he(ART) of Bellevue: Kindred Industrial

heART of Bellevue: Kindred Industrial

The spirit of second chances is the ethos behind Kindred Industrial: a husband and wife duo who use their inspiration to transform everyday materials into unique works of art. We first met owners Andrew and Melinda Kindred when they exhibited at last year’s 6th Street Fair and we were instantly impressed with their craft. For this edition of heART of Bellevue, we caught up with Andrew and Melinda to learn about what inspires them and the background behind their work. Read on for our Q&A conversation:

BDA: 
Andrew and Melinda! Tell us, what inspires you? How did you come to start Kindred Industrial?

A & M:
We really believe in second chances and new life—which has become our vision for our business. There have been times in our life where we have had to start over, adapt, and have even been given a redeemed life to start anew. This often influences what materials we use, such as reclaimed wood, because we desire to give old materials an opportunity to tell a new story. We began our business about three years ago when Andrew came to me asking to invest in a CNC plasma table.

BDA:
Did you just have these skills? How did you learn your craft?

A & M:
We have always enjoyed working with our hands and learning new skills. When we purchased the CNC plasma table we knew nothing about designing with CAD, working with patina, or the various ways to finish steel. Everything we learned was through trial and error or through reading and watching others on social media.

BDA:
Nice! So how would you describe what you make and why? Quick – two sentences!

A & M:
Ha! We create custom signs and industrial furniture using steel and reclaimed wood. We enjoy the timeless nature that wood and metal create when crafted together.

BDA:
Nice job. So, you exhibit at a lot of local shows, including our 6th Street Fair. So many of these have been canceled, how have you adapted? 

A & M:
We were excited to participate in the 6th Street Fair this year because we believed it would have introduced our craft more broadly to people who appreciate and support local artists and businesses. Much of our business comes from meeting people at markets as they’re able to see what we create up close. COVID has definitely slowed work down. However, we have used this time to further our skill and let our creative juices flow. 

BDA:
Have you enjoyed more home time? Where do you see Kindred Industrial going?

A & M:
While having a home business currently works in our favor - since our kids are learning remotely - we hope to grow our business into a full time job where we have a shop separate from our home

BDA:
How can people see your work? Do you take commissions?

A & M:
People can view past work on Facebook or Instagram @kindredindustrial. And yes! 90% of our work is custom and so the best way to commission work is to contact us by email at kindredindustrial@gmail.com.

For more information on Kindred Industrial and to see their work, visit their Facebook Page.