Arts Editor, Ricky Freelove, talks toys and sculpture with leading brick artist Nathan Sawaya.
WHEN it comes to modern art, I, like many, have no huge desire to see a Barbie face burnt, and be expected to search for a deeper meaning as to what this could mean. However, when it comes to art in the form of toys, a new type of sculpture has emerged in the last 13 years, and who better to discuss this with than The Brick Artist himself: Nathan Sawaya.
Sawaya’s art focuses on large-scale sculptures using only the very basic and elementary children’s first building blocks: LEGO® bricks. Most of his work is three-dimensional, although he does create some two-dimensional portraits, with a reoccurring theme of Star Wars in both dimensions. It’s hard not to look at Sawaya’s sculptures and secretly think, “Hey, I could do that.” But his ability to transform LEGO bricks into life-like beings with real devotion to their scale and perfection enables him to elevate an ordinary toy to the status of fine art.
Image credit: Inhabitat
For years, Sawaya’s touring exhibition: ‘The Art of the Brick’®, has entertained and inspired art lovers and enthusiasts. Now, with four exhibitions touring North America, Asia and Australia, Sawaya is inspiring millions around the globe. Each exhibition focuses on LEGO as a medium of art. The creations, constructed from nearly one million pieces, were built from standard bricks beginning as early as 2000. In 2011, CNN named The Art of the Brick on the top 12 must see exhibitions in the world.
Nathan Sawaya comes from an educated and professional background; he attended NYU School of Law and later became an attorney. However, he soon realized he would rather be sitting on the floor expressing himself using LEGO bricks, than sitting in a boardroom negotiating contracts. It was then that Sawaya rediscovered his beloved bricks and indulged in his inner child to create what many believe is a new art revolution using children’s toys. Sawaya said he realized his success after “I had created a website, http://www.brickartist.com, to showcase my artwork in a virtual gallery. When my site crashed one day from too many hits, I realized it was time to leave the law firm and go play with bricks full time.”
When it came to the transition from lawyer to professional artist, Nathan said it was tough to make that leap and in terms of when the change came it depended on how you want to look at it: “Some would say it took a few minutes, and when I made up my mind, I was ready to go. But then others might say that it took years before I was ready to really leave my successful law practice behind to go play with bricks full time.”
After asking the basic and serious questions I thought I might be able to get a sneak preview as to what he was doing at the moment… to no avail. When I asked Nathan what he is working on at the moment he replied bluntly: “A new exhibition for Europe”. I later asked which of his pieces was his favorite, he answered very secretively but alluringly: “The next one”. So it looks like we Europeans may be in luck for something bigger and better than anything we’ve seen of his before.
Image credit: Inhabitat
Sawaya is completely dedicated and devoted to his work. Just from reading a bio on his work I was struck by his strenuous work ethic and went on to ask what it’s like when nearing completion of a piece. He responded enthusiastically: “It is almost impossible to leave the studio if a sculpture is near completion. At times I will think I only have a few hours more work and then spend the whole night working to finish a piece.” He then went on to discuss the creation of his most famous piece Yellow:
“When I was working on a piece titled Yellow, which depicts a figure tearing his chest open while thousands of LEGO bricks spill out, I was nearing the end of the piece and I spent almost a full 48 hours in the studio working to complete it.”
Naturally my destructive-child side came out and I questioned whether he had ever had an absolute nightmare with a piece and dropped it or smashed it. He replied very politely: “Nothing dramatic, but since I permanently glue my sculptures together there are times when I need to chisel apart sections of a sculpture that I am working on.” He soon conformed and he went on to describe a ‘nightmare’, which I had originally asked for: “I was working on a gigantic sculpture of a hand a few years ago. As I was approaching the base of the fingers, I realized that the proportions of the palm were not right. I had to chisel away literally days worth of work. It was a difficult time. You need a lot of patience for this job.”
I had a massive inclination to then ask Nathan how many times had he stood on a LEGO brick in bare feet, but decided I should retain at least some professionalism. Instead I decided to delve into what drives him to continue making such marvel sculptures and where his inspiration comes from. “I know the main reason I pursue my art is to inspire others. Hopefully inspire them enough to pick up a LEGO brick or whatever they have handy and create something on their own. My pieces grow out of my fears and accomplishments, as a lawyer and as an artist, as a boy and as a man.”
As the interview drew to a close I finally asked Nathan what advice he would give to students who are considering leaving the professional world of work in order to pursue their own personal interests? He replied deeply saying: “It is important to pursue your passions. Only then are you really going to be satisfied with your life. It doesn’t have to happen overnight, but take time to find out what makes you really happy.”
To see more of Nathan Sawaya’s work visit http://www.brickartist.com. There is a possibility that Yellow may become a miniature LEGO set. If you are interested in helping Sawaya’s campaign he needs to reach over 10,000 supporters to make this a reality. Please follow the link below and register to support this project http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/17353.
Ricky Freelove, Arts Editor
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