Nathan Sawaya: From Corporate Lawyer to LEGO Artist Behind 'Art of the Brick'
In 2001, Nathan Sawaya, who once practiced law in New York, made the leap to become a full-time LEGO artist in Los Angeles, discovering his passion for sculpting over contract negotiations. Although his decision faced doubt from family and friends, he embraced art as a means of relaxation. Sawaya's impressive creations feature large sculptures, such as a 20-foot dinosaur constructed from 80,000 LEGOs and interpretations of paintings by Monet and Munch. His artistic approach fuses elements of Pop Art, Surrealism, and Pointillism. Since 2007, his exhibition, Art of the Brick, has toured worldwide, showcasing notable pieces like Yellow (2007) and Metamorphosis. He dedicates up to 12 hours daily to his craft, believing that "art is necessary in understanding the world."
Key facts
- Nathan Sawaya left his job as a New York corporate lawyer in 2001 to become a full-time LEGO artist in Los Angeles.
- The LEGO Company was created in Denmark in 1932; the word 'Lego' comes from the Danish 'leg godt,' meaning 'play well.'
- Sawaya's exhibition Art of the Brick has traveled the world since 2007.
- His works range from a 20 ft (6 meter) dinosaur made of 80,000 Legos to recreations of paintings by Monet and Munch.
- Sawaya's style mixes Pop Art, Surrealism, and Pointillism.
- Key pieces include Yellow (2007), a life-sized self-portrait, and Metamorphosis, featuring a swimmer with the quote: 'Swim against the current. Follow your path. Find the courage within.'
- Sawaya sometimes works up to 12 hours a day for months on projects.
- He stated: 'My worst day as an artist is still better than my best day as a lawyer.'
Entities
Artists
- Nathan Sawaya
- Claude Monet
- Edvard Munch
Institutions
- LEGO Company
- Art of the Brick
- Franklin Institute
- Federation Square
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Los Angeles
- Denmark
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania