Amador delights in weaving bamboo baskets used primarily for utilitarian purposes. His baskets range in size and strength, lending themselves to these different purposes. He also creates woven bamboo lamps, some laced with decorative, enameled metal segments. Amador has a scholarly bent.
Having won an award to study basketry in China in 1985, Amador has become an important teacher of basketry, generously introducing artisans in many pueblos to the finer techniques he learned in China. He comments, “I won’t take my knowledge to the grave.”
He divides his work into two types, the more traditional baskets used for all types of practical purposes and stronger baskets needed to carry very heavy things. The other type is the “Chinese technique” in which bamboo is passed through a fire to remove moisture.
Since the workmanship and materials used in this type are finer, the pieces produced are more expensive.
