Kristen Muñoz
Welcome to Morning Star Studios. This glass studio was built on a prayer to bring joy into people's lives through color, light, and creation. Kristen Muñoz began her glassblowing career in 1999 in Austin, TX. She met some artists there doing flamework and became an apprentice. Wanting to learn more and get away from the TX heat, Kristen moved to Asheville, NC.
https://ashevillemade.com/glassblowers-diy-studio-is-literally-the-bomb/
Penland School of Crafts was quick to give her several scholarships to attend stained glass, flameworking, blacksmithing, and hot glass classes. Upon seeing the hot glass studio, she fell in love with the art of traditional glassblowing. All elementals fire, earth, air, and water are needed to produce each piece of art. Kristen's mastery of working with these elements, including different metals and minerals, creates a unique piece every time.
Morning Star Studios is a sanctuary and sacred space used for healing through creating and prayer. Here, Kristen teaches classes and welcomes people to watch demonstrations.
In a recent interview, Kristen spoke these words: “The funny thing is, one of the main attractions to hot glass for me, was the relationship between the gaffer and their assistant. As a flameworker, pieces are made individually with a single fire from a torch. I loved watching how the gaffer and assistant would do a somewhat dance around the studio together from the furnace to the marver or bench, the glory hole or kiln.
I live out in the country so it’s out of the way for people. Having a consistent assistant that can stand the heat and difficulty of blowing glass has been an issue. I found myself making deep connections with the elements, asking them for help, listening to their teachings.
I have learned so much playing with molten earth. She is very much a feminine energy, like myself. I have so much respect for her power. When I’m creating with her I’m building a friendship. I’m praying with her. I try not to manipulate her too much. I sweet talk her without intimidating her presence. I want her voice to be heard through each piece, each prayer. If you look closely, each piece has a spirit. The prayers help them come alive. It can especially be felt when holding them. Many people say the words upon coming into my studio, “this is so joyful!” and it always puts a smile on my face because I know the prayers are working. What I’m learning is that we can connect with our ancestors through these elements. This water is the same water that has always been here from the beginning. It is the same water that our ancestors drank. This earth, this quartz silicate is the bones of our ancestors.” pg 63-71 Rapid River Culture and Arts June 2020 addition.
Unlike many glassblowers, Kristen is a solo-blower. Blowing without an assistant is extremely challenging. She loves to teach people the magic of crafting with glass.
Kristen lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Marshall, NC with her two children, Raven and Seneca. She spends her time studying and praying with Indigenous peoples, hiking, growing food and medicines, and learning primitive skills.
Throughout her career she was told, "you're living a pipe dream," "this is just a hobby, and a really expensive one." To these people, Kristen wishes to say, "Keep on dreaming cause when you stop dreaming it's time to die!"
