Turning Stone With Steve [Spike] Finch

As Renderosity approaches its eighth anniversary, we continue our, "Where are they now?" series, with Spike [Steve Finch]â€”former Renderosity Moderator Manager, better known simply as The Modfather. Not to worry, the only crime attributed to Spike, is that it has been far too long since we last caught up with him.

Come join me as we find out what Spike has been up to since leaving the spotlight of Renderosity's Admin team to follow his dreams of becoming a successful, and much sought out artisanâ€”turning antiquity into modern works of art.

Dee-Marie: Spike, when and how did you first discover Renderosity?

Spike: Many years ago before it was Renderosity it was called the PFO (Poser Forum Online). I needed help with Poser and did a search online and found it. Who would have thought it would end up being my home for many years.

After The Party [Rhino 3D] Â© Steve [Spike] Finch

DM: Give us the back story of your journey from community member, to Rhino moderator, to the infamous title of ModFather.

Spike: I started as a member with Poser and Bryce when they were owned by Metacreations. Spending most of my spare time hanging out in the forums asking for help. I always had a passion to model, so I picked up Ray Dream and gave it a shot. I did not have much luck with it, so I started to look around for another modeling package. I downloaded the demo of Rhino and gave it a shot. This was a package that seemed to fit my style, and it was easy to understand. After a few months in the Rhino forum, the members voted, and I became a Rhino forum moderator. With the help of the Rhino forum members, and a co-moderator, we built the forum into a thriving information warehouse.

After a few years, the Admin team asked me to take on a new role as Moderator Manager. Renderosity was growing and needed the whole team to come to a common ground. We needed site rules to be implemented and adhered to. My job was to build a team of moderators that would understand the rules and be able to execute them in a way that would still allow the most artistic freedom for all members. I was very lucky in the fact that our Mod Team was, and still is, one of, if not the best team out there.

DM: I've always wanted to ask you, how did you come up with your username, Spike?

Spike: This goes back around twenty-three years, or so. In the mid 80s when the hairstyles were more along the punk lines. I used to â€œspikeâ€ my hair, and one of my co-workers gave me that nickname. The name stuck, my hair did not!

DM: Do you have one moment as a Renderosity Admin that stands out among the many?

Spike: I have to say that I had many moments that stood out. Each time I had to make the decision to ban a member is one of them. Itâ€™s a hard place to be. Also each time a moderator had to move on. It was hard to lose a member of a great team.

DM: When did you step down from your ModFather position, and what have you been up to since you left your Renderosity Administration duties?

Spike: I injured my back in late 2003 and was unable to return to my fulltime job. This was a very hard time for me, as I had worked for the same employer for nineteen years. I started spending more time in my shop with hobbies. One of them was woodturning. After a few months of woodturning I wanted to try something new. Stone turning sounded fun! Just one try at that, and I knew that was what I wanted to do.

DM: Tell our readers about Exotic Vessels, when and why did you create the studio?

Spike: I founded Exotic Vessels in early-to-mid 2004. I found my new passion and saw a market for stone turning. I always loved stone and this seemed like a good direction to go with my background in woodturning.

DM: You've come a long way from your first stone turning. Your beautifully crafted, labor intense pieces now range from $600 to over $1,600. Where is your studio located, and how can readers view and order your amazing works of art?

Spike: My studio is located in Menlo Park, California. My pieces are also featured in a growing number of galleries throughout the States. You can see a small sampling of my work online on my Exotic Vessels web site. Also you can keep up to date on what I am up to by visiting my Exotic Vessels blog.

DM: I also highly recommend a visit to your blog, and a viewing of your "Making a Vessel" video series. You are a man of many passions [stone turning, airbrush, photography, woodworking, 3D gaming and 3D modeling], which are you most passionate about?

Spike: Stone turning! Just the fact that the stone I work with is over 100 million years old, is enough to keep me going. Every time I turn a piece, I wonder, what was it like that long ago? What happened to cause its formation?

DM: I know that you are loaded with a ton of natural artistic talent. Do you also have a formal art education?

Spike: Nope! I often wonder what it would be like to try and find my way through a â€œformal art educationâ€ being colorblind. Kind of funny really [low chuckle].

DM: Although you are no longer a part of the Renderosity Admin. team, you are still a vital part of the Renderosity community. What Renderosity forums can members most likely find you on these days?

Spike: When I have the time, I like to stop by the Rhino forum, Zbrush forum and Photoshop forum.

DM: Have to askâ€¦how old is Klaus [he is gorgeous], and has he been with you since he was a puppy?

Spike: He is almost thirteen-years old now. He still acts like a puppy when he is out in the studio with me. Yes, we got him when he was a puppy.

DM: Spike, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule, to let us get caught up on what you have been up to. What new and exciting things can we expect from you in the near future?

Spike: Thank you! I am not sure where my stone turning will evolve. I am always trying new ideasâ€”some work, and some donâ€™t. The only thing I know for sure, is that it will evolve. My ideas come from just about everyplace. Right now I have been reading a lot about ancient Egypt and that has been very inspiring.