The Art of the Brick - A Life in LEGO by Nathan Sawaya - Book Review.

The Art of the Brick -

A life of Lego by Nathan Sawaya

Now I do have to admit the biggest sin of them all, I missed my chance to go and see the amazing The Art of the Brick exhibit when it was in London. I regret not going. After seeing on-line images and reading this book by the artist Nathan Sawaya, just makes me feel worst about it. With a growing interest and artist fascination with the simple brick; the art world has grown bigger and bigger with more artist coming out of the wood work.

Now in my opinion Nathan is the best Lego Sculpture artist I have ever seen. Using only a simple brick to create these beautiful sculptures. From up close the sculpture is blocky and pixilated but from a far the piece seems smooth and realistic. Allowing the artwork to change perspective of the item from different distances.

Nathan creates a miscellaneous types of sculptures. Some a recreations of day-to-day items (for example, apples a dog), artworks (for example, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt) and a number of unusual modern art human sculptures (for example, Yellow). Some of these sculptures are actually featured in the book.

Looking at the book itself, is a high quality book. The book is full of amazing images of each sculpture which is described on every page. The great thing about this book, is how its written by the artist himself; rather than a critic who describes what he thinks of each art work depicted. Doing the book this way allows the reader to get a glimpse in the world of the artist and the inspiration behind each piece. Giving you, the reader, a personal perspective and the true idea behind the art, rather a false interpretation of someone else.

MOC inspired by

Nathan Sawaya

Okay you might be saying 'why don't you like art critics opinions?' That's not what I am trying to say, they all have valid opinions and art is there to be interpreted. Each view of a piece of art will be in fact different and comes from how the viewer feels about the art work in question. Art is there to be bring out those emotions and ideas. Although it can be far more interesting to learn the inspiration of the artist and their intention of the piece itself. For example, one may look at Yellow a say, it about a broken heart. The gapping whole of what was once there when they were loved. Which is completely valid; although Nathan, the artist, will say its a person opening their true self to the world without fear and how this has shown in his own life experiences. So the explanation by the artist can be more valuable than others as it gives you more of an insight.

Well then would I suggest to you to get this book? Yes, would be the simple answer. If you are a fun of Lego and/or art then don't hesitate to get this book. This book is valuable as it give you a insight into the world of the artist, Nathan Sawaya and his fantastic pieces of art he loves to create. Getting this book will be the most fascinating thing you will do today.

Little Big Art - Andy Morris

Little Big Art

Andy Morris takes his inspiration from previous art pieces and makes it his own by adding a LEGO twist to them. Using LEGO and Pop Art as his medium, he creates a unique way of seeing modern art. 

You might be thinking that all his work is going to be typically similar to other LEGO artists who create large sculptures using bricks, like Nathan Sawaya. You might be disappointed to learn that's not what he does, but you won't be disappointed for long. Using photography, sculpturing and LEGO models, Morris beautifully recreates famous works of are using the simple brick.

Andy Warhol
1928-1987

Morris' first ever project was the Artist Series. This is a collection of images that depicts famous artist and their work represented in LEGO recreating them as real and true as possible. Staying on the same idea of recreating artist in LEGO, Morris constructed the infamous party animal Pop Artist, Andy Warhol, and even though the minifig is simple it is a good and effective representation of the artist. Accompanying the minifig is a exclusively printed Marilyn Monroe tile that which represents one of Warhol's most famous pieces.  

Branching from this range, Morris has created three LEGO models, which are to represent modern art exhibits such as, The Tank - Damien Hirst's Shark in Formaldehyde; or The Gallery in which you can choose the art pieces that go on display. These include Damien Hirst's spots, Piet Mondrian's composition No.III with red, yellow and blue and Andy Warhol's Money. With each model you know you are going to get a lot of fun from building and displaying your own art, showing it to your friends and family.

Human-Size Marilyn tile.

Morris has also probably made every child (or adult's) dream of being a minifig a reality with his Human-Size LEGO range. You can hold life-size LEGO tiles with his Marilyn & Money tiles that are again inspired by the work of Warhol. He then goes a step further with his largest artwork with Spots and Money Wall pieces. The Spots being based spots on Damien Hirst infamous work, and the Money by Andy Warhol. 

Not all of Morris' work is inspired by previous artworks, with his newest work, for example, Human-Size LEGO Ice Creams, he takes the artificial plastic toy ice cream and makes it seem real by representing it as melting in the hot sun. In my opinion they almost bring a new meaning to realism.

Roo

If that's not enough for you? Morris has immortalized himself in The Travels of Roo. Roo is a Lego minifig based on a self portrait of himself. Taking Roo on his travels across the globe, taking photos of him in-front of many different iconic locations in many countries, from New York in the US to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. #thetravelsofroo 

Andy Morris is a unique and brilliant artist. He takes inspiration from the greats and in the process makes him one one of them. 

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