Montana Mincher and Declan Walters from Kyn & Folk
After discovering a gap in the market for sustainable and beautifully designed water filters for the home, Montana Mincher and Declan Walters, from Kyn & Folk, decided to make their own – creating vessels that explore the line between art and utility.
Photography: Kaitie Kenning, Lucia Townsend-Sim & Tianna Gumbleton
‘Transparency, beauty, functionality and sustainability all matter to Declan and I on a personal level, so it was always important that we were a part of something we believed in,’ says Montana Mincher, pictured with her partner in life and work, Declan Walters. Photo: Kaitie Kenning
Ceramic Water Filter in Dune by Kyn & Folk. Photo: Lucia Townsend-Sim
‘I’m constantly responding to the world around me – reacting to my own experiences and the work of other creatives.’ Photo: Kaitie Kenning
Ceramic Water Filter in Pistachio by Kyn & Folk. Photo: Kaitie Kenning
‘I always loved being involved in a brand's story, from concept to creation, developing a unique vision, voice and all of the intricate details that go along with the conception of a brand.’ Photo: Lucia Townsend-Sim
H&F: Hi Montana, when did the idea first come about to start Kyn & Folk… was there a lightbulb moment?
Montana: Kyn & Folk started as a problem resolution for our little seaside apartment. We’d just moved back to Queensland from Amsterdam and found that the water in our rental was almost undrinkable thanks to some rusty pipes. We started buying spring water from our local farmer's markets but over time we found that it wasn’t the most sustainable option, both environmentally and financially.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
While I don’t have a studio routine as such, I definitely have practices that help me navigate each day more gently. I find that it’s important to find balance in social life and me-time. Understanding when I need to connect with those around me and when to have a quiet moment for myself. I also benefit greatly from staying active; it clears my mind and helps me sleep better.
As a designer/maker, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, which can be hard these days with so many people doing so many amazing things. There’s a constant source of inspiration in this, but sometimes it can also feel a little like competition or pressure. Early on in the process, I was always eager to see the final result. I’ve learnt that the process of creation is much more enjoyable when it’s slow and intentional, rather than following a strict production schedule.
Tell me about your design background - what did you do prior to starting Kyn & Folk?
I’m grateful that I found what I wanted to do quite early on. I’ve worked in branding and strategy marketing for close to a decade now. I always loved being involved in a brand's story, from concept to creation, developing a unique vision, voice and all of the intricate details that go along with the conception of a brand.
I’ve worked with many artists and brands in the music and arts industries but felt a strong pull to the design industry when working for an interior design company. I actually met Dec, my partner in both business and in life, working together for a music marketing agency.
As I grew in my career, it became increasingly important for me to work with brands whose ethos aligned with my own. Transparency, beauty, functionality and sustainability all matter to Declan and I on a personal level, so it was always important that we were a part of something we believed in.
How would you describe your personal aesthetic - does it cross over in your work?
In terms of interiors, I think I’m instinctively pulled towards natural fibres and materials, wool, ceramic, timber, concrete and stone. I like my home to feel like a calming retreat, so I actually prefer quite simple interiors. I always think about how I want each space to feel and then select objects that help create that feeling. I love soft and elegant shapes, I suppose that’s why we wanted to create a really nonintrusive vessel that explores the line between art and utility.
‘Our vessels filter chlorine, heavy metals, fluoride, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and other impurities that can cause disharmony within the body whilst maintaining important minerals like magnesium and calcium.’ Photo & Main Hero Photo: Tianna Gumbleton
Ceramic Water Filter in Dove by Kyn & Folk. Photo: Kaitie Kenning
“Early on in the process, I was always eager to see the final result. I’ve learnt that the process of creation is much more enjoyable when it’s slow and intentional, rather than following a strict production schedule.”
Ceramic Water Filter in Dove by Kyn & Folk. Photo: Tianna Gumbleton
‘The common thread that intertwines my idea of a dream job is something that ignites my passions, enables connection with like-minded people and allows me to continually be learning.’ Photo: Kaitie Kenning
Besides being a beautiful design, can you tell us about the well-being benefits behind your water filtration systems?
Our bodies are made up of 50 - 70% water. It truly is the elixir of life for every plant and animal. Given that it’s fundamental in sustaining life, consuming clean water can be one of the most vital investments for our overall health.
Beyond how much water we’re drinking, I think it’s also important for people to consider the quality of water they are consuming. Our ceramics are designed to function as life enhancers, improving one’s health through clean drinking water, as well as instilling beauty into every day through the objects that we surround ourselves with. Our vessels filter chlorine, heavy metals, fluoride, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and other impurities that can cause disharmony within the body whilst maintaining important minerals like magnesium and calcium.
How has your community shaped you and your work?
I’m fortunate enough to have a great community around me. Since launching Kyn & Folk I’ve worked with some of my closest friends on photography, graphic design and set styling. I have friends and family who own their own small businesses so it’s amazing to be able to brainstorm, learn, collaborate and grow together.
Is this your dream job?
I’ve struggled a lot with the term ‘dream job’ and the pressure of ‘finding purpose’ in my career. I don’t necessarily think my dream job even exists. For me, it seems to be more of a fluid notion that’s always evolving – the common thread that intertwines my idea of a dream job is something that ignites my passions, enables connection with like-minded people and allows me to continually be learning.
What drives you to keep exploring new ideas?
I’m inspired by nature, food, books, music, and sustainable innovation. I’m constantly responding to the world around me – reacting to my own experiences and the work of other creatives.
What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given or would give?
I’ve called in Dec for this one. The master of pep talks and great advice: Sleep on it. Any idea, feeling or action is always provided with more clarity and perspective when you give yourself time to process your thoughts and emotions.
In terms of more distinct business advice, don’t ever budge on your standards or direction. If people come into the fold and say that something can’t be done or it’s not achievable, don’t listen. Follow your intuition until you’re 100% satisfied.
What are the little things that bring you joy?
Lots of yoga, pilates, beach swims and hiking. Good food, music and company. Also more recently, our dog Poppy. She grounds me, makes life more simple and brings me back to the present. I love going on walks in nature with her, just exploring and chasing all of the things.
What’s in store for Kyn & Folk in 2023?
I hope to be working with many beautiful people who carry a lot of knowledge in their area, whether that be photography, textile design, naturopathy or interior design. As we are still such a young brand I’m anticipating that this first year is going to be a whirlwind of mistakes and learnings. So I suppose above all, I hope that we can learn and grow together through whatever the year ahead holds. Oh, and we’ll be releasing a carafe soon. Shhhhh!