My name is Therese Kuempel and I am a metalsmith and sculptor based in Chicago, and the owner/fabricator at Therese Kuempel Jewelry.

I began as a sculptor, studying sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008. I found my way into metalsmithing through the sculpture department at the school in 2009, and have been creating my designs ever since.

I first began learning traditional metalsmithing, sheet metal fabrication, and basic soldering. I was then introduced into the lost wax casting process, and have been absolutely infatuated ever since.

The lost wax casting method is a very process oriented way of working with metal, and it works as follows. I begin creating my prototypes in wax, and then make molds of the waxes. These molds are then placed in a kiln to burn out the wax. Once this process is complete, I then melt down my metal of choice, and cast my designs typically in brass. It is a process that I am extremely passionate about, and allows me to experiment with metal in ways that I never thought possible.

I am inspired by the natural and human world, crystal facets, and geometric shapes. Working with metal has become the perfect catalyst for capturing these fleeting natural and temporal moments.

Since I have graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in December 2013, my jewelry line has become my full-time job. Although I do retail jewelry in shops and show my work at various craft shows throughout the country, Etsy has brought my dream of being a full-time artist into fruition. They have provided me with not only an engaged audience, but an international one. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiration.

Instagram: @theresekuempel