This week we are thrilled to highlight a New York neighbor, Alex Berkowitz from Rochester, NY. Alex is a pro – graduating with a degree in 3D Digital Graphics. With his shop, illogical, he can bring his digital creations to life! His love of math and science shines throughout this shop, but is translated into wearable art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I’m currently located in Rochester, NY soon to graduate RIT with a degree in 3D Digital Graphics. I’m really passionate about art and design and I’m constantly trying to find new mediums through which I can express myself. I particularly love 3D printing because it helps me bring my passion out of the digital realm and into the real world. Being a predominantly digital artist (unless stick figures count as art in which case I’m practically Picasso) I’ve always tried to seek out ways I can use my talents and interests to augment the world around me. Pushing the boundaries of what I can create is the most exciting thing in the world for me.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I’ve always had a strong love for the world of science and mathematics. The way that everything around us has a meaning — an explanation — is fascinating to me. And I try to reflect those ideas in my work. Some of my designs are very literal, showcasing mathematical or scientific ideas that I find fascinating and want to share with the world. I absolutely love geometry in particular. I had to consciously stop myself from simply releasing 20 products that depicted various Archimedean solids or similar ideas. Other designs of mine follow a more abstract train of thought, wherein the design emerges as I try to solve a challenge I have set for myself. Still other designs, often my favorite ones, are the result of experimentation as I toy with different ways of presenting or referencing interesting concepts artistically.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I have always been fascinated with 3D printing because it allows individuals such as myself the opportunity to create amazing things far beyond my expectations. When I started studying 3D design I always expected my work to be strictly digital. Perhaps I’d make product renderings one day but certainly never actual products. I always figured one had to be an engineer or an artisan to do so. But then, years ago, 3D printing was starting to become mainstream. Suddenly people were more accustomed to seeing products with the telltale anisotropic print lines on them. Companies were popping up ready to print objects on-demand for the masses. Shapeways was the first of such companies that I heard of, in an article on a technology blog. Although the company was still relatively young at the time (around a year or two old I believe), I was still blown away by what could be created. I started designing and printing my own models as soon as I could. Now, I’ve realized I was right all along: you DO have to be an engineer or an artisan to create great products. Thanks to 3D printing and Shapeways I can be both.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
When I first entered high school I was a bit directionless. If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I was older I’d probably have said something along the lines of “engineer.” I loved computers, and I loved art, and I loved making things. But I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do with those interests. So I ended up doing the absolute worst thing: I did nothing. The following year I took my first 3D graphics course in order to fulfill a promise to my mother that I would try to do a little less than “nothing at all.” I quickly realized I not only had a talent for it but a real passion. I continued to study 3D graphics all throughout high school and went on to pursue my degree shortly thereafter. Now, I’m about to graduate RIT with a BFA in 3D Digital Graphics all because I thought it sounded like an easy A.
How do you promote your work?
Whenever I release a new product I post about it to the Illogical pages on Facebook and Twitter. I also try to always make a post in the “It Arrived!” forums in order to share my designs with the community. If there is a holiday or special occasion coming up, I will generally post additional reminders to my followers about my products and how they can be used on such occasions. In between these events I try to post regularly in order to maintain community engagement. Advertising is one place I’m always looking to improve and I feel there is definitely more I can to to help promote my business and my products.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
One of my earliest inspirations on Shapeways was Bathsheba. I love her combination of mathematical and artistic forms. The result is always really wonderful and sculptural. I also really enjoy FabMe Jewelry. Wesley Günter’s designs are a really fantastic combination of geometric forms, modern/abstract style, and clever design. Nervous System, with their amazing generative designs, is another shop that simply blows my mind.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
The largest object I’ve ever 3D printed was a Klein bottle only a few inches in height. Although I know it’s entirely possible to print at large scales, the cost/availability of such technologies has always limited me to very small objects. And while that suits my needs perfectly — after all, most jewelry/housewares shops sell rather small items — I’ve always wanted to try printing something larger. In the rare moments when I’m not working on my shop or schoolwork or independent projects I like to play my guitar. I’d absolutely love to try designing my own custom guitar and having it 3D printed. I’ve seen some really incredible guitars printed in the past (so I suppose it’s not that original of an idea) and I’d like to try doing it myself.
Anything else you want to share?
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Shapeways team and everyone in the community for all they’ve done. It’s really incredible what we have here. World-changing, even. And I am so grateful to be a part of it.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Great photography
- Clean shop page
- Sections for easy shopping
- Facebook link on shop to follow shop updates
- Great overall shop branding
Thank you, Alex! Keep up the beautiful work, you have some great stuff. Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook and Twitter. To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.