This week we are featuring Paul Liaw of NeoNouveau. An incredibly talented modeler, Paul’s shop shows off some insane detail, from dainty bracelets to a giant faux taxidermy Rhino head. His shop is one we really can’t stop staring at.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I am a NY based, digital sculptor. I make creatures for television and film – I just finished working on the upcoming Jurassic Park. I am also a semi professional chef.

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What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I call my shop NeoNouveau because of my taste in French haute jewelry. I used to not like much jewelry because I found it boring and just about the size and price of the stone. When I got exposed to the work of Art Nouveau jewelry I was blown away. It was a perfect combination of narrative, craftsmanship, and material. It was right up my alley, since sculpting nature was my expertise as well as interest.

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What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I made my wedding ring because years ago I saw my coworker 3D model his. I always knew when it was my turn I’d make my own. Months of work and research later I made my ring. but all this new 3D printing and jewelry knowledge sitting there collecting dust. My coworker told me that I should look into making and selling on a thing called Shapeways. The rest is history.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I’ve been doing 3D professionally since the late 90s. I actually train people on how to model the right way.

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Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
Rene Lalique Van cleef and Arpels, Carrera y Carrera, Boucheron. I was brought into the community by Savannah Peterson, but the Shapeways team have been very good to me. And I bring them cake.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
I spent years modeling anything and everything for commercials and film so I would like to model anything I see in a store but a more interesting version. I’d love to be able to make house hold goods, furniture, really large scale art pieces. I have made 2 large prints so far.

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 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:

  • Amazing detail and iteration of designs
  • Different size offerings
  • Great photos to capture all the details
  • Use of Beta for iteration!

 

Thank you, Paul! Can’t wait to see what other creatures show up in your shop. Keep us posted! Check out all of Paul’s amazing work on his website. More social following to come! To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.