Meet Matt Campbell — one of the creators bringing 3D-printed imagination to life on Pico
If you’ve wandered through the Piedade market or the lively summer festas, you may already have seen — or even taken home — some of Ilha do Pico’s unique 3D-printed creations.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, builds three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer from a digital design. Plastics, resins, and even metal powders can be used in the process. On a remote island like Pico, the ability to create custom pieces or replacement parts on demand is especially valuable.
Recycled plastics are transformed into playful and practical objects such as flowerpots, watering cans, keychains, candle holders, and decorative pieces.
Background & Roots
Matt is from Canada, where he spent years working in the hospitality industry — a fast-paced environment that shaped his work ethic, creativity, and people-focused approach. His husband has family roots on Pico, and after many trips together, they decided to make the move permanent in 2022.
Pico’s tranquility, slower rhythm, and close-knit community stood in sharp contrast to the intensity of his former career. As Matt settled in, meeting new friends and connecting with his husband’s extended family, he crossed paths with Aires Machado, who had been exploring the idea of starting a small business making 3D-printed creations. Their shared curiosity and creativity quickly aligned.
Work, Craft, Passion
Starting Ilha do Pico 3D with Aires became more than a business — it was a bridge between Matt’s busy life in Canada and the grounded, purposeful life he hoped to build on Pico.
3D printing itself demands patience and respect for time. Some of their larger creations take hours; one piece required 34 hours to complete. With that time investment comes a deep sense of accomplishment.
Beyond decorative pieces, their work often solves everyday challenges on the island. One example is a specialized water-tank cap that Aires designed for a local farmer, improving the tank’s functionality — a simple but impactful example of technology adapting to Pico’s real needs.
Their early success at the monthly Piedade market encouraged them to continue expanding, eventually leading to the purchase of a second 3D printer.
Reflections & Philosophy
Coming from a Canadian work ethic where you live to work, Matt had to adapt to Pico’s very different rhythm — a place where you work so you can enjoy life fully. One of his first lessons was learning to let go of instant availability. On a remote island, not everything is accessible at the moment you want it, and nothing arrives within 24 hours.
Back in Canada, anything could be ordered and delivered the next day. On Pico, the first 3D printer took six weeks to arrive. What felt like a challenge slowly became part of Matt’s new mindset: accepting time, slowing down, and trusting the process.
With each delay, each adjustment, and each unexpected moment, he found the same guiding truth:
“Everything happens for a reason — the good and the bad — and each moment shapes how we see life.”
Looking Forward
With the monthly Piedade market coming up this Sunday, November 9th, Matt and Aires are already preparing for the Christmas season and the Christmas Market in Lajes do Pico. They’re also exploring new investments to make 3D printing more sustainable by reusing leftover material from past projects — and they’re planning to launch an online shop soon.
Special Offer for Revista Pico Readers
10 % discount on flowerpots and watering cans purchased on Piedade Market Sunday November 9th
How to claim your discount: Watch Matt´s Campbell Video and scan the QR code at the end.
Where to Find Ilha do Pico 3D
- Monthly Market in Piedade — first Sunday of each month
- Instagram
- Facebook
