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Jonathan Lopes, LEGO Artist
By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 14, 2011
Modified Apr 14, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Apr 14, 2011
Modified Apr 14, 2011
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We recently learned about Brooklynite Jonathan Lopes, who has recreated the borough (or some version of it) in his 400-square-foot living room. It's pretty amazing, and his project is now coming to an end (he jokingly tells us he's working on adding bike lanes!). We asked Lopes a little bit about his obsession with LEGOs (this isn't his only project involving the bricks), and what's next.
What do you think of the LEGO kits (there was a time when all you had was your imagination and the bricks!)? LEGO has put out some pretty cool and intricate kits over the past few years—many aimed at higher age groups, but for the most part, I buy parts and use my imagination. It is about building and creating my own models for me.
What will you do with piece you are working on now, once it's complete? I plan on dismantling it and probably building another. This one is actually my second layout.
Have you considered doing a gallery show with the landscape? Unfortunately, it can't be moved easily. I am planning an open studio event one Saturday in May so people can come and see it in person.
What was your biggest challenge building it? Probably finishing it once it was started. When working without a deadline it is easy to procrastinate. When the photographer was coming the next day, I had some hustling to do the night before to clean it up.
How long has it been set up in your living room for? I have had this layout and the previous one in the room for about 7 years. Fortunately, I have a large apartment and plenty of living space otherwise. When I first saw the apartment 8 or 9 years ago, I moved in because I saw this huge room and wanted it for my LEGO hobby. The layout is 16 feet by 10 feet.
What's your next project going to be? I am currently working on building a replica of a Bond Street block between Atlantic and Pacific Streets. I am going to display that in the Dry Cleaners when it is finished. (Replacing the Williamsburg Savings Bank sculpture that is currently on display.)
If you could recreate one building (that you haven't already) in NYC, what would it be? Are there any landmarks or buildings that would be impossible to create via LEGOs? That's a good question. I'd like to do Grand Central Station one day, but, I also tend to gravitate towards less prominent buildings as well. (I love that triangle building at 14th street and 9th ave in the Meat Packing District, for example.)
Is there anything that would be impossible to create? I don't think so. With the right persistence and imagination (and wallet!), I feel it can all be done.
Are there any shapes or colors of LEGOs that don't exist, that you wish did? Now and then I think of a piece or two that would be helpful and also, a wider variety of parts available in certain colors, but I enjoy the challenge and limitations of building with the parts and colors that do exist.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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