I've been a LEGO lover for many years and a big fan of custom LEGO builders who have the ability to create what truly are amazing works of art. The amount of detail and scale that's put into these pieces is really something else. I recently stumbled upon the work of one such gifted LEGO builder, Peter Reid.
His work has been featured on popular websites such as BoingBoing and The Brothers Brick. When I was browsing through his Neo-Classic Space and Robot flckr galleries, it definitely stirred a lot of memories of the old sci-fi manga and cartoons I loved growing up. Being so enthused about his work I contacted him and had the pleasure of asking Peter a few questions about his craft.
How long have you been building custom LEGO pieces? When did you start taking it as seriously as you do now?
I’ve been building my own stuff since I was a kid. I’ve always done my own thing with LEGO. I guess I threw myself into the LEGO scene wholeheartedly around 2002, when I discovered other LEGO fans online. But I have been taking it more seriously recently – my Neo-Classic Space project is very exciting to me, and I want to make sure every model is as good as possible. LEGO is my main creative outlet, and I devote a lot of time, thought and money into it.
What do you draw on for inspiration for your pieces?
I’ve always been a fan of mainstream sci-fi. I’ve loved Star Wars all my life, and try to absorb influence from a variety of sci-fi media. All the classics of the 80s are close to my heart (Transformers, Zoids, Robotix, Starcom). My standards are pretty low – I’ll watch anything that might have a spaceship in. But I don’t really research anything – my LEGO room doesn’t have a computer, which I think is good for my type of building.
How long does it normally take for you to complete a piece? Say one of your robots, or the space scenes with backgrounds and accessories?
Well, there’s a lot of trial and error with my models. A robot could be in development for six months. Most of them are built in around four hours (depending on size). A ship will take longer – but I usually have several overlapping projects on the go at any one time.
A scene would typically come together over several weekends. I do enjoy spending time building and detailing a nice futuristic wall. These can then be used (along with some random accessories) to showcase new models.
Where do you get all of the LEGO that you need?
My fiance keeps me supplied with the good stuff. She’s a keen user of Bricklink (and an excellent builder in her own right). I’m also good friends with a number of LEGO dealers in the UK, who keep a lookout for all the rare parts I need. My fiance and I are self-confessed LEGO addicts, and we are always hunting for bargains.
Has anyone ever approached you about commissioning your work? Has anyone from LEGO approached you?
I’ve never been asked to do a commission. I have been approached by the LEGO design team, but in order to work for them I’d have to relocate to Billund, Denmark. Also I’m not sure my style would translate well to official sets. My models are very parts intensive, and built using somewhat unorthodox techniques.
Do you think anyone can do what you do? What characteristics do you
think a person needs to have in order be a builder such as yourself?
Could anyone do it? I’m not sure. If they had the LEGO supplies (and the motivation), then yes. I have to be in the right mood to get the best results. I also really love the brick and want to get the best results from the medium. There’s a lot of work and painstaking rebuilding involved for me. I don’t build quickly. It’s not an elegant process.
You seem to inject a lot of humor in your work (Yum Yum comes to mind), is that one of the characteristics of a builder?
Yes – it helps to have a sense of humor with the LEGO scene. I
don’t take myself too seriously. Yum Yum was actually built very
quickly for a TV spot for the 50th Anniversary of the Brick (aside: be sure to check out that TV spot, it's very cool)
Do you showcase your work through other outlets besides Flickr?
Not really. I do have a Brickshelf gallery which has a lot of older models on there. I’ve come to love flickr, though. The interactive aspect is excellent. I only add contacts with LEGO or cool sci-fi in their photostreams, so I can glance through my contacts and see inspiration (as opposed to pictures of babies and weddings).
So where do you see you and your craft in say 5 years? Are there still things you want to accomplish?
I don't really have a long-term plan with this project - I'm just going
to try and make interesting models for as long as possible. I'm surprised I've had this much mileage out of Neo-Classic Space already,
to be honest!
There's more to do, though. Definitely. I've really enjoyed building all this stuff, and I want to take it as far as I can. There's a wealth of exciting sci-fi design out there to pay tribute to (and be influenced by). I'd love some day to make a really big ship, with a fully detailed interior. The amount of planning and money it would take is quite daunting, though.
It's my hope that Peter and his fiance keep doing what they're doing for years since they are shining examples of what it means to follow through with your passion. So be sure to check out Peter's photostreams on Flickr and perhaps be inspired yourself. Maybe LEGO won't be your medium but we should all strive to be original and to think a little bit outside of the box.
Sorry about the baby pic in my Flickr stream Pete!
Posted by: Tim David | November 07, 2008 at 07:27 AM