BY: HIBA OBEED
Staff
William Chu, an educational assistant for the Center for Visual Technology (CVT) Lab in the art department, brings a harmonious blend of animation and hands-on craftsmanship to the creative space. With a background in visual media and a passion for innovation, Chu helps students navigate and explore the lab’s cutting-edge technology—including 3D printers, laser cutters, and high-end design software—to bring their unique creations to life. His own work crosses multiple mediums, from metal sculpture and woodwork to 3D-printed pieces, embodying his philosophy of pushing creative boundaries.
Could you give a brief introduction to who you are and what you do?
My name is William Chu. I am an educational assistant for the CVT Lab at the art department. My background is a Bachelor of Arts degree in animation and filmmaking and I think that’s relevant to the art department because it has a strong foundation of visual storytelling.
What kind of equipment is used in the CVT Lab?
This lab is basically a state-of-the-art computer lab where creativity meets cutting-edge technology. What we have in our lab is a laser cutter, where you can etch, engrave and cut various materials, like wood, acrylic and leather. It’s perfect for custom design, intricate patterns and professional-quality prototypes. We also have a 3D printer that you can create detailed models and functional prototypes with. The 3D printers give you a high resolution output. Our large-format printers are perfect for producing posters, banners, blueprints and much more. It gives vibrant high quality prints in various sizes, which makes a bold statement. We have a vinyl cutter that can create custom decals, signage and intricate designs in vinyl. Which is perfect for this department- for creative and professional projects. We also have high-end Macintosh computers with the latest software.
What’s your favorite tool or machine in the CVT lab and why?
For my personal and professional development I think it’s the SLA printers, which are 3D printers, because I do 3D modeling for animation. I created the bonsai trees that were featured in the art show last year. I create 3D models in Maya, and then print them using the 3D printer.
How do you think the technologies here in the CVT lab have evolved in recent years?
When the CVT first developed in 2000 all we had were high-end computers for printers, for making posters, for doing animation and video editing. But then we got to incorporate new technology. When 3D printing and laser cutters became popular, we were able to introduce them into the curriculum. Now students can design, and cut intricate details and patterns. You can even scan objects, such as a chair or a person. Last year I scanned my coworker, and then turned the scan into a small action figure using the 3D printer.
Is there a piece of your art that you feel best represents your creative journey, or one that you’re particularly proud of? What makes it special to you?
My creativity varies from woodworking to metal to glass work—it’s hard to say what I’m particularly fond of or which was my favorite. Everything excites me. I started my studies in photography— black and white photography. Then I broke away from that and I ventured into sculpting with metal.
My creative process for sculpting in metal begins with scavenging for scrap metal, where I see more than discarded materials—I see raw potential waiting to be transformed. Each piece carries a story in its shape, texture, and wear, guiding my imagination. Sometimes, I recognize the suggestion of a figure, an abstract form, or an unexpected fusion of elements that spark inspiration. Once the vision takes shape in my mind, I bring it to life through welding, cutting, bending, and grinding, molding the metal into its new form. Each step balances precision and spontaneity, allowing the material’s character to shine while shaping it into something entirely new.
My artistic process of making a butcher block cutting board begins with selecting the finest hardwoods—cherry, maple, and other complementary wood—I choose each piece of wood for its grain pattern and color contrast to create a striking visual effect or enhance durability. Carefully cutting, planing, and arranging the pieces, you consider how each segment will interact when laminated together, achieving a seamless and visually appealing flow. I inspect each board, rejecting pieces with knots, cracks, or irregularities that could compromise the board’s strength and aesthetic appeal. Precision is key in the glue-up process, where each strip is bonded and clamped to create a solid, lasting structure.
After curing, I refine the surface through a meticulous sanding process, bringing out the natural beauty of the wood and ensuring a silky-smooth touch. The final steps—rounding edges, applying a food-safe finish, and buffing to perfection—transform the piece into a functional work of art, where craftsmanship meets everyday utility. The final product is not merely a cutting board; it’s a handcrafted masterpiece, combining durability, elegance, and a deep connection to the natural materials that brought it to life. My cultural background inspired me to craft 3D-printed bonsai trees, which symbolize harmony with nature, resilience, patience, balance, and the beauty of imperfection.
In Chinese culture, bonsai represents peace, longevity, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection. To bring this vision to life, I utilize the CVT’s high-tech equipment and advanced software. Using Autodesk Maya, I begin by creating a virtual clay mold, then stretch, add, divide, bend, and shape it into form. Once the 3D model is complete, I send it to a resin 3D printer to be transformed into a physical object.
What’s one art project you’ve worked on that challenged you the most?
The angel wings sculpture, because they’re long and massive—I didn’t have an assistant so I had to figure out how to mount and weld the pieces myself while bending them into the right shape. Since the structure was so bulky, I had to create stands to hold the pieces while I welded. It was a challenge, but I was really happy with how it turned out.
When you’re creating sculptures, do you find yourself thinking about the potential for animation in your pieces, or do you try to keep them separate?
I think sometimes I would like to incorporate my pieces with videos, like the angel wings; I would like to make it into an animation. I once asked one of my friends to pose for me with the wings so there I incorporated the sculpture with my photography.
Has working with students in the lab ever inspired your own art/creative work?
It’s almost like the other way around, because the students are coming in fresh— they’re really confused and they’re really nervous. They’re starting out brand new, like a clean canvas. I had to inspire them to bring out their creativity. But sometimes there’s always one person that stands out, and is super ambitious and that inspires me in return. I can help mold their creativity and I can show what the CVT lab offers for them.
What’s one piece of technology or equipment in the CVT lab that you think is often underutilized by students but has incredible potential for creative projects?
We’ve been working to get other departments involved. For example, we collaborated with the interior design department to help them use 3D printers for creating small-scale models of their room designs. We try to introduce all of our equipment so the students get to decide, ‘Okay, I want to learn more about 3D printing,’ or ‘I want to learn more about final applications.’ That’s up to them.
What’s the most unusual or unexpected project you’ve worked on here in the CVT lab?
The students have very unique ideas. They think outside the box which is great. In typography, they would try to create their own special fonts— they would use clay, food, metal or even gelatin, which is creative and very unique. I try to figure out how to help students utilize our equipment to help their project look amazing. And if we don’t have the right tools in the lab, I connect them with resources in other departments, like the sculpture department, which has welding equipment and table saws.
If you could pursue and create any art project, with any medium, without any limitations, what would it be?
I’d love to incorporate everything—animation, sculpture, 3D printing, laser cutting—into making my own film. I would use 3D printers to create models, laser cutters to build scenery and every piece of equipment available to bring my vision to life.
