Often LEGO creations are simplified, cartoony versions of what they represent, with some details skipped for a better overall effect. Hardly so in this medieval construction site by Jonas Kramm. There are more realistic details here than I could count, but I should point out the wooden supports and the amazing stone brick construction. Most importantly, the scene feels real. The composition and minifig action really make you feel like you are back in time.
Everybody likes a good Classic Space model, and this crystal mining diorama by Brick Knight has all the right details. From the characteristic grey-blue colour scheme with yellow and black stripes, to antennas and recreations of vintage sets, all placed on a tan landscape, just like the box arts of the 1980s. The cracks filled with green minerals break up the landscape very well, but the main focus is obviously in the sci-fi elements like space stations, spaceships and most notably the round portals. The builder explains the diorama as an uninhabited planet where the Classic Space explorers discovered a new energy source and are mining it for its engineering uses.
Click to see more of this space outpost
As Christian and Christian-influenced areas of the world celebrate Easter, we see many representations of Easter eggs and religious motives, with an occasional Easter bunny. This rabbit by accomplished animal builder Felix Jaensch is more loosely related to this subject, as it would be a great creation any time of the year, but the timing still pushes it a bit further.
The rabbit is built in Felix’s signature style, a realistic but pixelated shape with some finer shaping on the head. The bright tan overall colour and white belly draw the eye and make for a very fluffy effect. I just want to cuddle it! (…if I could catch it)
When one hears the phrase “LEGO mecha“, the name of the legendary Japanese builder Moko is probably one of the first that springs to mind. While he was one of the builders to define the genre, he still continiues to progress it, as is the case with his latest mecha, MFS-11 MAD Garm. After over a decade of active building, Moko can still make mecha that look unique and memorable. There is a lot to love here, from poseability to its unique face and the awesome mohawk. The mecha’s posture and spikes both add to a complete, menacing look. This is definetely not something I want to meet in a dark alley, no matter how unlikey that would be.
Russian builder Timofey Tkachev has been on a roll lately with some great creations, but now he follows up his two lighthearted creations of a man working out and a builder’s living room with this discomforting yet enchanting sculpture of a blood fountain, shaped as a girl.
The grace of the figure is both complimented and contrasted by the sinewy and visceral texture of its body, which may symbolize how close we really are to our darkest side. It is important to point out the stone base as well, which completes the creation and gives it a fantasy feel, reminding me of the aesthetic of Blizzard’s Diablo games.
It’s a bit strange when a LEGO creation is sturdier than the subject it represents. Such is the case with this weathered hut by Grant Davis, which looks like a bunch of bricks were thrown together without proper connections and then collapsed immediately after being photographed.
That is most definetely not the case, as Grant shows in his very informative video, where he even turns the build upside-down — and it remains intact! The ground texture and colours should also be pointed out, as the builder achieves a very realistic effect by using closely related colours in natural looking patterns.
I understand that this somewhat technically and conceptually simple sculpture of Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear may not appear terribly innovative, especially having been built by one of the most renowned LEGO builders in the community, Tyler Clites. But context is the key here, as this was made as a live build at a festival, in 10 hours with no planning. I have rushed builds myself before, but never at this level. I think it’s safe to say that not many people are capable of making a creation this impressive in so little time, at least not at the scale of Tyler’s Buzz Lightyear.
While not luxurious, it is definetely the desire of any apocalypse survivor to find somewhere like this cellar to hunker down. This particular “palace” by Gareth Gidman was built for the Brrraaaaaaaiiiiinnnssss!!! contest on Eurobricks. The cellar section looks very lived-in, with weapons and sustenance positioned so it looks filled, but not cluttered. I should point out the use of broken tiles; while not purist, it is good that the builder found a way to still use his ruined pieces. On the ground level we see some well-built decay with a broken window, overgrowth, and cracks in the walls. Some nice minifig action makes for a well-rounded scene.
(As a side note, I have seen brown pieces break much more often than other colours, and seeing Gareth’s broken brown tiles, I am more convinced that this is statistically relevant.)
I understand it is rude not to open a birthday present, but there have to be exceptions, right? Especially when you get literal hell in a box as a gift! Jme Wheeler tells us an idea popped up in his mind and he just had to build it. He also notes that it is his first attempt at building a skull, and I must say it is indeed a great start. The lighting and subtle editing makes for a powerful image that may or may not carry a deeper meaning.
This is a question we all ask ourselves every now and then, but members of a Russian LUG took it a step further and built their life with and without the precious brick for a recent LUG building challenge. Over on the shelf, we see that Timofey Tkachev‘s home would probably be filled with a mineral collection if he didn’t have his LEGO hobby. On the right we can see what Timofey guesses his apartment would like without LEGO to keep him grounded. There are lots of clever details to see on both sides, like the carpet’s edge and the LEGO shop bag nearly out of frame. The figure also references the builder’s previous creation, where we can compare what the builder fancies he’d look like with or without ABS.
German LEGO builder markus19840420 has made this towering keep for the Imperium der Steine “Nine kingdoms” roleplaying game, and the keep has some very interesting characteristics — it combines old and new castle building styles very fluently. The classic building techniques include somewhat simple rockwork based on slopes, with square towers and clean wall designs, broken up with architectural detailing and some texture. On the other hand it uses many modern pieces and colours, so it looks fresh and new. I should point out the intriguing geological structure on which the fortress is built, which adds an element of mystery to Markus’ creation.
Serbian LEGO builder Djorkson is an adept Bionicle character builder, but this majestic black gryphon seems to be mostly made of exotic system parts, whilst retaining a Bionicle core. There are many interesting techniques used throughout the build, especially the shaping of the head. I must say I have a soft spot for mythical animals and the Gryphon is one of my secret favourites.
The builder has more photos in his Brickshelf folder, for anyone who is interested in alternate viewing angles.