From Canvas to Code

My Path in Art and Engineering

My name is Henry Qiu and I was born and raised in New York City. I discovered early on that I had a different creative perspective in solving problems. My father, a talented painter, transformed our home into an artistic haven, nurturing my love for art from a young age. You can see his inspiring works on Instagram or TikTok.

My passion for art was not confined to a canvas. At LaGuardia High School, I got my arts-endorsed diploma for acting, setting the stage for an adventurous academic journey. To everyone’s surprise, I decided to immediately go to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, which became my second home as I pursued a degree in computer engineering with a minor in studio art. While art and engineering may seem worlds apart, they come together in a unique symphony in my work. Many choose to focus on one and overlook the other, but I've discovered that embracing both opens a door to boundless creativity and innovation, adding new dimensions to what is possible to achieve.

My diverse hobbies growing up may have seemed random to those around me, but each one was a stepping stone on a path to artistic discovery. From origami, paper crafts, painting, sculpting, and wood carving to gymnastics, acting, cinematography, piano, guitar, and songwriting, learning new skills almost became an addiction. As I delved into building 3D printers, I got into digital sculpting, design, and engineering, I realized that these seemingly disconnected interests were now at my disposal for me to create art and content from start to finish by myself. As I started new projects, the necessity to document my work led me to photography and videography. What began as a practical need quickly spiraled into yet another passion, pulling me further down an enriching (and admittedly expensive) hobby rabbit hole. It was more than learning skills; it was a journey of discovery and growth, finding new avenues of expression within the complex interplay of art and technology.

After a rewarding 12-month internship at Formlabs during my last year of college, where I explored the fascinating crossroads of art and technology, I graduated in 2023, ready for new adventures. With Derailed3D, I have found a platform to share my world with over 500k followers. It's a space where I blend my passions to create content that not only entertains and educates but also inspires others to see the unlimited possibilities that lie at the intersection of art and engineering. It's about seeing beyond boundaries and embracing the potential that exists when you dare to combine, innovate, and explore.