Who Is Kristen Muench?
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ms. Muench has lived most of her life in Tucson. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona, and has formally studied in Guadalajara, Jalisco and in Florence, Italy. Kristen has been working in the arts for over 30 years.

Since childhood, the colors and forms inherent in folk arts have influenced her work heavily. Subsequent extensive travels throughout Mexico and Europe have strengthened her cross-cultural artistic vision.

The interior use papier Mâché pieces are created predominately from recycled products. They begin with an armature of welded steel rod. Shredded, recycled paper is used to form the basic structure and the final detail Mâché. Colors are layered by hand to create the rich surfaces. The entire process for each piece takes from one to several months to complete. The pieces range from humorous, whimsical depictions to aesthetic statements about the human condition represented in specific fauna or flora.

In addition to the interior pieces, Ms. Muench has begun creating limited edition castings in resin which are suitable for exterior presentation. Taken from her original papier Mâché concepts, these pieces may be placed outside in protected areas for display.

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In the Beginning

43" high x 21" wide x 38" deep

Although primarily a painter, I began working with papier mache in 1984 when I was thinking of just the right gift for my mother's 50th birthday.

Having shortly returned from studies in Guadalajara, my mind was bathed in the colors and simple folk art forms so prevalent in Mexico. I decided to create a fun large-scale sculpture of a Mexican style rooster in papier mache as her gift, jokingly calling it the "four-foot cock."

The gift was, to say the least, a great surprise and delight. She still has the piece as a focus point of her personal art collection and has named it "Chantecleer" - the rooster who, in a French folk take, awakens the sun every morning so that it can rise. Although that first piece was made with chicken wire and paper strips, it is durable and has lasted many years and several moves.

After several years and with no piece unsold, my husband suggested I do sculpture full-time. In 1995, I decided to give it a try. Having a strong German work ethic, a carport, plenty of glue and shredded paper, I began working full-time on the sculptures. I have completed over 300 pieces to date.

Over the past decade I have done many exciting sculptures including complete installations with mural paintings. I create personal custom artwork for patrons collecting my work throughout the country. Many fine galleries around the nation are selling my work. I am truly having fun creating, learning and growing in the process.

You may see more by contacting the artist, Kristen Muench 303-955-0400
or e-mail : info@muencharts.com

Photo credits by David Harvey / Comsoft / Tucson, AZ

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