by Jenny Bachynski | Alex Henderson is the owner and designer behind Henderson Dry Goods. With her stylish eye and impressive craftsmanship, she creates a variety of items ranging from mirrors, frames, clocks, and jewelry. All of her work is handmade in Vancouver, and gives off a nostalgic feeling that will hit close to home for many Canadians. Inspired by the history of the Prairies, Henderson Dry Goods are reminiscent of heirloom pieces that you would find in your grandparents’ closets. Some of her most fascinating works are laser-etched cameos of well known Canadian figures (such as Emily Carr). As a person who grew up in Alberta, I was fascinated to see more from Alex and enjoyed being reminded of my love of the Prairies, and the rich history that it holds…

Tell us a bit about yourself and how Henderson Dry Goods came to be? Since about the age of 15 I knew I wanted to be a designer and from about the age of 16 I knew I wanted to go to Emily Carr. I had small deviations from these ideas over the years (at one point thinking architecture and another thinking art history) but stuck to the original plan and started my degree in Industrial Design at Emily Carr in 2003. I started making and selling things (hand-felted accessories, small leather goods and some jewelry) all throughout my student years under the name “Obsessive/Compulsive”. Pretty much from then on I knew I that could make a business for myself working with my hands. Fast forward to a few years later where I was very much in a one door closing and another opening situation and was able to give my small design business aspiration a real go. I took a “Be Your Own Boss” program and came up with a solid plan and away I went.

Does Vancouver as a city inspire your work? Vancouver inspires my work in a sort of non-direct way. I am very much affected by all the creative people around me and all the great things happening here, not just in design but also in art and music, too. However, I am very much influenced by Canada as a whole and especially the Prairies where I was raised.

What is your process like when designing a new piece? It usually just starts with a thought of a shape or even just a feeling, a mood, and then it is a process of feeling around until I manage to put that feeling into 3D. I always really identify with how Michelangelo described carving the stone away to reveal the figure that was hidden inside.

Has owning your own business changed the way you work and create? Yes! But I try not to let it to too much.

In three words, how would you describe your work personality? Obsessive, compulsive, and…obsessive.

Who is another local artist or business owner that you admire? There are lots, but to name a couple: I always admire the work and working style of my good friend Karin Bubas, who is an amazing artist and Zoe Garred of Fleet Objects is an incredibly hard working and talented designer.

What has been your most rewarding experience since starting your own business? It is very lovely when people tell me that they like my work and think that the objects I make are beautiful. That is definitely rewarding.

If you could change one thing about your daily work routine, what would it be and why? To actually have a routine! Right now my days are all over the place. I am juggling my business with being a new mom, which is extremely challenging.

Which piece of your jewelry is the most fun to create? Probably custom portrait pendants. I am always very aware that it is a piece that will be a special gift and so that makes it special for me too.

The most important thing in my studio is my…? My laser cutter!

Thanks Alex! Find out more about Henderson Dry Goods at www.hendersondrygoods.com.

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Jenny Bachynski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In her teenage years she packed up her bags and headed to Vancouver to pursue further education in fashion design. In 2009 she started her own small business Jenny Andrews Recycled Leather Goods, as well as her blog Jenny Loves. After starting her blog, Jenny discovered that one of her greatest joys was stumbling upon beautiful and interesting things, and sharing them with anyone who would listen.

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