After our visit to the LEGO Masters set last month, we were offered an opportunity to visit renowned LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya's studio, located a short drive away. There, surrounded by his sculptures, we met with Nathan and his dog, Boo. Learn what Nathan learned from participating in LEGO Masters, his favourite LEGO element and more after the break.
Thanks so much for welcoming us to your studio. This is an impressive place!
This is where I do most of my work, surrounded by about a million bricks in here. I have another nine million off-site.
How did you get involved with LEGO Masters working as their builder in residence?
Endemol Shine, the production company, reached out to me about a year prior to production. They came by this studio since they’re only a couple blocks away, and we had a meeting about what the possibilities were at that point. It’s a relationship that’s been building for some time.
Did you know how many pieces you would have to build ahead of time?
There wasn’t a set number because everything was changing all the time. My official title is “Consulting Producer.” I’m just available to help out and do what I can if it’s feasible in the time constraints we have. I did know I would get to build the trophy.
What are some of the items that you’ve put together for the show?
It depends on the episode. Different episodes have different themes. Each theme would require a core set dressing or prop – a sculpture, or something like that – to really liven up the set. And they all would have to be built out of LEGO, of course. Then for the actual challenges, we had to build things that the contestants would sometimes use to work off of or build on top of.
Were you involved in designing any of the challenges?
Oh yes, I had quite a few discussions with the team about the challenges. I’m close with the judge for LEGO Masters Australia Ryan McNaught, though his experience seems to be a little different from my own. This is a bigger production than some of the other countries. There are more people involved, and there was a whole team putting challenges together. There’s a lot of give and take and feedback on everything when it came to creating the final challenges.
What was the most challenging thing that LEGO Masters asked you to do?
The first episode was probably the hardest because so much was coming at me in the shortest amount of time from set pieces and props to the show logo, some of which got used and some didn’t. We also created a massive display for the contestants to see as they first walk onto the set. That took up most the space in this studio. All that was happening at the same time, and I learned really quick what I was in for. Building got a little easier as the season progressed because there are less contestants so there’s less to build.
We heard people singing your praises on set, especially about the speed of turnaround.
It’s been an interesting project. It’s not my normal process. I like to take my time, but it’s television. It’s fun, it’s exciting, but it is non-stop, and the deadlines have been very, very tight. Sometimes someone gets a last-minute idea – it’s a fun idea – but then we have to figure out how we can build that ASAP because they need to use it in six hours.
Is everything you built for the show being saved? Is it all glued?
Everything that was built for LEGO Masters is being stored, but not much of it is glued. Part of that is due to the time constraint. We’ll get a request and we have to get it to them in an hour. There’s just no time to glue. When we can glue it together, we do. My team includes Brandon Griffith and me, and sometimes I bring on some other help when we are really under the gun or need to build something really big.
Was it difficult to transport unglued props to the set?
It’s not far from my studio to the set. But the problem isn’t the distance – it’s the stopping and turning while driving. I wasn’t transporting them myself so there was a steep learning curve with the crew driving unglued sculptures. They would pick everything up here, learn how to pack up unglued LEGO and how you transport it. That’s just part of the fun, but we thankfully had no major issues.
Will the work that you’ve done for LEGO Masters become part one of your exhibitions?
No, I don’t think so. The work that’s being used on the show will be saved for the show for any future seasons or marketing. They have brought in some other pieces that I’ve done over the years that will be part of the show. I will retain those.
How do you think you would have fared as a contestant? Have you been tempted to jump in and try one of the challenges?View image at flickrHow do you think you would have fared as a contestant? Have you been tempted to jump in and try one of the challenges?
I would love to be a contestant. I mean, what fun! You can see how much fun they’re having. It’s pretty amazing. It’s been a good ride for them. I haven’t really been tempted to try the challenges because I’ve been so busy working on other builds for the show. I haven’t had any chance to really explore my own creativity the last few months. But we’ll see what I can do when the spring hits and I have a little downtime.
Have you been able to see all the finished builds that the teams come up with?
I haven’t because I’m not always on set. I’m here in the studio working on whatever’s needed next for the next episode. What I have seen has been amazing. They’re really high-quality builds so it’s going to be fun to watch throughout the season.
Would you do it again if there is a second season? Will you be watching the show?
Of course! I’ve only seen it from one angle, so I want to see what it looks like when it’s all put together. It’ll be a lot of fun with a lot of surprises. There’s some stuff in the show that’s never been done before. I think fans will be really amazed.
Is there anything else about your experience with LEGO Masters that you’d like to share?
It’s been a great experience working with everyone. It was fun to connect with one of the judges Jamie Berard again, I hadn’t seen him in a couple of years. We go way back, almost 16 years since we first competed against each other. It was really fun to reconnect with him. I’ve seen him in Billund over the years, but it was nice to just hang out and chat for a while.
Tell us about your LEGO journey from being raised in Oregon, being in the legal profession, to what you’re doing now.
When I was in Oregon, LEGO was a respite. Growing up, it was something where I could go after school and create. When I got to New York City, it was harder to find the space I needed to build the LEGO creations I wanted. Yet I was still there for 22 years, trying to make it work in little art studios, while building giant sculptures. That was confining, brick-wise. Moving out to L.A. has given me the space to do what I want and really given me a little more time and creativity to explore.
Are you involved in the local AFOL community?
Unfortunately, not really. I just don’t have the time. I used to go to conventions like Brickworld and Brickfest, but I haven’t been out for years. I work with Brandon Griffith on my team, who is much more involved with the AFOL community, and he keeps me in the loop as much as he can.
The gingerbread house for the holidays! I’ll build some Star Wars sets from time to time and any of the city modular sets for sure.
What theme would you want to design for if you worked for LEGO?
I’ve never really thought about it. I enjoyed the opportunity to do the Statue of Liberty years ago for the LEGO Factory set. I really love doing any sculptural aspect in a set. But when it comes to where I’d like to challenge myself, it would probably the modular city builds. I don’t do a lot of minifig building. You rarely see me using minifigs or building at that scale. So that’s where I would really love to challenge myself and see what I can pull off at that scale.
Which classic LEGO theme would you like to see brought back?
I was a classic Town kid growing up. I loved the Exxon station that I have right over there (points to the set on a shelf). Main Street was probably my favorite set as a kid. Of course, I had the Galaxy Explorer too, so Classic Space has a special place in my heart as well.
My favorite element is probably the jumper since it can get a lot of detail. My favorite color is Grey. I like grey because I’m always depressed and grey works well for that theme. I feel I can do a lot with it.
What’s the one element that you wish LEGO would make?
I don’t think in those terms because I like working within constraints. There are times when I wish I had a 1x5 or a 1x7 to bridge a gap, especially if there’s a warping on a larger sculpture. I’d really want to bridge the gap without having to use smaller pieces. But I do love the constraints of this System. That’s why I’m drawn to it. I’m always excited to see what’s new, so I don’t think about what I wish I had.
Does Boo (Nathan’s dog, lying at his feet) supervise when you build?
She does. She rarely chews on brick. She usually sleeps right there (under a building table). She’s a good studio dog, and she’s always around, I can bounce ideas off of her, and she never complains.
How do you think you would have fared as a contestant? Have you been tempted to jump in and try one of the challenges?
I would love to be a contestant. I mean, what fun! You can see how much fun they’re having. It’s pretty amazing. It’s been a good ride for them. I haven’t really been tempted to try the challenges because I’ve been so busy working on other builds for the show. I haven’t had any chance to really explore my own creativity the last few months. But we’ll see what I can do when the spring hits and I have a little downtime.
Have you been able to see all the finished builds that the teams come up with?
I haven’t because I’m not always on set. I’m here in the studio working on whatever’s needed next for the next episode. What I have seen has been amazing. They’re really high-quality builds so it’s going to be fun to watch throughout the season.
Would you do it again if there is a second season? Will you be watching the show?
Of course! I’ve only seen it from one angle, so I want to see what it looks like when it’s all put together. It’ll be a lot of fun with a lot of surprises. There’s some stuff in the show that’s never been done before. I think fans will be really amazed.
Is there anything else about your experience with LEGO Masters that you’d like to share?
It’s been a great experience working with everyone. It was fun to connect with one of the judges Jamie Berard again, I hadn’t seen him in a couple of years. We go way back, almost 16 years since we first competed against each other. It was really fun to reconnect with him. I’ve seen him in Billund over the years, but it was nice to just hang out and chat for a while.
Tell us about your LEGO journey from being raised in Oregon, being in the legal profession, to what you’re doing now.
When I was in Oregon, LEGO was a respite. Growing up, it was something where I could go after school and create. When I got to New York City, it was harder to find the space I needed to build the LEGO creations I wanted. Yet I was still there for 22 years, trying to make it work in little art studios, while building giant sculptures. That was confining, brick-wise. Moving out to L.A. has given me the space to do what I want and really given me a little more time and creativity to explore.
Unfortunately, not really. I just don’t have the time. I used to go to conventions like Brickworld and Brickfest, but I haven’t been out for years. I work with Brandon Griffith on my team, who is much more involved with the AFOL community, and he keeps me in the loop as much as he can.
What was the most recent LEGO set you built?
The gingerbread house for the holidays! I’ll build some Star Wars sets from time to time and any of the city modular sets for sure.
What theme would you want to design for if you worked for LEGO?
I’ve never really thought about it. I enjoyed the opportunity to do the Statue of Liberty years ago for the LEGO Factory set. I really love doing any sculptural aspect in a set. But when it comes to where I’d like to challenge myself, it would probably the modular city builds. I don’t do a lot of minifig building. You rarely see me using minifigs or building at that scale. So that’s where I would really love to challenge myself and see what I can pull off at that scale.
Which classic LEGO theme would you like to see brought back?
I was a classic Town kid growing up. I loved the Exxon station that I have right over there (points to the set on a shelf). Main Street was probably my favorite set as a kid. Of course, I had the Galaxy Explorer too, so Classic Space has a special place in my heart as well.
My favorite element is probably the jumper since it can get a lot of detail. My favorite color is Grey. I like grey because I’m always depressed and grey works well for that theme. I feel I can do a lot with it.
What’s the one element that you wish LEGO would make?
I don’t think in those terms because I like working within constraints. There are times when I wish I had a 1x5 or a 1x7 to bridge a gap, especially if there’s a warping on a larger sculpture. I’d really want to bridge the gap without having to use smaller pieces. But I do love the constraints of this System. That’s why I’m drawn to it. I’m always excited to see what’s new, so I don’t think about what I wish I had.
Does Boo (Nathan’s dog, lying at his feet) supervise when you build?
She does. She rarely chews on brick. She usually sleeps right there (under a building table). She’s a good studio dog, and she’s always around, I can bounce ideas off of her, and she never complains.
Was it difficult to transport unglued props to the set?
It’s not far from my studio to the set. But the problem isn’t the distance – it’s the stopping and turning while driving. I wasn’t transporting them myself so there was a steep learning curve with the crew driving unglued sculptures. They would pick everything up here, learn how to pack up unglued LEGO and how you transport it. That’s just part of the fun, but we thankfully had no major issues.
Will the work that you’ve done for LEGO Masters become part one of your exhibitions?
No, I don’t think so. The work that’s being used on the show will be saved for the show for any future seasons or marketing. They have brought in some other pieces that I’ve done over the years that will be part of the show. I will retain those.
How do you think you would have fared as a contestant? Have you been tempted to jump in and try one of the challenges?
I would love to be a contestant. I mean, what fun! You can see how much fun they’re having. It’s pretty amazing. It’s been a good ride for them. I haven’t really been tempted to try the challenges because I’ve been so busy working on other builds for the show. I haven’t had any chance to really explore my own creativity the last few months. But we’ll see what I can do when the spring hits and I have a little downtime.
Have you been able to see all the finished builds that the teams come up with?
I haven’t because I’m not always on set. I’m here in the studio working on whatever’s needed next for the next episode. What I have seen has been amazing. They’re really high-quality builds so it’s going to be fun to watch throughout the season.
Would you do it again if there is a second season? Will you be watching the show?
Of course! I’ve only seen it from one angle, so I want to see what it looks like when it’s all put together. It’ll be a lot of fun with a lot of surprises. There’s some stuff in the show that’s never been done before. I think fans will be really amazed.
Is there anything else about your experience with LEGO Masters that you’d like to share?
It’s been a great experience working with everyone. It was fun to connect with one of the judges Jamie Berard again, I hadn’t seen him in a couple of years. We go way back, almost 16 years since we first competed against each other. It was really fun to reconnect with him. I’ve seen him in Billund over the years, but it was nice to just hang out and chat for a while.
Tell us about your LEGO journey from being raised in Oregon, being in the legal profession, to what you’re doing now.
When I was in Oregon, LEGO was a respite. Growing up, it was something where I could go after school and create. When I got to New York City, it was harder to find the space I needed to build the LEGO creations I wanted. Yet I was still there for 22 years, trying to make it work in little art studios, while building giant sculptures. That was confining, brick-wise. Moving out to L.A. has given me the space to do what I want and really given me a little more time and creativity to explore.
Are you involved in the local AFOL community?
Unfortunately, not really. I just don’t have the time. I used to go to conventions like Brickworld and Brickfest, but I haven’t been out for years. I work with Brandon Griffith on my team, who is much more involved with the AFOL community, and he keeps me in the loop as much as he can.
The gingerbread house for the holidays! I’ll build some Star Wars sets from time to time and any of the city modular sets for sure.
What theme would you want to design for if you worked for LEGO?
I’ve never really thought about it. I enjoyed the opportunity to do the Statue of Liberty years ago for the LEGO Factory set. I really love doing any sculptural aspect in a set. But when it comes to where I’d like to challenge myself, it would probably the modular city builds. I don’t do a lot of minifig building. You rarely see me using minifigs or building at that scale. So that’s where I would really love to challenge myself and see what I can pull off at that scale.
Which classic LEGO theme would you like to see brought back?
I was a classic Town kid growing up. I loved the Exxon station that I have right over there (points to the set on a shelf). Main Street was probably my favorite set as a kid. Of course, I had the Galaxy Explorer too, so Classic Space has a special place in my heart as well.
My favorite element is probably the jumper since it can get a lot of detail. My favorite color is Grey. I like grey because I’m always depressed and grey works well for that theme. I feel I can do a lot with it.
What’s the one element that you wish LEGO would make?
I don’t think in those terms because I like working within constraints. There are times when I wish I had a 1x5 or a 1x7 to bridge a gap, especially if there’s a warping on a larger sculpture. I’d really want to bridge the gap without having to use smaller pieces. But I do love the constraints of this System. That’s why I’m drawn to it. I’m always excited to see what’s new, so I don’t think about what I wish I had.
Does Boo (Nathan’s dog, lying at his feet) supervise when you build?
She does. She rarely chews on brick. She usually sleeps right there (under a building table). She’s a good studio dog, and she’s always around, I can bounce ideas off of her, and she never complains.
What a great interview! Glad to see a fellow Oregonian successful and able to pursue such a unique career. The interview was really in depth and I really enjoyed his take on Lego themes, pieces, and interest in actual sets.
Finally an interview that is not just blatant promotion for a show that can't be seen in most parts of the world. Or is there any legal way to see it for example in Europe or Asia?
Sad to hear about him being riddled by depression. That is a serious issue. I hope he has all the help that he needs. Seems like such a nice guy.
It wouldn't surprise me if Channel 9 here in Australia (who ran the Aussie version of LEGO Masters) or some other channel pick up the rights to run it on TV in Oz, we seem to get quite a few US reality shows on local TV (US survivor, Americas Got Talent, things like that) and the Aussie version of LEGO Masters was fairly popular.
The only US "shows" that get/got broadcast on some tertiary channels over here are reruns of scripted reality shows such as Auction Hunters, Storage Wars, Hardcore Pawn, Toy Hunter, West Coast Customs or Fast'nLoud.
Mr. Sawaya is brilliant as a LEGO sculptor and in his ability to capture organic form in bricks. Sure, it helps that he builds in a gigantic scale and that he has 10 million bricks at his disposal, but those circumstances only come about as a result of his genius. What is even more important is his ability to create stunning context for his sculptures that is captivating.
While I sympathize with any bouts with depression and share great concern for those who suffer from it, I caution fellow fans not to read too much into that comment. We all have some gray or black mood moments in life, and some have situations that are darker than others, but most of us muddle through. For those who cannot, it can be crushing, but we shouldn’t assume into which category Mr. Sawaya might fall. Of course, we can all agree that if anyone is in a difficult place, we hope they can find the proper assistance with which to handle their challenges.
@imemine98 said: "Did anyone else catch the LEGO banana taped onto the wall? (It’s behind the green sculpture lifting up it’s own head). "
Yes, I certainly did. It is Sawaya's Lego rendition of a recent artwork from Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan called "Comedian", exhibited at the Perrotin Gallery at Art Basel in Miami Beach. It is (was?) worth $120,000 and has ultimately been eaten by the self-defined "hungry artist" David Datuna.
I think Mr. Sawaya intended to pay tribute to that recent moment of art in his own way.
@Lordmoral said: "There is a group of AFOL who tackle mental illness, might be a good idea for sharing that information with both him and the rest of the community."
I'm not Nathan, but this interests me as well. Anybody know any more details/contact info?
20 comments on this article
That is really cool. Enjoyed watching the British Lego Masters and can’t wait for the American version. Do you do very many Star Wars related builds?
"I like grey because I’m always depressed"
Bit sad to hear someone so talented say something like that. I guess the black dog stalks us all
What a great interview! Glad to see a fellow Oregonian successful and able to pursue such a unique career. The interview was really in depth and I really enjoyed his take on Lego themes, pieces, and interest in actual sets.
Nathan Sawaya is a genius; his artwork and his persona are truly inspiring. His exhibitions are a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for the interview.
Ohh can't wait for this show.
Finally an interview that is not just blatant promotion for a show that can't be seen in most parts of the world. Or is there any legal way to see it for example in Europe or Asia?
Sad to hear about him being riddled by depression. That is a serious issue. I hope he has all the help that he needs. Seems like such a nice guy.
I got Nathan's book a few christmas' ago......it's fantastic and inspires awe
That’s really sad to hear someone say that there always depressed, especially him.
There is a group of AFOL who tackle mental illness, might be a good idea for sharing that information with both him and the rest of the community.
It wouldn't surprise me if Channel 9 here in Australia (who ran the Aussie version of LEGO Masters) or some other channel pick up the rights to run it on TV in Oz, we seem to get quite a few US reality shows on local TV (US survivor, Americas Got Talent, things like that) and the Aussie version of LEGO Masters was fairly popular.
I'm just here to say, "Hi Nathan!" :)
All these interviews are great and the show sounds very interesting for the US version. I hope it gets broadcast in the UK!
The only US "shows" that get/got broadcast on some tertiary channels over here are reruns of scripted reality shows such as Auction Hunters, Storage Wars, Hardcore Pawn, Toy Hunter, West Coast Customs or Fast'nLoud.
Mr. Sawaya is brilliant as a LEGO sculptor and in his ability to capture organic form in bricks. Sure, it helps that he builds in a gigantic scale and that he has 10 million bricks at his disposal, but those circumstances only come about as a result of his genius. What is even more important is his ability to create stunning context for his sculptures that is captivating.
While I sympathize with any bouts with depression and share great concern for those who suffer from it, I caution fellow fans not to read too much into that comment. We all have some gray or black mood moments in life, and some have situations that are darker than others, but most of us muddle through. For those who cannot, it can be crushing, but we shouldn’t assume into which category Mr. Sawaya might fall. Of course, we can all agree that if anyone is in a difficult place, we hope they can find the proper assistance with which to handle their challenges.
Did anyone else catch the LEGO banana taped onto the wall? (It’s behind the green sculpture lifting up it’s own head).
@imemine98 said:
"Did anyone else catch the LEGO banana taped onto the wall? (It’s behind the green sculpture lifting up it’s own head). "
Must be worth a fortune!
@imemine98 said:
"Did anyone else catch the LEGO banana taped onto the wall? (It’s behind the green sculpture lifting up it’s own head). "
Yes, I certainly did. It is Sawaya's Lego rendition of a recent artwork from Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan called "Comedian", exhibited at the Perrotin Gallery at Art Basel in Miami Beach. It is (was?) worth $120,000 and has ultimately been eaten by the self-defined "hungry artist" David Datuna.
I think Mr. Sawaya intended to pay tribute to that recent moment of art in his own way.
Lovely and fascinating interview, thank you!
@Lordmoral said:
"There is a group of AFOL who tackle mental illness, might be a good idea for sharing that information with both him and the rest of the community."
I'm not Nathan, but this interests me as well. Anybody know any more details/contact info?
So glad I was able to see this guy and his models a few years back in omaha.