Our Lego Engineer...And His Latest Creation

Last night our youngest brought in and showed me his latest Lego creation. It was pretty cool.

People sometimes bemoan being the youngest siblings. They get hand-me-down clothes, always a place at the "kid's table" when family gathers for dinner, but there is one way in which being the youngest sibling can be far more advantageous than being the first.

And it has to do with Legos.

Our Lego collection began humbly. We bought a couple of sets, but didn't go all out. After time, that little collection has grown. We now have so many Legos it could cover the floors of several homes to cause multiple outbursts of cursing from several parents as they cross those floors in the dark. Most of the sets we've acquired lately have been purchased by the kids themselves. For the parents, that's definitely a win-win!

My son explained to me all the amazing things his newest conglomeration was able to do. I thought about trying to explain it here, but I thought it would be best if he did it himself.

With an active imagination, sufficient Legos, and the skill of a Lego master, who knows what he'll come up with next?

Dad...Have You Checked Out That Book Yet?

I knew my son liked the library book I brought home when, after one day, he asked me several times if I had seen it. "Have you read the Lego book, dad?" I told him I would when I had time. He then asked again that night, then the next morning, and that night. I had scanned the book when I checked it out and thought he would enjoy it.

I didn't realize just how cool a book it was.

For the past few years I've learned more about Steampunk, the art, the literature, the fashion. It's an amazing genre which lends itself very well to stories. And, of course, I like Legos (not as much as my son, however...) so this book combining the two is a work of art. I started taking pictures of some of my favorites and I had to force myself to stop. There were so many I wanted to include, but couldn't. I hope I've gathered enough to show you what its like.

There's chapters on trains, airships, robots, boats, even Star Wars ships beautifully recreated in Steampunk style. If you get the chance and you love both Steampunk and Legos (and you don't really have to love either to appreciate this...), please check out the Steampunk Legos by Guy Himber. If so, you'll be asking your friends (and possibly, your father...) if they've seen the book yet. And if you do that, you'll probably ask the same thing again and again.

Evan Bacon...Brix Master!

I saw a lot of things at this year's Salt Lake Comic Con--a lot of impressive things. But one of the most impressive things was seeing the art of the son of a high school buddy, a son who is, literally, building a name for himself.

Evan Bacon builds things out of Lego bricks, big things. I got to meet him and I snapped a few pictures. I also met his mom. I checked his website and it looks both cool and ambitious. And more information will be coming next month.

I don't know a lot about what's coming--I'll have to wait until October like everyone else--but based on the website information (you can access it: HERE...), you'll be able to build your own life-sized sculptures. 

The picture I took of the superhero sculptures at Comic Con doesn't do the art justice. It's so impressive. And I wish him and his new venture the very best!

It's A Lego World & We're Only Living In It...

Indeed...

We have a room in our house where Lego creations abound. This came about as a compromise, but it's worked out so far. I passed the room today and thought I would snap a few pictures. The ledge is where Lego creations can be stored, or using a better word, preserved so no other child can "borrow" pieces for their own designs.

While in grad school I was lucky enough to attend a dinner where author Michael Chabon spoke. He dedicated a portion of his talk to Legos and he expressed his thoughts concerning the small Danish toy building system. He's a good speaker. If you ever have the opportunity to hear him speak, don't pass it up.

I have no hard evidence to collaborate this, but I think Legos must be the most recognizable toy in the world. Most of you reading this grew up w/Legos, though I doubt many would had Lego men painted as Star Wars, or Toy Story characters. And don't get me started on the Bionicles...

But for all the changes over the years, the basic premise of Legos remains pure genius. Contained in the blocks and shapes and colors of formed plastic harnesses literally an endless combination of inspiration, waiting only for a child to begin their personal journey of pure building joy. And the best part is, they can take everything apart and do it again right after--

Pure genius...