When people think about Lego, they often think of bright, intricate, colourful shapes and designs usually built by children.
One local man has taken an artistic, grown-up approach to using Lego to create an unconventional exhibit that will be coming to the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC) on Dec. 8th.
Christian Lintan of Lacombe has taken the tiny blocks to a new level, using computer programs to assist with his design and pixelation process, creating clean, crisp pieces that look more like sculptures than a Lego creation.
“I tend to do a lot with only white pieces because it’s aesthetically pleasing to me, and I find it gives the builds more of a sculpted look. It’s a little unconventional and I want people to see the different kinds of looks Lego can achieve,” Lintan said.
“Lego is universal and people instantly recognize it but it’s fun to use it to create things that are unexpected. I want people to look at my creations and think, ‘Wow, is that really Lego?’.”
The exhibit will be open to viewers on the lower level of the LMC corridor leading to Anna Maria’s café. It will remain there until the end of the month.
“I’ve seen lots of amazing builds with Lego where people use all kinds of colours and shapes and create cities or other structures, but I wanted to challenge myself to do something outside of the norm,” Lintan said.
He explained he simply hopes people look at the exhibit and wonder how they can put their own spin on creative outlets, from painting to sketching to Lego.
Lintan will be bringing in a number of pieces, including a mosaic of his wife, Michelle.
“To create that piece, I used a software that helps you pixelate a photo and tells you what pieces to use. I didn’t have all of the right recommended pieces and had to improvise. I would build part of it and have to step back and think about what aspects of the photo the program was actually pixelizing and trying to portray,” he explained.
Christian said he had to make adjustments to get the end result and work through certain challenges in details such as hair and expression. At the end, he was very happy with the piece and is looking forward to displaying it.
Another piece he was pleased with is an iconic Star Wars ship called an X Wing.
“I appreciate that piece because it took a long time to do and I almost even gave up building it. Some of the pieces I had weren’t working for it and I had to get more parts and I really had troubles with getting it how I wanted it,” he said.
The ship is a popular pre-packaged set, but Christian said he wanted to make it his own.
“I’m not a huge Star Wars fan, but I do like it and wanted to challenge myself with that build. At the end, I was really happy I stuck it out and am happy with it now.”
His exhibit also features a number of geometric inspired shapes, some of which are optical illusions of sorts. This kind of creativity is what visitors can expect as they peruse through his designs at the LMC.
Lego has been celebrated over the years for the vast, nearly unlimited range of creative options the brand offers. Christian simply took advantage of the possibilities and has created a truly one-of-a-kind display that aims to inspire creative thinking and new designs.
“In a way, I kind of owe it Lego for where I am now in terms of my creativity. Looking back, I think Lego really inspired my love for visual arts that has now come to video and photography and other multimedia work that I do,” he said.
“It really has ignited my inner child and it’s fun to be able to let that out in a unique way.”
To get your inner child feeling creative again, check out the LMC display before the end of the month.
kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com