KathrynKienleJewelry

When I created my first piece of jewelry, I knew I had found my passion. I sent it to my Mom, who responded "you have to make more". If only I knew then what a long and varied road I had started down.

I am a Michigander at heart, having grown up in Rochester, Michigan and will always consider the Midwest home. I attended Meadowbrook Elementary and West Middle School. After graduating from Rochester Adams High School in 1982, I attended Albion College, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. One college semester, my coursework consisted of three advanced science courses and Intro to Art. After hours of studing chemistry, biology and physics, my roommate, Sherene & I would head over to the art building and work on our painting or drawing assignments till early morning. The free creative process was such a constrast to our other classes that it brought a welcome break to the analytics of science.

Upon graduation, I moved to Kalamzoo, MI to work for a pharmaceutical company as a chemist. I loved working at the bench, doing experiments and developing new medicines. Soon my life included my wonderful, supportive husband and the discovery of Keeshonds (Barge dogs from the Netherlands). Keeshonden are very people oriented and affectionate dogs and each one has been a joyful companion. Over the years, I pursued many creative avenues; sewing clothes, making gifts for my four nieces, hand stitching teddy bears and weaving intricate baskets (and we used to joke about under water basket weaving in high school!). In 2000, I bought a wire jewelry book and made my first necklace. I had found a new endevour that balanced my love for science and experimentation with art and creation.

While I am mainly a self taught wire and metal clay artist, I took several traditional metal smithing classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Creating new and interesting jewelry is often more like experimentation as I am always trying new designs and materials. While my training is in traditional metal smithing, I work in many different types of wire and metal clay. My jewelry incorporates new trends into classical designs that can be considered traditional yet modern. Often I incorporate natural gemstones with Swarovski crystals and fire polished glass to give my hand made creations a little flash while still being appropriate for any occaision.

Inspiration comes from every new experience and source. My thirst for knowledge and inspiration shows in every handmade piece of jewelry and is fueled by classes at local art institutes, national conferences, professional magazines, the internet, and sharing ideas with fellow artists.

While chemistry is my first love, creating jewelry is my passion and this passion balances life with art.