Suzanne Carlsen graduated in 2006 from the Ontario College of Art and Design with a BDes in jewellery and metalsmithing. She is currently in her second year as a Craft studio Resident at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. Recent awards include the The Mary Robertson Textile Award and The Helen Frances Gregor Scholarship from the Ontario Craft Council. As well as the Best in Jewellery Award at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. She is currently working on up coming shows at Lafreniere & Pai Gallery in Ottawa and Studio Works at the Harbourfront Centre.

Artist Statement

Suzanne Carlsen expresses that the value of an object is not on its price tag but in its narrative significance. The focus of Suzanne’s work is on the narratives intrinsic to both materials and forms.

In using traditional as well as contemporary techniques and materials, Suzanne imbues her pieces with worth and meaning. Suzanne is informed by the history of the materials she uses as well as the current context in which they will be worn. She combines a variety of media—textiles, metals, objects, paper and paint—to amplify the value and quality of her works. Inspired by history and contemporary forms alike, Suzanne’s jewellery pieces have both timeless and current appeal.

Most important in her work is the existence of unanticipated stories or images—told in hidden pop-up books, illustrations on the reverse side of a piece, movable pieces and refashioned objects. These create a secret in which the wearer can rejoice and share with others. Precious and evocative, Suzanne’s work can be ‘read’ in myriad ways, always personal. Her themes, often reminiscent of childhood and play, speak to the simple pleasures of living: beauty, happiness and memory.