We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kris Albro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I was 28 I hit a crossroads. I had just lost my automotive business and had no idea what direction to go in. I no longer had a full time job and no idea what a truly wanted to do. I didn’t want to pursue my degree and I knew I didn’t want a desk job. That’s when the idea hit me that maybe it was time to try welding professionally. I was already playing around with a mig welder, welding chains and spare parts together to try to create art. I loved doing it in my free time and wanted to learn more. I decided to take the risk and enroll in a full time welding school where I would learn all the processes. I took out a student loan and bet on myself. After I enrolled it was love at first arc. I was obsessed wanting to learn everything I could. In the end it was that risk that lead me to the life I always wanted.

Kris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kris Albro, I am a metal artist out of Grants Pass Oregon. I have tried a lot of different hands on jobs. I was a firefighter and aircraft mechanic, automotive shop owner but nothing ever seemed to stick until I got into welding. Out of welding school I was picked up by a shop that made metal furniture and light fixtures. This is where I learned to blacksmith and fabricate. I’ve always had a creative drive. Since I was young I love singing, playing instruments and painting. Once I was able to start creating out of metal that’s when things took off. I created my business Meltdown Metal Art and began actually selling my artwork. I tend to gravitate towards nature for inspiration in my work. I make a lot of plants and sea life. Special items to put on the table or hang on the walls. What I am most proud of is the progress I have made. I enjoy looking back on some of the first projects I had completed and how much more refined my skills have become.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to create something that others truly enjoy. The first time someone actually bought something from me was such a humbling moment. I put so much into the process of creating a piece I am proud of and when someone else recognizes the beauty of a sculpture I have made it’s a special moment for me.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My audience grew on social media when I found my Niche. Once I was truly passionate about what I was sharing my following grew. I do my best to be 100% my genuine self and feel that helps me connect with people. They enjoy seeing the silly day to day stuff that they can relate to.

Contact Info:

• Website: etsy.com/shop/meltdownmetalart
• Instagram: @meltdownmetalart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meltdownmetalart6528

Image Credits
Nathan Bowman