I could talk about the literary impact of the scene depicted from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I could write about the technical pieces about the sculpting, the curvature and natural look of the build, and excellent manner Paul (Disco86) has captured just a small portion of Rivendell.
But really, just look at it:
Gorgeous.
I highly recommend looking around his photostream; for more Lord of the Rings themed builds, you can check out this gallery.
I’m not quite sure what the 0.5 is supposed to symbolize, and Piotr (MeGustaKapusta) isn’t telling.
Though given the look of that mech, I’m not positive I want to know. There’s a certain bliss in not knowing.
Chris McVeigh (powerpig) is no stranger to The Brothers Brick, having been featured multiple times for his lovely models and photography.
He’s started a new series of brick-based sketches, inspired by markers as an art medium. I love the stylistic design and presentation. This particular one features a comic-book staple, the iconic Batman:
Other sketches include Boba Fett and Wolverine. I’m excited to see whoever is next!
I have a certain fondness for Neil Gaiman, and quite enjoyed Neverwhere.
Now granted it’s more of an inspired creation (with a tad-bit of Harry Potter thrown in). There are additional pictures over on MOCpages for you to get more acquainted with the inhabitants of this underground market.
Organic shapes can be awfully tricky with LEGO, and part of that challenge I think is what makes some of the pieces of landscaping and life we see that so very impressive.
Eduardo Gavilán (aToMiKWiWa) does a lovely job with the rock formations that create the foundation for his windmill, and shows how the builders used the formations to their benefit instead of sculpting to what they needed.
LEGO certainly has some small elements, and Carl Merriam has really taken that idea to the next level with this fabulous microscope. I’m impressed with the build, and the presentation, and that’s what originally caught my eye. Then I read the description:
“A little more tinkering and I connected the focus to a magnifying glass and fiber optic light in the eyepiece, so adjusting the focus knobs would actually bring the writing on a LEGO stud in and out of focus.”
So in additon to be a beautifully presented, excellent build, it actually works.
Bravo, Carl. Bravo.
This is another one of those brilliant BrickWorld builds I alluded to earlier this week. Simon Liu (Si-MOCs) presents a fantastic approach to scrap-gathering space style.
This collaborative build was conceived a year ago with the help of Isaac Mazer (Ricecracker.) and the build debuted in Schaumburg. Overall, the creation consists of three major pieces: the RS Hudson, the RS UNWIN cargo vessel, and the scrap heap itself. Isaac contributed the RS UNWIN, with Simon building the RS Hudson and the scrap heap.
The RS Hudson is mechanized, too, which is hypnotizing to watch.
You can check out some of the WIP pictures in Simon’s flickr gallery!
This past weekend was Brickworld 2013 in Schaumberg, Illinois, and Chris and I attended. I attended for the first time; it was fun being a “newbie” for once, despite this being my 11th LEGO convention. This was my first event outside of the Pacific Northwest! Though really, Chicago, the tornados were a bit much. Really. No need for that.
All weather and terrible airline travel aside, the event was a blast. This was the first year in the new location and by all accounts, it was a fabulous decision to move and improved the convention-going experience greatly. Unlike last year, all the creations this year were housed in the same MASSIVE space.
Over the next few days, pictures of some of the amazing creations will pop online. I want to highlight a few of my favorites:
This was really fantastic. We’ve blogged the warehouse previously; now he’s added the shooting location for the Moon Landing, a Stargate, and a number of other fantastic references!
There were two bits of news which we already reported: the reveal of 10234 Sydney Opera House and announcing the Curiosity Rover.
For me, the value of any convention comes from the memories; I attend just as much, if not more, for the people as I do the brick. I saw people I haven’t seen in years, met new friends, and made enough memories and paper planes to last a lifetime. Or at least until BrickCon.
I should be writing a BrickWorld report, but frankly, this was so frickin’ awesome that I wanted to blog it first. I saw this beauty at BrickWorld, while everyone held their breath for display. Because this hangs precariously from a tripod of tubing. The effect is totally worth it.
Peter Mowry‘s Marquis stands 56 inches tall, and is simply a sight to behold. According to the backstory he’s given it, this vessel was designed to be part of a fleet geared toward colonization, and was supposed to carry people, machinery, and materials to wherever it needed to go.
Check out his flickr gallery for more ships to accompany the Marquis!
Its itty-bitty size and sheer level of cute should not detract from the seriousness of space. Right? Or something like that.
This micro-battle by Filip Soukup (FilipS™) is all sorts of eye-catching. It’s instantly recognizable.
I’m sure you’ve seen them in stores everywhere, too–the delicate orchids in an array of colors, waiting for you to take them home.
I’ve honestly been tempted, but this one might just fit right in with my decor! Tim Inman has built a lovely purple orchid, which is perfect for anyone. No need for water, and keep it away from the sun!
There are various ways to avoid the big-blank-wall syndrome on different builds (Ships can suffer from it, Castles are prone to it, and some buildings for Town see it, too). I like to look at different ways to avoid that, and we’ve had some pretty fancy stuff here before.
Sometimes, though, simple is just fine.
Issac Synder has posted this lovely gatehouse, and the walls of the gate are simple but effective. I think it gives overall character to the build!
