Sawaya’s art is currently touring North American museums in a show titled, "The Art of the Brick". We've featured Nathan on our blog previously and decided to interview him to understand more about the art form and the person behind it. Catch the exclusive interview below:
Nathan, please introduce yourself to E-junkie readers.
I am an artist that primarily uses LEGO(R) bricks to create artwork. My exhibition, The Art of the Brick, is currently touring in North America and Australia.
 |
| Yellow |
We know that you were a corporate lawyer before you started BrickArtist.com. What was it that made you don the robe of an artist from that of a lawyer?
After a long day at the law firm, I would come home and create something. It was therapeutic for me. To be creative was relaxing.
A few years ago I challenged myself to build a large scale sculpture out of LEGO bricks. After a positive response from friends and family, I started working on other large sculptures, and soon put photos of them on my website, brickartist.com. Not long after I started getting commissions from all over the world and I realized that I wanted to be an artist more than I wanted to be a lawyer. Like so many small businesses, what started out as a hobby became a full time job. I knew it was time to leave the law firm and become a full time artist on the day that my website got so many hits that it crashed.
As you may know, New York corporate attorneys work over 80 hours per week. These days, I’m working more hours, but having more fun.
 |
| Working In Studio |
 |
| Big Bear |
What led you to choose Lego building blocks as the medium of expression for your artwork?
I use this toy as a medium because I enjoy seeing people’s reactions to artwork created from something with which they are familiar. Everyone can relate to it since it is a toy that many children have at home. I want to elevate this simple plaything to a place it has never been before. I also appreciate the cleanliness of the medium. The right angles. The distinct lines. As so often in life, it is a matter of perspective. Up close, the shape of the brick is distinctive. But from a distance, those right angles and distinct lines change to curves.
What are the sources of inspiration for your sculptures?
Many of my works center on the phenomena of how everyday life, people and raw emotion are intertwined. Often my art is a reenactment of my personal feelings. I am inspired by my own experiences, emotions and the journeys I am taking.
Your sculptures are amazingly elaborate, please explain to our readers the methodology that you use to construct them. We would love to learn about the science and art behind it.
It takes weeks to complete a life size human form. The long hours of creating a new piece bring me immense satisfaction. When I am working on a project I enjoy, I completely submerge myself into the project, going into a trance-like state.
People are most surprised to find that I glue each and every individual brick into place. I spread a bit of glue on each brick. If I make a mistake, I’m good with a hammer and chisel.
We know that it would be very difficult to choose, but what according to you has been your favourite/accomplished piece of creation?
If you are asking my favorite sculpture, I’d have to say the next one.
Other than building Lego sculptures, what are the other things that interest you? Share your hobbies, favorite books, favorite artists or favorite travel destinations with us.
I like to cook. I am happy “creating” in the kitchen. In fact, if I wasn’t a full time artist, I probably would be a chef.
 |
| Think |
 |
| Gray |
What are your future plans for BrickArtist? Do do have a dream project in mind?
Yes, in fact I have several dream projects in mind. I am currently collaborating with photographer Dean West on a new project. We are using LEGO bricks in a way that I haven’t seen before, so I am very excited to be debuting that project later this year. Keep checking brickartist.com for updates.
What according to you is the biggest reason for your success. Also would you like to share the best compliment you've receive for your work so far?
The best compliment I received was when I debuted a piece titled “My Boy”, and a woman started crying. She was no longer looking a bunch of toy building blocks, but rather a piece of art.
 |
| My Boy |
What is the most important piece of advice that you would like to give to aspiring artists?
Follow your dreams, and the rest will click into place.
Thank you Nathan for taking the time for an interview with us, we are a huge fan of your work and wish you the very best for the future.
To see more of Nathan's art you can visit his website and follow him on Twitter:
Brick Artist
Post a Comment