Andy Henson of Melbourne Metal Collective

Andy Henson is one seventh of the jewelry initiative, Melbourne Metal Collective. Henson works alongside seven other jewelry designers in collaborative effort to showcase their designs to a local and global market. We asked Andy a few questions to find out more about the Melbourne Metal collective and the man behind ‘Henson Jewelry’.

Stolen: Explain what ‘Melbourne Metal Collective’ is and how you and your label play a part?

Andy Henson: The Melbourne Metal Collective is a group of seven jewelry labels that work together on pop up stores, showrooms and collaborations with filmmakers and photographers. Henson Jewelry, my label, is one of the seven brands and I’m also one of the directors of MMC. Essentially, we collectively combine resources, share contacts and the likes, so it makes it a lot easier to get things done.

Stolen: Describe the aesthetic of your own label, Henson?

Andy Henson: Henson is very raw, organic and a little dark. We try to give everything a really classic feel, but also maintain an aggressive aesthetic.

Stolen: What does a typical day entail?

Andy Henson: Everyday is different at the moment. I’ve been traveling a lot with Henson over the last four months and juggling MMC projects as well. I usually spend the first two hours of the day answering emails and the rest of the day ticking tasks off the always growing “to do list”.

Stolen: What else keeps you occupied?

Andy Henson: I like long walks on the beach and feeling the wind in my hair. No in all seriousness, I love to sit and work on concepts for shoots or short films. It’s always been a passion of mine.

Stolen: Who is it you admire in the creative/design industry?

Andy Henson: Wow, there are so many amazing designers in Australia! I love Melvin and Lyna from ‘Song for the Mute’ their passion for high quality materials is amazing.

Stolen: What or who inspires you and your work?

Andy Henson: Brent Gold, the other half of Henson, his energy is pretty inspiring. The dark side of nature also influences me; there is a lot of that in our work.

Stolen: What have you stolen?

Andy: I once stole a block of cheese from the supermarket when I was 5. It was the beginning of a life long obsession.