Meet Kalil Zender | Jewelry Designer and Metalsmith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalil Zender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalil, how do you think about risk?
I have always been somewhat of a risk taker. When I was twenty-two I moved to Thailand, a country I had never even visited, to start a career as a Muay Thai fighter. When that phase was over, I saught out other adventures and thrills, whether through travel or through sports. I like to live at the edge of my seat. When it comes to work, I tend to take a similar approach. In my twenties I bounced from job to job – cook, waitress, English tutor, English teacher, Tattoo shop receptionist, writer – moving on to the next thing as soon as the thrill wore off. That’s a big reason why starting and running my own business has been so fulfilling. The challenges never go away, and it never gets boring. There is always more to do, more to learn, new skills to master, new tactics to try. The constant risk of failing and having to get a “normal” job keeps me perpetually at the edge of my seat – just where I like to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to travel to New Mexico and study with Alvin Yellowhorse, a regionally renowned Metalsmith who is an absolute master in modern Navajo jewelry making. He taught me so many things, in particular the art of stone inlay. Inlay work is nothing like I had ever done before, and brings me so much joy. Being able to cut, shape, and polish stones that I can then use in my own jewelry has opened many doors and possabilities. I’m excited to continue expanding this skill, and I love getting to bring a little taste of the Southwest to Marquette.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Marquette for a week, I would take her mountain biking on the south trails and dirtbiking in Sands township. To wind down, we would catch a yoga class at Unity Yoga Co-op, then grab some dinner at the Steinhaus. I would make sure to take her cliff jumping at black rocks, and finish with a beer at Black Rocks Brewing Company afterwards. I would want to make sure she got to check out all my favorite spots; 231 West Patisserie, Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery, Stuckos, the Crib, and Contrast Coffee. I would take her shopping at the Cove Boutique and at Niik Creative. We might cruise up to Negaunee to do some antiquing, then stop in at Samara Flower Co. to buy some fresh cut flowers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would never have become a metalsmith or jeweler without the mentorship of my dad, Jan Zender, who started teaching me when I was about fourteen. You can see a bit of the historical reproduction work and tradesilver my dad does here: https://www.zenderdalearts.com/

Website: https://www.kalilzender.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalilzender_metalsmithing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalilzendermetalsmithing/