Amanda Assad Mounser founded [MOUNSER](https://mounser.com/) Studio in New York more than ten years ago and has since been making a name for herself with her contemporary jewelry that encapsulates the essence of the natural world. [MOUNSER](https://mounser.com/) shares their latest Autumn Winter 2020 Collection entitled _Nature in Abstract_. With her long time affinity for paining, drawing, and building, Mounser utilizes her knowledge to experiment with the ideas of balance, proportion, and calling attention to both positive and negative space.
The _Nature in Abstract_ collection are her own abstract interpretations of what transpires in nature and her move to California. Drawing inspiration by the serenity of places like Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, and Manhattan beach, her line serves as her ode to the discovery and allure of the West Coast perspective and its lush scenery. While also keeping her east coast roots alive, Mounser bridges the places of her past and the present.
**How did MOUNSER come to be? What inspired you to translate your artistic expression into a wearable context?**
I studied architecture and painting in school and have always been drawn to making and doing things with my hands. I love imagining something and figuring out how to create it in tangible form. Additionally, I adore fashion and Mounser came about as a marrying of my process of artistic experimentation, and the desire to create wearable sculpture. My initial collection was inspired by Alexander Calder and really played with balance and proportion. That aesthetic of harmoniously joining minimal and maximal elements created a foundation for the collection as a whole.
Photographed by Henry Mounser.
**How would you describe the MOUNSER vision and design style, who is the MOUNSER woman?**
Mounser takes a sculptural approach to design with inspiration rooted in nature and modern art. I aim to create abstract interpretations of the natural world through shape, taking a 360 degree consideration for the positive space the piece embodies and the negative space that is carved out and left behind.
At the core I try to create pieces that evoke emotion – joy, illumination - pieces that are surprising, and unexpected. Asymmetry is a cornerstone attribute because it creates interest through the imperfection of mismatching.
Just as one gravitates to a piece of artwork that moves them in a gallery – Mounser is for anyone that is drawn to it in a way that brings that kind of enchantment.
**What are you inspired by creatively, personally, and spiritually?**
Through my architectural studies I fell in love with Le Corbusier, Mies Van de Rhoe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus, Brutalism, the tension between form and function and the concept of residential dwelling that seamlessly marries the indoors with the outdoors**.**
My favorite artists include Cy Twombly, Dan Flavin, Helen Frankenthaler, Isamu Noguchi, James Turrell, Jean Arp, Matthew Barney, Steven Parrino, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Franz West as their work takes my breath away.
I’m most inspired and clear when exploring nature, its where I really feel at hone because it feels like the core of everything - both the beginning and endless possibility at the same time.
Photographed by Henry Mounser.
**How has your background in painting, drawing, and building influenced your designs and approach?**
Experimentation is at the core of every medium I work in – be it painting, sculpture or jewelry design. When I am inspired and working in one, it leads to new ideas for all. For example, I started working on some abstract drawings to as a way to sketch new shapes for jewelry pieces. I ended up using the drawings as graphics for some of my collateral – care cards, post cards etc. The concept has now turned into a larger series of colorful paintings I am working called Lunar Studies – inspired by the different phases of the moon. What started out as a sketch session for jewelry designs has turned into so much more.
**What is the story behind your latest collection, Nature in Abstract?**
Nature in Abstract as a collection was inspired by where we explored and what we discovered in our first year after moving to the West Coast. It was taking the Mounser inspiration foundation and looking at it though a SoCal lens.
We did a zine for the look book - its part journal, part art, and part fashion editorial. I collaborated with my husband on the photography for it. It was a cool experience because it really tells a personal story of our first year through several visual mediums and through both of our eyes.
Photographed by Henry Mounser.
**Do you have a favorite piece from this collection?**
I love the colored Swarovski teardrop pieces – each one is named after a different flower and is meant to represent a flower petal with dewdrops clinging to the surface.
**What do you like about the west coast perspective compared to New York?**
There is more opportunity to embrace the outdoors in LA in the day to day. We go to the beach 2-3 days a week; I hike 1-2 days a week. I spend most of my days working outside on my computer or sketching in the garden. I’m able to incorporate my biggest inspiration easily and accessibly.
**How has the jewelry industry changed from when you first started?**
So much has changed since I began and it continues to change day to day. But I’d say the biggest positive is that there is a lot of flexibility now and you can make your own rules and really do whatever you want. I think there is a gateway for category expansion though jewelry to home décor like textiles and lighting, furniture design, painting sculpture etc. I’m so excited to create within these new mediums and really build a world of objects you live with from the earrings on your ears to the carpet under your feet
Photographed by Henry Mounser.
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