Time to LE'GO

Over the past few years, my husband has gotten (back) into building with LEGO®s. After all, it’s not always possible to go to a beach and build a sandcastle (particularly in those long winter months.) I have to say, I’ve been amazed by what he’s created.

So, when I saw there was a thing called The Art of the Brick exhibit by artist Nathan Sawaya, I had to purchase tickets for us. It was advertised as reimagined famous works of art as well as some additional ‘innovative’ works portrayed through LEGO® bricks.

But it’s so much more.

Sure, you can see a magnificent re-envisioned Mona Lisa, a swirling Van Gogh, and statuesque Greek gods and goddesses. There is a 3D rendering of the famous American Gothic, The Scream, and Moai (pictured below with my husband, who claims he is forever five.)

There is a room filled with amazing, lifelike life-size animals – even the skeleton of a T-Rex, containing a mere 80,020 pieces.

But it’s Sawaya’s original work that filled our hearts (and yes, even brought me to tears.) Throughout the middle section of the exhibition, this lawyer-turned-artist shares his inner thoughts and fears through stunning builds that reflect the fragility of the human spirit, while also portraying such hope.

Above: GRASP, 17,356 pieces, explained: "No matter where your heart wants to lead you, there will be hands that try to hold you back. Life's challenge is to find the strength to break free. I created this sculpture in response to so many people telling me 'no' in my life. I wanted to break free of those people."

Above: ASCENSION, 7124 pieces, explained: "What will lift you up? Love? Faith? Success? And once you are raised up, where is it that you go? The idea of ascension, going to a higher place without first experiencing death, is something I wanted to explore. Where do you believe you'll go?"

This was an art exhibit in every sense of the word. On the website, it said most visitors stay for 30 minutes. We were there for almost 90.

And the work will continue to live in our hearts and our minds for some time to come.

I never thought a LEGO® exhibit would affect me in such a manner. But Nathan Sawaya used these blocks as a medium to share a little bit of his soul with us, and for that, I am forever grateful. And it’s not just because his art delighted my senses. It’s because he reminded me that art is not simply technique. It’s not a simply a pretty picture, a well-crafted statue, or a clever script. Art is born when we dig deep and share our truth. Sawaya's exhibit affirmed that I need to ‘Le’go’ of my own fears and insecurities. To stop worrying about what others may think or say or criticize. To share a piece of me.

If you have the chance, I highly recommend you visit this powerful exhibit. You can find more information on Art of the Brick tour here.