Melanie Isverding

Professor Melanie Isverding serves in the Faculty of Design at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim (HAWK), where she holds the position of Professor in Metal Design & Jewellery / body related objects and Dean of the Master of Arts Design program. Her office is located at Renatastraße 11 (Room HIWC_204) in Hildesheim, with contact available via email or phone (+49/5121/881-326).

Her educational background includes:

• Diploma (2011) as master student at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich, Class for Jewellery and Appliances with Prof. Otto Künzli
• Studies at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich (2005-2010)
• Training as state-certified designer and master goldsmith at Hanau State Drawing Academy (2002-2004)
• Apprenticeship and journeyman work as goldsmith at Niessing, Vreden (1994-2002)

Professor Isverding's research focuses on contemporary jewellery design, experimental metalwork, and body-related objects that challenge traditional notions of adornment. Her creative practice explores the intersection of craft, conceptual art, and wearable objects, often incorporating unconventional materials and techniques. She examines how jewellery functions as a medium for personal expression, social commentary, and cultural dialogue, with particular interest in the relationship between the human body and designed objects.

Her work has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards in the applied arts field, reflecting her significant contributions to contemporary jewellery design.

• Bavarian State Prize 2019
• Mari Funaki Award Finalist (2016, 2018)
• Danner Award Selection 2017
• European Prize for Applied Arts Selection (2012, 2018)
• Upper Bavarian Award for Applied Arts - 1st Prize 2011

Professor Isverding maintains an active role in the international jewellery community through jury service for major competitions including the State Prize for Designing Crafts Berlin, Upper Bavarian Award for Applied Arts, and Legnica International Jewellery Competition. Her work is represented in prominent collections such as the Cooper Hewitt - Smithsonian Design Museum in New York and the CODA Museum in Apeldoorn. She previously served as artistic assistant at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle (2014-2019) before joining HAWK.