Who Are We?

The question has been asked over the centuries, “what is in a name?” Our answer is everything. The name Truly Kindred was carefully chosen for these reasons. As Elisa McLaughlin looked at the world and the art that connects most deeply with herself and others she noticed a thread that ran through it all, “authenticity.” When you connect with a painting, or a song strikes a chord in your soul, or a scent awakens you there is something true within yourself it connects with. We humans are so connected by these threads of truth and that is why art inspires us so, it cuts us to our truest marrow of who we are and sings of how we are all truly connected.

This Truly Kindred nature reminds us of who we are, where we are going and that we are not alone. It reminds us of the important questions we all ask and long to have answered, “do I truly matter?” “Who am I truly?” What am I contributing to the world?” For artist and creator Elisa McLaughlin this is why art is so important and needed, especially in the divided time we are currently living in. This authenticity is a crucial reminder that we need each other and that no matter how our perspectives divide us, at our center we are all longing for the same things and asking the same questions. 

"I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art." —Helena Bonham Carter

Truly Kindred was started by Elisa McLaughlin in 2015. She is an artist, avid lover of nature, and adventure seeker. She educates her five children at home in Vancouver, WA and also makes goods that promote beauty, creativity, and community.