Tag Archives: Sculptures

Bricks, Bikes and a Book: a talk with German brick artist Aran Jistukawa-Hudson [Interview]

This week we talk with Aran Jitsukawa-Hudson (AKA Cole Blaq) about his art, philosophy and his life. Aran was born in Great Britain and grew up in Germany. He lives in Düsseldorf with his wife and three kids, is a cancer survivor, and attended university as an Art History student. We interviewed him 6 years ago here on The Brothers Brick, but there’s a lot to catch up on since then. He is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to publish an art book based on his Enter the Brick series. Let’s go explore the mind of a builder.

Hello, my name is...
Taggin' the turf
TBB: First of all, could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? What got you into LEGO and what kept you there?

Aran: My real name is Aran Jitsukawa-Hudson, as some might know. My alter ego as an artist is Cole Blaq, which is a reference to a comic character and an adaption to Hip Hop language.

I am British by origin but mainly grew up in Germany. With my wonderful wife being Japanese, we’re a rich blend of cultures! Now I live in Dusseldorf, Germany, which is located at the river Rhine, north of Cologne.

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A horse and its rider ride no longer

When we last checked in with Tim Schwalfenberg, he’d just completed his massive LEGO diorama of The Last of Us. While considerably smaller, this crumbling statue of a horse and rider — both their heads knocked off ages ago — is no less atmospheric. Although Tim considers this a small build, it still feels like a monumental sculpture that evokes the glory of a long-gone era. The brown sign also adds an air of mystery — what does it mean? Is this in the distant past or a terrifying future?

They Ride No Longer

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Sometimes love is black and white

Valentine’s Day was yesterday, but we couldn’t pass on highlighting this amazing LEGO portrait of a silhouetted couple built by Letranger Absurde. Look closely, because while those black shapes with smoothly curving edges may look simple, they’re actually a complicated conglomeration of plates and slopes facing all directions. The creation is also much larger than it appears at first glance, standing around two feet tall.

Valentine

And don’t miss our recent interview with the builder, where we discuss his inspiration and unique style.

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Remember kids, brush your LEGO teeth at least twice a day

I can only assume that Chris Maddison takes excellent care of his LEGO teeth because these chompers appear quite healthy! Just look at those pearly whites (modified 2×3 pentagonal tiles). Firm-looking rosy gums and not a cavity in sight! (I bet money he even flosses.)

They Just Won't Shut Up!

The best part about these LEGO teeth is that they even chatter like the wind-up plastic toy Chris’s design was based on. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

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It’s elementary: uncanny character busts from Tyler Clites

We love the art of Tyler Clites for its bold style and perky colors. The way he treats common LEGO pieces always makes his characters vivid and lively, whether it’s some Star Wars protagonists or Tintin’s space rocket. Tyler’s every build has its own mood and a story to tell. And Tyler’s latest set of busts are simply jaw-dropping. This time it’s not just skillful building with LEGO bricks, but the pairing up of characters that makes these works so outstanding…

Elementary my dear Bilbo

Click here for more characters

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Holy bust made of bricks, Batman!

If 1960s Classic TV Robin saw this build, he’d say the same thing! Batman fan Havoc has done a beautiful sculpt of the Caped Crusader. I particularly like how Batman’s pointed ears are made from 16×4 Triple Curved Wedges. It gives Batman a pointed, sharp, brooding look that fits his persona.

Quickly Robin, to the Batmobile!

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The most infamous action hero of all: Duke Nukem

Duke Nukem might hold the gaming industry record for the longest time between announcement and availability, taking a full 12 years to hit store shelves. Although it did eventually come to fruition, it didn’t live up to its expectations generated during the hiatus. Whatever you think of the game, though, LEGO builder Havoc did our action hero justice in translating him from pixels to bricks.

duke01

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LEGO sign language

Some hand gestures transcend spoken language. Most likely, the meaning behind these five LEGO hand gestures by Jimmy Fortel are fairly recognizable for most people. (Though different cultures around the world may attribute different meanings to a few of them).

Hand Signs

The design of Jimmy’s LEGO hands is simple, yet masterful. The fingers curl gracefully. The palms and wrists are substantial enough to look real at first glance. And the accessory choices for these five hand signs are terrific. Each bracelet invokes a unique identity and accurately depicts the stereotypical person that would use these hand signs.

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So cute yet so deadly: Eastern grey kangaroo

Isn’t it adorable? Australian builder aldo k has done a phenomenal job sculpting this fuzzy grey nuisance. While the real thing might break your fence or punch you in the face, this adorable rendition makes great use of parts to create the perfect curves for a kangaroo. I particularly love the face: it has so much character! The ears bring it to life.

Kangaroo

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Anyone have a spare quarter?

This LEGO gumball machine by Anthony Sejourne is adorable. The colorful gumballs, the shiny red body, and of course the accurate spinning crank, make this thing look like the real deal. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone tried to drop a quarter into the coin slot before they realized it was a fake.

Lego Bubble Gum Dispenser - atana studio

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To drink deep and eat of joy, that is life’s truest pleasures

You would be forgiven for mistaking this still life scene by J.B.F. as the real deal. In fact, everything here is LEGO (besides the labels, of course), from the finely crafted hors d’oeuvres to the smooth black platter and bottles of craft beer and red wine.

Vinochope

This was built as a tribute to the builder’s favorite wine shop and bar, the Vinochope in Perpignan, France. The selection of tapas includes olives, cheese and what appears to be papas arrugadas – a delicious Spanish specialty of which I am quite fond. Even in bricks, this spread looks good enough to eat.

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Technically, this LEGO Godzilla is in a thousand pieces

Godzilla is an iconic beast who first appeared in Ishirō Honda‘s 1954 film Godzilla and has remained a feature of Japanese pop culture ever since. There have been many builders who have created a LEGO Godzilla, but this version by 62778grenouille really caught my attention. Firstly, it’s huge. And secondly, it has been built in the most extraordinary manner, using Technic parts that seem to flow into the shape of Godzilla.

LEGO godzilla

See more photos of this massive LEGO monster

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.