From the time that Enrrique (Perecat/perecat1) joined the 3DVIA community in April of 2009, he has been one of the most imaginative modelers on 3DVIA. His creations are wild, yet believable and filled with fantastic details, colors and textures. Enrrique also regularly takes the time to encourage other modelers and to ask good questions which helps us all learn more. Most of all, he has added a huge element of FUN to 3DVIA. For all of those things, we thank him and are proud to have him as our Featured Artist!

By the numbers, Enrrique is #6 on the all time 3DVIA Top 10 winners list with 20 inclusions – 034 – 036 – 037 – 038 – 045 – 050 – 054 – 062 - 063 - 064 – 073 – 075 – 078 – 079 – 084 – 085 – 087 – 088 – 089 & – 090!

He is also #3 on the all-time 3DVIA Honorable Mentions list with 6 inclusions – 031 – 041 – 042 – 049 – 051 & – 054.

Now, the best way to learn about Enrrique is in his own words:

I will start by saying: I am from a small town, 27 km south of Madrid with city-like aspirations. It is called Valdemoro, with 70,000 inhabitants and an important historical heritage. Large green areas make it a very calm place to live. With the advantage of being close to the capital.  I left school at an early age. I wanted, needed and had to work to help the family finances.  They were difficult times.  I worked at every odd job, carpentry, soldier and construction.

My last job was at a printing press, for 10 years, as the lead maintenance technician. I enjoyed that job the most when a machine would break down and there was grease everywhere.  Currently I do not work, I had an accident at work and I medically retired.  The machines are very large and long with very heavy pieces in places with little or difficult access, in certain places you have to use a lot of effort and I got hurt.

Now, I am 45, divorced and have two wonderful children. I have a lot of free time that I dedicate to doing everything I like. No mountain climbing though, replaced it with stamp collecting, cacti (almost 100), I also have two large fish tanks, a small dog named Patty, reading, meetings and long talks with friends, some parties, BBQ’s and stuff.  I love to camp every now and then too and travel, discovering Spain, when the economy permits it.

I have been a member of Greenpeace for many years. We all need to chip in to take care of our Earth. There are many ways to do it, and every little bit helps.

I haven’t won any awards but there have been some close calls.  The last time was for the candidacy of Madrid to host the Olympics. The idea consisted of five rods of “bamboo” (for the union of the five continents), surrounded by three rings, red, yellow, red.

I visit the capital every Sunday normally, for different activities related to family.  It’s curious that out of all the museums, the one I like most is the Natural Science Museum and Archeology.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?

From a young age I enjoyed drawing. My great curiosity and desire to learn led me to the purchase of a laptop. I knew that the best of the Internet is often free. I knew of the existence of such drawing programs and I had a great day looking, I found several. The testing was done and I decided on 3DVIA. I made several models, then removed them, and one day I dared and published one. I got emails that encouraged me to continue. I took a liking to it and even today enjoy it.

Q2: Your models are always so unusual. How do you come up with your ideas?

The source of my inspiration is my great imagination and both fiction and fantasy.

Q3: What is the primary purpose of your 3D modeling?
To show my work to the world. Before; I was keeping them to myself and that was the end of my pleasure.

Q4: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?
The total global vision of the model.

Q5: How does story telling play a role in your 3D modeling?
It’s everything, every model tells a little about me. :)

Q6: How much 3D modeling time do you have in a week?
This question is very relative, much depends on my mood. One day, 1 hour, another I can be in August.

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?
In my case it is easy, since that is what I like. Just put on some music and let me go.

Q8: How do you think 3D modeling can help children as they learn about the world?

It is a way to communicate used since ancient times, through images. 3D is a great way to express themselves and bring out the creativity that we all have inside. It is a universal language that everyone understands, and it is very rewarding.

Q9: How do you think 3D modeling is different in different parts of the world?

Each country has a different culture, economy, politics, etc. All this affects people, of course. But in the end images are universal, with different trends.

Q10: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? book?
Bicycling in the countryside. Films; to name two: Blade Runner, The Wall. Many books, but the first is not forgotten, it was Robinson Crusoe.

Q11: What is your favorite activity other than 3D modeling?
A walk in the countryside without any doubt.

Thank you Enrrique for taking time to answers our questions and to tell us a little more about yourself! We look forward to seeing your imagination continue to grow and fuel new models!