Suzanne Amendolara was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Jewelry Design/Metalsmithing from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana in 1988 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in 1985. She has been teaching Jewelry Design/Metalsmithing at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania since 1991.

Her metalwork has been exhibited regionally and nationally in galleries and museums including the American Craft Museum, New York, NY, The National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, TN and the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA. Her work has been included in international exhibitions in Germany, Switzerland and Japan. Publications of her work include American Craft, Metalsmith, Ornament and Lapidary Journal. She has been the recipient of three Individual Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (1994, 1999 and 2003) and a Mid-Atlantic/NEA Regional Fellowship (1995.) Her work is part of the permanent collections at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA, the Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus, Ohio, the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C. and the White House Collection of American Crafts, Washington D.C.

Artist Statement

For nearly twenty years, Sue Amendolara has been combining precious materials, making jewelry and functional hollowware. Her works have a gestural elegance and beauty. The materials and processes used in traditional metalworking lend themselves to the creation of these objects. The forms of the work are pared down to include only the essentials, with the hopes of capturing the essence of an idea.

Plant life has been a major source of inspiration for her work. She is attracted to and draws from the distinctive blossoms of heliconia, bird-of-paradise and acacia and the leaves of various plants. Healthy plants are strong living organisms yet their forms can be delicate and intricate. It is this contrast between delicacy and strength which Amendolara finds to be a compelling element of nature.

Images of water and water plants have also been used to create calm and serene environments. She is intrigued by the way plants, such as lily pads, capture water and create pools at their base creating peaceful ponds.

Amendolara explores the themes of self-protection, maternal protection and self-preservation in her work.

The artwork of historic cultures has been influential in the development of her work. She is specifically attracted to the regal forms of ancient Egyptian jewelry and objects and the romantic, stylized watercolors of 17th century India. The intricate works of both cultures employ fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and possess spiritual qualities.

Her works are constructed predominately in sterling silver to accentuate preciousness and create and elegant character. Various materials are used in conjunction with sterling silver, such as gold, coral, ebony, Plexiglas and gemstones. These materials complement each other in color, texture and surface and help to define shape and detail.

It is important for her to make functional objects and jewelry. The fact that her works can be used or worn to adorn the body creates an intimate relationship with the viewer. These pieces are intended for use in very special occasions.