Designer Henry Wilson wins Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards in craft and object design category

The Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA365), the leading initiative for Australia’s best emerging artists, designers, and creatives, has today announced Henry Wilson as the 2012 recipient of the SOYA365 Craft and Object Design category award.

Many talented Australian creatives submitted their work into the craft and object design category this year, vying for a chance to win the prestigious title, $5000 in cash, and a rare 12-month mentorship opportunity with one of the world’s foremost designers, Marc Newson. This year, the winner will also be sent on a trip-of-a-lifetime to London Design Festival in September, one of the most celebrated global design events. The event showcases some of the world’s greatest architects and designers who have created pieces of work in a number of London’s best-loved public spaces.

The craft and object design category has attracted an impressive list of entrants this year, with over 170 designers vying for the opportunity to work alongside design mastermind Newson. With over 2500 works submitted, SOYA365 provides these talented designers the opportunity to grow their fan bases, build brand awareness, and reputations.

SOYA365 is open for submissions, with one new creative category closing every month. All submissions can be made through the new SOYA365 hub here.

Wilson, the first recipient of the recently revised craft and object design category has built his practice on the philosophy that design should be both built for longevity and honestly resolved. A graduate with first class honours from the Australian National University, he also holds a Masters in Man and Humanity from the Design Academy Eindhoven in The Netherlands and is now based in Rozelle, Sydney.

A strong believer in ethical and human-centred design, Wilson creates new objects as well as thoughtful and useful additions to existing objects. He has received numerous awards, scholarships and grants for his work and exhibited in Australia, Europe the UK and USA.

Says Wilson: “I have always followed the Qantas SOYA awards and have entered twice in the past. I was initially drawn to the award as they offer a unique opportunity to exhibit and be judged on a body of work – It is great to get a platform to share your work and be in the running for such a comprehensive prize. It really covers all the areas. Travel, media, mentor and funding.”

For the next 12 months, Wilson will be mentored by Newson. Newson’s distinctive style can be found on an enormous range of designs, from watches and furniture to restaurants, recording studios and even Qantas Club Lounges. Newson believes designing in Australia helped his innovative work break the traditional design mould.

Says Newson: “Coming from Australia and studying jewellery and sculpture, my design was self-taught and instinctive. Henry’s work has a simple and fine aesthetic. Clean lines with a strong emphasis on the material and on the process involved in the making.  Each piece evokes a unique and strong vision of the designer behind it. His customisation of existing objects shows both a thoughtful and creative approach.”

This year the newly rebranded SOYA365 has also introduced four additional categories: Animation, Interactive Content & Gaming, Architecture & Interior Design and The Written Word.