SuzuAn Art Inspired Jewelry by Suzanne Squires
Suzanne Squires is originally from Nova Scotia and now resides in Vancouver, B.C. after spending the past 20 years in Northern Japan.
Before leaving Japan, Suzanne was given a name stamp with Kanji characters resembling the sound of her first name. Translated to English, “Suzu” means “bell” and “An” means “apricot”. The imagery of bell symbolizes resonance/gathering together, An is an Asian symbol of female elegance.
SuzuAn’s design aesthetic is a fusion of years spent in Canada, travels in South East Asia and 20 years in Japan. Japanese design resonated deeply and it’s from that place she draws much inspiration, particularly kintsugi. Kintsugi is the traditional art of repairing broken pottery, sealing the cracks with resin and finishing with gold or silver powder, making what was previously broken into something more beautiful. We are never broken, rather we are shaped and crafted by time and experience.
SuzuAn uses simple, asymmetrical forms for her enamel and resin pieces and focuses on creating rich, layered textures. Layering and polishing create subtle, complex colours and reflect light. The resin jewelry is layered and sanded to create a subtle, light infused, matte finish and is embedded with painted washi, silver or gold leaf.
The philosophy of wabi sabi is part of her design aesthetic, finding value and uniqueness in imperfection, creating work which becomes more beautiful with time.
Each enamel or resin piece is finely crafted from silver or bronze, a miniature painting with it’s own story. May it continue a special narrative for you.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
PAST SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS
Jewelry exhibition April 2024
Kobo Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
Painting exhibition April 1-7 2024
Circle Craft Pop Up, Circle Craft Gallery, Granville Island
August 24-27
Tsumugu, Sendai, Japan July 1-17 2021
Tsumugu, Sendai, Japan 2017-2019
Gallery Sen, Sendai, Japan 2019
Mitsukoshi Department Store, Sendai, Japan 2016-2019
Parco, Sendai, Japan 2018/19
Kobo Gallery, Ginza Tokyo 2005-2017
Isetan Department Store, Tokyo 2015
Gallery Sou, Sendai 2014
Fujisaki Department Store, Sendai 2013
Crossroads Gallery, Sendai, Japan 2011
Takashimaya Department store, Nagoya 2009
AWARDS
Iizawa Kotaro award, Sendai Art Annual
Sendai Mediatheque 2004
SOCIAL
I would love to see how you wear Suzuan jewelry! Make sure to tag me on Instagram, I would be happy to share your posts on my feed and stories! @suzuanjewelry