One of the most creative artists using Strata today is Canadian artist Dale Schulz, also know on the strata café as Dasch. With his unique style and use of Strata to help conceive some real world 3d work Dale is a true 3d genius in more ways than one. Here are some thoughts from Dale after I meet him at the 2005 Red Rocks Revival in Utah.

SS: What sort of formal art/design training do you have?

Dasch: I am a world-taught artist. From the age of eight (when I sold my first drawing) I knew I wanted to be an artist. I dropped out of High School 3 months before graduation because I was busy working as an artist. In those days I drew editorial cartoons, painted Holiday scenes on windows and painted hand-lettered signs. I've learned by reading, listening, watching and practising - but I believe formal training can be important and very beneficial.

I was lucky to have excellent art teachers in High School. They recognized my talents and determination and helped me progress in a disciplined and professional manner.

SS: What got you started using 3D modeling?

Dasch: In 2000 I had to design graphics for on an existing curved-panel display. It dawned on me that 3D would be the way to present the graphic designs to the client. I had no experience with digital 3d so did an internet search for inexpensive or free 3D software - I found Strata's free download (I think it was version 3.1) and was able to model and render almost immediately. My thought was that I would complete that job and that would be the end of my venture into digital 3D. Soon after that I happened upon StratCafé.com and was inspired by the art in the gallery - my world changed.

SS: Why Strata?

Dasch: Strata is one of the most well-rounded 3D programs I've seen that is affordable and user-friendly enough for a novice digital 3D artist - which I was when I discovered Strata. Strata has also evolved consistently along with me. New tools are added and existing things are refined almost annually. The user community is friendly, helpful and encouraging and Strata has the feel of a family-owned business. I like the personal contacts I've made by being a Strata user.

SS: Windows or Mac?

Dasch: Mac. I wouldn't get into any Mac versus Windows debate though. The Mac just suits me, I guess.

SS: You have a very distinct style, how did you discover your 3d style?

Dasch: By trial and error, and experimentation. I really like to explore all aspects of 3D, including texturing and post-production techniques.

SS: You seem to have ideas for new artwork all the time. Can you explain to us how you maintain that level of creativity?

Dasch: I exercise my creative "muscles" daily. I make a habit of doodling for at least 20 minutes a day. These pages generate more ideas than I can use. I keep all of the pages for future reference - this is my 'Idea Bank'. If I ever hit a dryspell I can rifle through years of ideas and be 'back in business'.

I gave a seminar on my creativity techniques at Red Rock Revival 2005 . It seemed to be well received and I'm hoping it inspired folks to practise creativity as well as technique.

SS: You are also a stage/set artist for local productions. Does using computer 3d applications help you in that sort of work?

Dasch: Not only does digital 3D help for visualizing the elements that go on a stage, 3D models can be used as plan views for constructing props or set-pieces. I also use Strata for visualizing stage layout, lighting set-ups and camera positioning for video. I have also generated scenery in Strata which was rendered and projected onto stage flats for painting.

SS: Do you find most of your work being the computer 3d type or the real world 3d type (sculpture etc.)?

Dasch: I would say that it is now 50-50. Because a lot of my sculptural work can be cut using CNC machinery, I do a lot of my designing and sculpting in the computer now. Digital 3D has also infiltrated into my hand-drawn images. I often build parts in Strata for reference and even render images then redraw with pencil. 3D is invaluable for composing and lighting set-ups for drawing.

SS: We have seen some of your foam sculptures on the Cafe and I understand that you have used Strata and CNC machines to build some of these. Do you prefer to use computer technology, hand sculpt or a hybrid of the two to complete these types of projects?

Dasch: I really love to use the computer technology - it is much easier to 'edit' a sculpture in the computer than it is to make changes when you are sculpting in the 'real world'. In some cases though - as with fine details (where you would use bump maps in a 3D image) it is easier to add or carve out those parts by hand. When I use the CNC route approximately 90% of the sculpting is done digitally and 10% by hand.

SS: Do you have any projects you would like to try with Strata that you haven't tackled yet?

Dasch: I am in the process of 'rebuilding' my collection of real-world artifacts in Strata as a 3d catalogue of props for use in illustrations, paintings and sculptures. Previously a lot of the artifacts couldn't be recreated in Strata, but as Strata's Toolset evolves (as with the recent addition of SDS tools) I am finding that more of these objects can be added to my 'catalogue'.

I am also in the early stages of a sculptural series of larger-than-life samples from this catalogue. These will be visualized and planned in Strata. Photos of the original artifact and screenshots from Strata will be included with the sculptures in the exhibit.

SS: Do you have any advice for Strata artists out there to help them take their art to the next level?

Dasch: Focussing on modelling and texturing techniques is very important; but anyone who creates images should learn as much as they can about the Three C's - colour and composition and concept. With a strong idea and the ability to direct the viewer through the picture an artist can overcome some shortcomings in technique.
One other thing is patience. Digital 3D is an increasingly complex media. You can't expect to be at the same level as the professionals in a month or two, or even a year. Just keep modelling, play with textures, learn how to light and render - as much as you can, when you can.

You can check out more of Dasch's work at his stratacafe.com gallery.