2021 (aged 86) |
Ann Suzuki (September 25, 1934 – January 26, 2021) was a Canadian textile artist, craftsperson, and educator based in Northern Ontario.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Baker, Patricia (2021-02-24). "Motivating artist Ann Suzuki leaves behind her craft". The Sault Star. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "Ann Suzuki". Japanese Canadian Artists. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b c "'You expect a person like Ann to go on forever': Remembering Sudbury artist Ann Suzuki". CBC. 2021-02-01.
- ^ a b c d e "Sudbury textile artist Ann Suzuki was a leader in the local arts community". Sudbury.com. 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2024-04-03.