ARTIST SERIES: KIRSTEN MUENSTER

What inspired you to be a designer?

My mother was an antique dealer and I started collecting vintage jewelry at a very early age. I was intrigued by the history of jewelry, the tools, techniques and processes. I still find it fascinating that throughout history, people have felt compelled to adorn their bodies with metal, stones, fiber and found objects.

I come from a line of metalworkers - and I feel incredibly humbled to continue these ancient techniques and traditions that make up my family's history. I'm inspired by nature, craft techniques, handwork, recycling, reusing, repurposing and that need to create.

How did you decide to use only ethically sourced and eco-friendly materials?

When I was thirteen I made my first ring out of old pipe and sea glass. I continued incorporating recycled, vintage and found objects into my work because it was inexpensive and readily available. Taking recycled objects and transforming them into modern jewelry became my signature style and that process informed my work through college.

After college I started reading about the diamond, gem and gold industries and saw the direct link these materials have to corruption, human rights abuses, environmental devastation, child slavery and war. I decided that I would seek out more ethical options for my work and I've never looked back.

Social and environmental responsibility is taking a more prominent place in the fashion industry. There is an emerging slow-fashion movement based in sustainability and ethical values instead of disposability and frivolous waste. These are the same beliefs on which I have based my career and it's reassuring to see such a large community of designers focusing on this today.

How do you find your ethically sourced and eco-friendly materials?

Research, research, research, communication and education. Thankfully the industry is changing and it's becoming easier to find reliable, local sources, 100% recycled metals, and innovative sustainable materials. Asking questions, tracking the supply chain and learning the story behind the materials you want to work with is crucial. Sharing this information within your industry is also critical to the momentum of this movement, so I share my sources and supply helpful links on my website.

What is the Japanese concept of wabi sabi and how does it inform your work? Your life?

Wabi-sabi is a simple aesthetic, one that appreciates the beauty in imperfection and the elimination of the non-essential. It is unpretentious, simple, rustic, subtle and treads lightly on the planet. This has been a guiding principle in my work and my life.

What's your favorite place in nature?

Sitting on a cliff, smelling the ocean air.

Which is your pet piece of the moment?

My Totem Series Necklaces

Who is an artist you admire?

Michele Oka Doner