Sarah Goldberg wears many hats: from artistic director to artistic lead for several Parisian locations, she founded in 2005 the French organization “Le Candiraton” (an organization promoting independent cultures). With this organization, she produced 4 festivals and 23 exhibits all over Europe. In 2099, she created “‘Be My Toys”, as the first Art Toys festival in France. This is where she first introduces the use of 3D Printing to manufacture Art Toys. in 2013, she co-founded the first FabLab/ArtLab specialized in 3D Printing in Paris. She now shares her expertise in 3D Printing, modeling and art as the founder and CEO of Bagel Lab. 

Sarah, could you let us know about your background and what brought you into 3D printing in the first place?

With a Master’s Degree in Project Administration and Cultural Structures, I have created many artistic events in France, but also in London, Berlin, Rome, and New York. In 2009, I created «Be My Toys», the first Art Toy Festival in France. I had met a lot of talented artists but did not have the means to produce their creations. I was looking for a solution, without really knowing what I was looking for and then I came across 3D printing. More generally, I have discovered the various CAD technologies (Computer Aided Design), but also the universe of FabLab, hackerspace and other third parties.

What was your very first experience with 3D Printing?

If I remember correctly, my very first real experience with 3D printing, when I really put my hands in the sludge, is my meeting with the French artist Badmarvel aka Cedric Lombardo. I met him in 2013, he came on my Be My Toys show. Himself being a toy designer, he told me he was using 3D printing to create all his universe around rabbits. At the same time, I was creating my first project: the first FabLab / Artlab specialized in 3D printing which was born in Paris in January 2014. I immediately embarked on the adventure, he was my “right arm” technician and helped me learn about the technology.

Could you explain what BagelLab is about and the services that you are providing?

Bagel Lab is a creation and manufacturing studio specialized in 3D printing and laser cutting. We defend the idea of the possible networking between crafts and digital tools and weave different links between the two through production, training and curatorial exhibition. Bagel Lab relies on an international network of artists, designers, graphic designers and technicians to combine art and new technology.

How did you come to build the company?

I spent a lot of time, alongside my work, advising artists to help them in their approach to using 3D printing. I come from a family of “entrepreneurs” and I thought it was time to try the adventure!!! I first co-founded in 2014, an artistic and experimental laboratory specialized in 3D printing in the heart of Paris. An amazing year during which I hire two people, saw a number of trainees come in, create, innovate, invent … Unfortunately, the adventure lasted only one year due to political and operational disagreements with my VCs. After much questioning, one conclusion came to mind: what a pity not to draw the fruits of this hard work for a year! The adventure Bagel Lab was born and celebrated these two years last April.

As a woman entrepreneur, what was/ is your biggest challenge? Any challenge specific to the 3D printing industry?

As a woman, any course is already considered as a challenge and all the more so in today’s rather masculine environments as part of the 3D printing industry and the world of industry. For my part and unpretentious, I have never experienced as a “challenge” the fact of having to impose myself as a woman. Regardless of woman or man, the challenges are for me on a daily basis, in carrying projects, desires, values and doing the best to do it well.

Anything exciting coming up you’d like us to know about?

What excites me most in me job is when I make artistic collaborations, on specific projects like my collaboration with Goran Vejvoda for the realization of the trophies of the 10 years of Qwartz Music, or the one I am starting with the artist Nanan for the creation of a lamp. Also, I have now been, for the last 2 years, a 3D printing and modeling teacher. I find it exciting, each new class being an adventure. The latest with students of the Fine Arts of Nantes was magic!

What was the most impressive or impactful use of 3D printing you’ve seen so far?

I have never had the opportunity to work or even approach this area, but to me, the most impressive use of 3D printing is in the medical field.

What makes the 3D printing industry particularly interesting for you?

3D printing is a tool that makes it easier and allows ideas to come to fruition much more quickly and in a much more affordable way! Whether for a finished product in single or small series or for all stages of prototyping.

What do you think of the 3D printing industry today? And how would you like to see it evolve?

I believe that this technology is evolving very rapidly and increasingly rapidly and each actor (industrialists, StarUp, individuals) is becoming more and more familiar and is beginning to take ownership of it. I would like it to become even more democratized and this will require an educational system that is already beginning in some institutions to be set up. I would also like this technology not to be demonized thinking that it will shade different forms of crafts for example (I speak of my field). 3D printing is a new tool and remains a tool among many others. It must be used intelligently so that the mesh with other tool is productive and coherent.

In your opinion, how could we encourage more women to become involved with 3D Printing?

Communicate, create the event. Maybe do a more in-depth workshop work towards areas carried in majorities by women, do “mom/child” workshops.

Thank you for reading and for sharing! 

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