Kirsten Muenster

Current

Director of Exhibitions at del Mano Gallery
Owner, Designer at Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

Education

University of The Arts
Kinnelon High School

Connections

118 connections

Industry

Design

Kirsten Muenster’s Summary

Metal is in my blood. My ancestors were coppersmiths, sheet metal workers and artists. I am a jeweler.

I'm inspired by nature and its signals of growth, rebirth and change. The Japanese refer to the observation and appreciation for the cycle of life as wabi sabi. It's a simple aesthetic that appreciates the beauty in imperfection and the elimination of the non-essential. This is a guiding principle of my work.

As a jeweler, incorporating found objects and vintage parts into my work is a natural part of my construction process. I repurpose vintage buttons, mother of pearl belt buckles and other recycled materials in addition to agates, jaspers, and ethically sourced stones. With the exception of the thin snake chain, the sterling silver is 100% recycled content. I also use some unique repurposed materials including copper fire brick, fordite, and recycled bowling balls.

Although I enjoy working with repurposed objects, my love of stones is very strong. I use agates and jaspers that are found in gravel pits, along lakeshores and riverbeds. The new stones I do purchase are from small, family owed mines. When these areas are no longer being worked, the entire disturbance is recovered, reclaimed, and seeded or planted.

I believe it's possible to have a beautifully designed piece of jewelry made with interesting materials whose cultivation does not fund corrupt organizations or promote unfair labor practices. I educate myself about the materials I work with to understand where they come from and whose lives they may impact. I'm always exploring more conscious and sustainable options for my jewelry materials.

Kirsten Muenster’s Specialties:

Ethical sourcing and utilizing recycled, repurposed and vintage materials.

Kirsten Muenster’s Experience

Director of Exhibitions

del Mano Gallery

(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Arts and Crafts industry)

1996 — Present (14 years )

www.delmano.com
Owner, Designer

Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

(Design industry)

1992 — Present (18 years )

Jewelry designer, metalsmith
www.kirstenmuensterjewelry.com